September 25, 2014

IN RELIGION: Scientist will talk creationism this Sunday A9 IN TODAY’S EDITION

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Sumter County makes the grade County now boasts A+ credit rating

BY JOE KEPLER joe@theitem.com Report cards for students in Sumter County School District won’t be sent out for a little while longer, but Sumter County received an important grade Tuesday night at the Sumter County Council meeting. Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services informed county administrators that it had

boosted the credit rating of the county from A to A+. While a student may see that as getting one or two extra questions right on a quiz, for the future of Sumter, it can mean a world of difference.

“This is extremely good news for our county. It shows that we’re doing the right things and hanMIXON dling our finances in an appropriate manner,” said County Administrator Gary Mixon. “This sends a signal to us that we’re doing things in the right manner. Council had to

make some tough decisions in the past couple of years as far as how we budget our funds. They made the hard call on occasions to make sure we’re prepared for that rainy day if that day comes.”

The Standard & Poor’s report said that population rate, the size of the city and the unemployment rate relative to the country are all factors. Also taken into account is the budget, reserve funds and the amount of liquidity, which is defined as “a measure of the extent to which an organization

SEE CREDIT RATING, PAGE A7

Morris dedicates new residence halls

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A Turkish aid worker protects a Syrian refugee child during a sandstorm at Yumurtalik crossing gate near Suruc, Turkey, on Wednesday. More than 200,000 people fleeing the Islamic State militants’ advance on Kobani, Syria, have arrived in Turkey during the past five days.

U.S. strikes IS group in Syria, Iraq

BY RYAN LUCAS The Associated Press

PHOTOS BY MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Visitors look at the new residence halls at Morris College on Wednesday. The college officially named and dedicated the dorms, which will house women on one side and men on the other, during a ceremony Wednesday.

College’s new dormitory houses men, women

BY RAYTEVIA EVANS ray@theitem.com With community leaders, state representatives, alumni and current students in attendance, Morris College officially dedicated its new residence halls and recognized and thanked Dr. Solomon Jackson Jr. for his $10 million contribution during a ceremony Wednesday morning. The building — the first coed dormitory on campus — will be named after Dr. Daisy Belton Alexander and Dr. Lewis P. Graham Sr. on the men’s side and Mrs. Annie Mae Jones Bowman and Mrs. Audree Adamsom Clark on the women’s side.

“We’re here today because God has been extraordinary in his favor to Morris College,” said Dr. Charles B. Jackson Sr., chairman of the college’s board of trustees. “Driving onto the campus of Morris College we see our contributions making this work and becoming the best institution. I have every confidence that greater days are ahead of us at Morris College. This is just another step to Morris College, not becoming one of, but the premiere four-year college.”

Solomon Jackson, also a Morris College graduate and a member of the college’s board of trustees, contributed the money for the construction of the resi-

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Alicia and Dr. L.P. Graham Jr. look at the new dorm building named for their father, Dr. Lewis P. Graham Sr. dence halls in 2010 after winning the lottery, and the building has been open for student use since fall 2013. With women on one side and men on the other side of the building, the residence halls have 74 units each with two students per room — housing close to 300 of the college’s students. Miss Morris

College 2014-15 Khanisha Moore described the new housing as “a comfortable home away from home.” The names of each side of the residence halls have been placed in front of the separate entrances. However, the

DEATHS, B6 Dorothy C. Brogdon John M. Norwood Virginia Alma Green Margaret P. Holmes

Annie Mae H. Fleming The Rev. G.W. Harrell Jr. Mary L. Jenkins Melody Davis

BEIRUT — U.S. warplanes bombed Islamic State militant positions on both sides of the Syrian-Iraqi border Wednesday as hard-line Syrian rebels who have been battling the extremist group sought cover, fearing a wider aerial campaign against all fighters seen as a potential threat to the United States.

The airstrikes come a day after the U.S. and five Arab allies opened their military operation against the Islamic State group in Syria with more than 200 strikes on some two dozen targets. That campaign, which President Obama has warned could last years, expands upon the aerial assault the U.S. has already been waging for more than a month against the extremists in Iraq.

“There’s definitely a second day, and there’ll be a third and a fourth” in Syria, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry told CNN in an interview Wednesday. “This will go on for some time in several forms.”

Along with its Arab partners, the Obama administration aims to destroy the Islamic State group, the extremist faction that has through brute force carved out a proto-state in the heart of the Middle East, effectively erasing the border between Iraq and Syria. The United Nations has accused the group of committing war crimes.

The latest U.S. strikes, conducted by bombers and fighter jets, damaged eight Islamic State vehicles in Syria near the Iraqi border town of Qaim, the U.S. Central Command said in a statement. It also reported hitting two Islamic State armed vehicles west of Baghdad, as well as two militant fighting positions in northern Iraq.

In a separate statement, Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby said the strikes in eastern Syria hit a staging area used by militants to move equipment across the border into Iraq.

SEE MORRIS COLLEGE, PAGE A7

SEE SYRIA, PAGE A7

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

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

Suspects in break-ins still sought

LOCAL BRIEFS FROM STAFF REPORTS

Dalzell teen arrested in armed robbery A Dalzell teenager was arrested Monday after reportedly being tied to an armed robbery earlier this month.

The 16-year-old suspect — whose name was not released because of his age — faces charges of criminal conspiracy, two counts of armed robbery and two counts of kidnapping in the incident.

According to a statement from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the charges stem from a Sept. 9 armed robbery in the 4300 block of Cannery Road involving two victims aged 16 and 18. An arrest warrant indicated the teen and other co-defendants robbed the victims at gunpoint, taking money and a cellphone valued at $150.

The suspects then reportedly abducted the victims, forcing them into a vehicle and demanding they drive him to Vaughn Street.

Elementary principal named to education policy program Pocalla Springs Elementary School principal Laura M. Brown was recently named to participate in the S.C. Education Policy Fellowship Program along with 10 other civic leaders and professionals in the state.

According to a news release, the program is a 10-month intensive professional development program for established and emerging leaders in education and related fields to help equip them in working toward sound education policy and practice in South Carolina.

several more suspects thought to be involved.

Lee County Sheriff Daniel Simon said the sheriff’s office sent out a round of reverse 911 calls to citizens with landline phones Friday night and Saturday morning. The automated alerts warned residents of the burglaries, during which robbers reportedly targeted jewelry, electronics and credit cards. It also advised them of the reported methods the suspects used and asked for their help in identifying suspicious behavior.

Simon, who estimated the rash has included nearly 20 break-ins on all sides of the county during the past two to three weeks, credited residents with pouring in information in response to the weekend alerts.

Among the information listed on last week’s Facebook posting is four

FROM STAFF REPORTS Lee County deputies are still asking for the public’s help in identifying and apprehending suspects in a recent rash of break-ins.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office posted on its Facebook page last week that investigators are looking into leads to locate vehicles and people of interest after more than a dozen home break-ins this month.

The bulletin on the social media site was meant to get tips from the public and surrounding agencies and lists several reports of suspicious activity for which residents should be on the lookout.

Lee County deputies helped arrest a Bishopville man Tuesday in Sumter they tied to some of the burglaries.

Now they are trying to capture

reports involving different suspicious pickup trucks in the area.

Simon said the public can help by giving investigators vehicle descriptions and directions of travel when they see suspicious people in their neighborhoods. According to the alerts, the break-ins primarily occur between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Several reports have surfaced of a black male with earrings in both ears who knocks on residents’ doors and asks them for directions if they answer. Officials think this is a method for the robbers to determine if anyone is inside the homes.

Residents with any information regarding the break-ins are urged to contact Lee County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 484-5353 or give an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers of the Midlands at 888-CRIME-SC.

Stumping in Sumter S.C. gubernatorial candidate Tom Ervin hands out one of his fliers to longtime Sumter cabstand owner Olvin Henderson during his visit to downtown Sumter on Wednesday afternoon. Ervin spoke to a dining room of about 20 supporters during a small town hall meeting Wednesday afternoon on the second floor of Serendipity Café, 118 S. Main St. Ervin, a petition candidate and self-described “Independent Republican,” is among five hopefuls for the governor’s seat. He laid out many of his views Wednesday, among them raising the state’s minimum wage, improving public education and fixing South Carolina’s roads.

S.C. Standards review website to close soon South Carolina residents have the opportunity to offer comments on academic content standards in English language arts and mathematics until Sept. 30 via the website http://scstandards.org. The survey has been live and active since July 11, 2014.

Preliminary pageant set for Kingsbury on Sunday The Little Miss and Teen Miss Sumter-Manning Preliminary Pageant will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Kingsbury Elementary School.

You do not have to be a resident of Sumter or Clarendon county to compete. Winners will be eligible to compete at state in July in Hartsville.

Thousands in scholarships will be awarded at the state pageant, in addition to the crowns, scepters, trophies, monogrammed banners and other prizes. The pageant is partnered with Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital.

The pageant has raised more than $130,000 for the hospital since 2002.

Winners make many appearances throughout the year and are showcased in parades across the state.

For more information, call (803) 4680251, email jpprivette@sc.rr.com or like the Facebook page, Little Miss and Teen Miss Sumter-Manning Pageant.

Little Miss and Teen Miss South Carolina is one of South Carolina’s oldest pageant systems for children and young adults. It was founded in 1971 by the late Linda Floyd in Sumter.

CORRECTION An article titled “Escaped prisoner captured” in Wednesday’s edition should have read that suspect Marcus Montreal Garner escaped from Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.

MATT BRUCE / THE SUMTER ITEM

New technology used after suspect escapes Phone messages alert public to emergencies

ger that can be imposed on the community, and they had no knowledge of it,” he said. “Now, they can be prepared by bolting their doors and closing their windows.”

Dennis said the county has been using the system for about six months.

“We have only used it twice,” he said. “Once, we were trying to apprehend a murder suspect, and (Tuesday) we were trying to apprehend an escapee.

“I think the city may have used it once as well,” he said.

The system is operated by Emergency Management Director Erik Hayes, Dennis said.

Dennis said the system could also be used in a disaster situation or for anything else when it is crit-

BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com Many area residents may have been surprised when they received a warning on their phone that an escapee was on the loose and they should take safety precautions Tuesday.

They were recipients of the reverse 911 system, which Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis called a valuable new tool for law enforcement.

“In the past, when we were searching for someone or trying to apprehend someone, there is a dan-

ical to get information out to the public.

“We normally pick an area that could be directly affected, and we send it out through the phones,” he said. “(Tuesday) we sent it out to a seven- to 10-mile radius because we knew he was on foot.”

“It is a way to alert the citizens when we are chasing someone or trying to apprehend someone; we can alert the public there is a danger and something is going on,” he said. “Also, they (the public) can be our eyes and ears. They could see someone that we are looking for, and they can call in.”

He said the public does not need to sign up for the service.

“It is something that goes out automatically through the phones,” he said.

HOW TO REACH US IS YOUR PAPER MISSING? ANNOUNCEMENT ARE YOU GOING ON Birth, Engagement, Wedding, VACATION? Anniversary, Obituary 20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter, S.C. 29150 (803) 774-1200 Jack Osteen Editor and Publisher jack@theitem.com (803) 774-1238 Waverly Williams Sales Manager waverly@theitem.com (803) 774-1237 Earle Woodward Customer Service Manager earle@theitem.com (803) 774-1259

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LOCAL

THE SUMTER ITEM

The Purple Purse challenge has been coming along slowly in Sumter.

But with less than two weeks to go, the executive director of the YWCA of the Upper Lowlands Inc. is hoping things will heat up.

“So far we have made about $2,270 with about 25 donors,” Yolanda Debra Wilson said Monday. “Next week the challenge is to see which YWCA gets the most individual donations. The winner gets a $10,000 bonus.”

As of Wednesday, the site, http://bit.ly/Zcedht, listed $2,380 raised. While it’s based in Sumter, this YWCA serves Clarendon and Lee counties, too.

It was one of 27 selected by Allstate to participate in this year’s Purple Purse campaign.

The Allstate Foundation has partnered with YWCA America each year since 2005 to provide resources, fund services and raise awareness of domestic violence and financial abuse, states PurplePurse.com.

By donating online, you can also enter to win a purple purse designed by Kerry Washington, a star in the TV series “Scandal.”

But digital is not the only way to go. Physical purses are located across town where you can drop off donations and pick up information about the YWCA’s services.

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We are the champions

YWCA seeks to pack, pass the Purple Purse

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

Veritas Massage and Spa will host one of the community pocketbooks next week.

“I feel that battered women are invisible, and they’re everywhere,” said owner Tiffany Sigworth. “There is no greater risk to the development of children and our future than the risk of being taught violence. That’s why it’s so important that women get away from situations like that, so the children involved are left to develop healthy minds.”

If you need help, call 1-800799-SAFE (7233).

Before she became a massage therapist, Sigworth said she worked with the Department of Social Services for several years.

“I worked with some wonderful, wonderful women, and I just have a passion for helping those who can’t help themselves,” she said.

Next month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so although the challenge ends Oct. 3, the YWCA plans to continue to pass the purse, Wilson said. After that date, contributions should be mailed to the organization’s office at 246 Church St., Sumter, SC 29150.

The nonprofit is also in “desperate need of canned goods,” Wilson said. Such donations may be dropped off at the same location.

For more information on the Purple Purse Challenge or to give, visit http://bit.ly/ Zcedht.

MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Tee Dubose tries on the state championship ring he earned as a member of the 2014 Sumter High School 4A state championship baseball team. The team was given their rings at halftime during the Sumter-Rock Hill football game Friday.

Department to hold fundraiser for firefighter’s daughter FROM STAFF REPORTS Tickets are still available for a fundraising dinner the Sumter Fire Department is holding Saturday to benefit the daughter of one of its firemen.

Terran Dupree, a 15-yearold sophomore at Sumter High School, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in May. The rare cancer affects thin tissue layers covering the internal organs and seldom occurs in patients Dupree’s age.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward helping her family pay medical expenses for her treatments. Dupree is the only child of Terrance Dupree, a member of the Sumter Fire Department.

The carry-out fundraiser

will be held at the department’s training facility, 470 Green Swamp Road, between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Firefighters will be serving grilled chicken dinners that include dirty rice, green beans, dinner rolls and a piece of cake.

HUGESale

Fire Department officials said Friday there are still plates available. Each dinner costs $7. For more information, or to inquire about a chicken dinner, contact the training facility at (803) 4362619.

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NATION

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

How costs have surged for U.S. middle-class families CHILD CARE

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Child care costs for a family of four have soared an average of 37 percent in the past 12 years and now exceed the typical cost of renting a home in every state. Census data point to a long-term trend: Average weekly child care costs for families with working mothers, adjusted for inflation, jumped from $84 in 1985 to $143 in 2011.

The picture painted by a report from the Center for American Progress released Wednesday is a gloomy one.

For a typical married couple with two children, the combined cost of health care, day care, housing and savings for college and retirement jumped 32 percent from 2000 to 2012 — after adjusting for inflation.

Average income barely rose in that time once you factor in inflation.

The figures marked a sharp change from the preceding 12 years ending in 2000, when average income for a four-person family rose 20 percent, after inflation, and college and health care costs rose more slowly.

Here’s how costs have grown in some key categories:

HOUSING For the typical four-member family, housing costs have jumped 28 percent in the past 12 years, the center’s report finds. That partly reflects higher home prices, which have rebounded sharply since the Great Recession. As a result, the number of new mortgages issued fell to a 17-year low this spring.

Renters also face higher costs. More than half of renters spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing — the level above which the government considers THE ASSOCIATED PRESS housing to be unaffordable.

HEALTH CARE Premiums and deductibles are higher than they were about a decade ago. And more people are paying them. Average out-of-pocket health care costs for a family of four with an employer-provided health plan jumped 85 percent to $8,600 a year from 2002 to 2012, according to the CAP report.

The figures are adjusted for inflation and are for preferredprovider organization plans, which restrict coverage to certain doctors.

Only half of Americans who obtained health care coverage through their jobs had faced deductibles in 2002, according to the nonprofit National Institute for Health Care Management. By 2011,

Jason Prosser picks up his son Zachary, 3, from day care in SeaTac, Washington, recently. Prosser and his wife are one of many middle-class couples struggling with accelerating costs for critical services such as health care and housing. At the same time, their income has been stagnant for the past three years. that figure had reached three-quarters.

Americans must channel more of their take-home pay to medical care: Health care spending in the United States rose from an average of 5.4 percent of all spending in 2000 to 7.1 percent in 2013, according to Labor Department data.

The increase from 1989 to 2000 was much smaller: From 5.1 percent to 5.4 percent.

Those trends have made it harder for middle-class famiHIGHER EDUCATION 2000 to 2012. That was much lies to save and build wealth. sharper than the 52 percent For families in the middle 20 The average amount a midrise in the preceding 12 years, percent of incomes, median dle-class family with two kids according to data from the Col- net worth fell 17 percent to must save for college educalege Board. $55,400 in 2013 from $66,600 in tion — even after you include One reason those costs have 2010, according to the Federal grants and other aid — jumped 39 percent from 2000 to skyrocketed is that state aid to Reserve’s latest Survey of higher education has tumbled Consumer Finances. Net 2012 to $5,300, the center’s 24 percent in the past decade worth equals the value of study says. That’s based on on a per-student basis, the Col- homes, savings, investments costs for four-year public coland other assets minus mortleges. Tuition and fees at those lege Board says. That’s forced gages, credit card and other institutions soared 86 percent, students to bear more of the cost. debts. adjusted for inflation, from

Anti-addiction groups call for new FDA chief WASHINGTON (AP) — Anti-addiction activists are calling for the Food and Drug Administration’s top official to step down, saying the agency’s policies have contributed to a national epidemic of prescription painkiller abuse.

In a letter released Wednesday, more than a dozen groups ask the Obama administration’s top health official to replace FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg, who has led the agency since 2009. The FDA has been under fire from public health advocates, politicians and law enforcement officials since last October, when it approved a powerful new painkiller called Zohydro against the recommendation of its own medical advisers.

The new letter is the first formal call for new leadership at the FDA because of the issue.

“We are especially frustrated by the FDA’s continued approval of new, dangerous, high-dose opioid analgesics that are fueling high rates of addiction and overdose deaths,” states the letter, which is addressed to Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell, who oversees the FDA and other health agencies. The groups signing the letter include Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing, a 900-member advocacy group that petitioned the FDA to drastically restrict opioid use. The FDA rejected that

Wal-Mart is launching mobile checking account

petition last year.

A spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services said opioid abuse “is a serious issue and one that the secretary is focused on.”

“Secretary Burwell appreciates hearing from stakeholders on the important issue of prescription opioid abuse, and looks forward to responding to their letter,” said Tait Sye, in a statement.

Deaths linked to the addictive medications, including OxyContin and Vicodin, have more than tripled during the last 20 years to an estimated 17,000 in 2011, the most recent year for which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports figures.

The CDC has called on doctors to limit their use of the medications to the most serious cases of pain, such as cancer patients and end-of-life care.

But the vast majority of prescriptions written in the U.S. are for more common ailments such as arthritis and back pain.

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Wal-Mart is introducing a mobile checking account for its customers that will eliminate the overdraft and bounced-check fees traditionally charged by banks.

It is Wal-Mart’s biggest push into the financial services sector, and its target is customers that have limited access to traditional banking.

The company’s GoBank checking has no minimum balance requirements, and the monthly fee of $8.95 is waived if a direct deposit of $500 is made each month.

Clearing the way for people with poor credit scores and little money, Wal-Mart said Wednesday that credit bureau ratings and other scores typically used to determine eligibility are not part of the process.

Daniel Eckert, senior vice president of services for Walmart U.S., said that the retailer’s customers “feel they just aren’t getting value from traditional banking because of high fees.”

Wal-Mart is reaching for Americans who have suffered in the wake of the recession.

Many of those people are the retailer’s core customers.

The Census Bureau said last week that median household incomes were $51,939 in 2013.

Adjusting for inflation, that’s 8 percent lower

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than in 2007, when the recession began.

Increasingly meager paychecks have forced many Americans just getting by to pay fees for the same basic transactions that people with more money do not.

Customers can receive payroll direct deposit earlier than their normal payday if their employer notifies GoBank of a deposit in advance.

GoBank checking accounts offer additional services to aid in budgeting. The account notifies customers in real time if a purchase they are about to make falls outside of their budget.

The “Fortune Teller” feature crosschecks the price of a particular item against a customer’s planned income and other expenses.

In addition, customers can send money instantly to each other at no charge through either email or a text message.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., based in Bentonville, Arkansas, is operating the new account through Green Dot Corp.’s federally insured Green Dot Bank. The retailer already offers prepaid cards through Green Dot. A MasterCard debit card can be linked to the GoBank account, which can be set up with a starter kit that costs $2.95. There is a 3 percent transaction fee for using an ATM that is out of network.

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THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

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A5

Nature celebrates fall

MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

A double rainbow peeks through clouds on Wednesday on U.S. 521 in Sumter County during this week’s cold front. The front came just in time for the first day of fall Monday.

Clemson suspends Officials issue plan to fight obesity fraternity activities after teen’s death

BY JEFFREY COLLINS The Associated Press COLUMBIA — One day after a student fatally fell from a bridge after a run with his fraternity brothers, Clemson University suspended activities for all of its fraternities, citing reports of alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct but stopping short of tying the ban to the death.

Oconee County deputies said Wednesday that there is no evidence Tucker Hipps’ death was a result of hazing, but they are still trying to piece together what happened. Officials haven’t found anyone who saw him fall Monday, sheriff’s office spokesman Jimmy Watt said.

Hipps, 19, was running with fellow Sigma Phi Epsilon members before dawn when he started falling behind, authorities said. Fraternity members noticed Hipps wasn’t at breakfast and reported him missing to university police at 1:45 p.m. His body was found under the bridge just west of campus a few hours later, according to deputies and university officials.

They say he fell more than 20 feet from a state highway bridge over the Seneca River to the shallow water below.

On Tuesday, the university enacted a ban on social activities for all 24 fraternities on campus. In a statement, Vice President for Student Affairs Gail DiSabatino cited reports of possible criminal activities and violations of the university’s code of conduct — ranging from alcohol-related medical emergencies to sexual misconduct — for the move.

DiSabatino called Hipps’ death tragic but did not say it was responsible for or related to the ban.

The suspension is intended to give fraternities time to work with other student and campus organizations to make sure members stay safe, university spokesman John Gouch said.

“They didn’t want to put a deadline on it because they wanted to give everyone plenty of time to think,”

Gouch said. Clemson placed similar restrictions on Greek organizations four years ago, also after allegations of criminal activities.

Students organized an impromptu vigil for Hipps on Tuesday, raising cellphones above their heads instead of candles. University President Jim Clements joined the remembrance and said everyone who knew Hipps called him a leader and a good man.

Detectives have interviewed about 50 people so far, including the fraternity members running with Hipps, who have been cooperative, Watt said.

“We haven’t talked to anyone who saw him fall,” Watt said. “We don’t know why he ended up in the water.”

The national Sigma Phi Epsilon organization said in a statement that if foul play was involved in Hipps’ death, it would make sure those responsible are brought to justice.

COLUMBIA (AP) — In South Carolina, where obesity among young people ranks second in the nation, children can expect to live shorter lives than their parents if current obesity rates continue to plague the state, health officials said Wednesday as they introduced their new plan to attack the problem.

“Today, we move from talk to coordinated action,” said Catherine Templeton, director of the Department of Health and Environmental Control, announcing a blueprint that pulls together 800 health organizations, business leaders, researchers, nonprofits and volunteers in the effort.

Templeton said obesity is at the core of many ailments such as high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and heart disease. It ends up costing the state an estimated $8.5 billion per year, and such costs are continuing to rise, she said in a written statement.

The new plan recommends specific actions that can be taken by communities, in schools, at worksites and by health care providers.

For example, it suggests increasing access to affordable fruits and vegetables by

Extraordinary

boosting the number of local farmers’ markets that accept food stamps. It calls for workplaces to encourage breastfeeding, set up tobacco-free areas and improve access to healthy meals and physical activity.

The plan says health organizations should improve their efforts to diagnose obesity among patients, offer counseling and get them support to combat it. The program also calls for a major focus among schools and child care operations, suggesting they participate in “farm to school” programs that put more fresh fruits and vegetables in children’s meals and snacks and get children to exercise more.

Templeton also unveiled a website to help members of

the public find resources to help them in their efforts at www.SCaledown.org. She set a variety of goals for the next two years and pledged to report on what action has been accomplished.

Earlier this month, a report by the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that more than 21 percent of young people in South Carolina between ages 10 and 17 are considered obese, the secondhighest rate in the nation.

The report found that South Carolina’s adult obesity rate is now almost 32 percent, up from 25 percent a decade ago and 12 percent in 1990.

Obesity is defined as an excessively high amount of body fat compared to lean body mass.

New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church 3249 Highway 15 South, Sumter, SC

Rev. Willie A. Wright, Jr., Pastor Extends an invitation to you to come and Worship with us as we celebrate 140 years of God’s Amazing Grace.

Theme: “Amazing Grace”

Celebrating the achievements of women in our community.

Focusing on Breast Cancer Awareness month.

This specialized section is where it all comes together.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

OCTOBER 4, 2014

Call your sales representative or 803.774.1237 today!

Schedule of Events • Saturday, September 27 Memorial Prayer Vigil - 10:00 a.m.

Speaker: Minister Calvin K. Hastie

• Saturday, November 1 Family & Friends Celebration - 6:00 p.m.

Speaker: Rev. Leroy Blanding

• Saturday, October 4 Historical Drama Youth Celebration - 3:00 p.m.

• Saturday, November 8 Fun Fest Picnic - 11:00 a.m.

• Saturday, October 11 Choir Celebration - 5:00 p.m.

• Friday, November 14 Anniversary Banquet - 6:00 p.m.

Speaker: Rev. Hazel Charles

• Saturday, October 18 Senior Celebration - 3:00 p.m.

Speaker: Rev. Julius C. Moore

• Sunday, November 16 - Finale!

Worship Service - 10:00 a.m.

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Charles Davis

A6

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WORLD

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

Plane crash class could save lives

A participant slides down an escape slide Sept. 10 during a British Airways flight safety course at the airline’s Cranebank training facility, near Heathrow airport in London. The half-day safety course, now open to frequent fliers, is $265.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Flyers learn best ways to survive emergency LONDON (AP) — They raced down the slide, one by one, like children on a playground. At the bottom, smartphone photos were snapped and high fives exchanged.

The frequent fliers were all smiling and laughing — and quietly hoping to never use an evacuation slide again.

Doing so would mean their plane had just crashed.

The slide demonstration was part of a half-day safety course that encourages passengers to be aware of their surroundings and familiarize themselves with what happens in an emergency. The two dozen participants learned the best way to brace for a crash, how to open aircraft doors and why to wait until exiting a plane to inflate life vests.

“In this day and age, everybody is so comfortable with flying, they get on planes and don’t consider safety,” says Andy Clubb, a safety instructor at British Airways’ flight training center.

Started as a training exercise for oil company employees who routinely flew to remote locations, the course is now open to frequent fliers willing to pay $265, although most participants are still sent by their companies.

There are up to three classes

THE SUMTER ITEM

a week.

The class begins inside a Boeing 737 cabin simulator.

Airplane seats are selected.

Seatbelts are buckled. The safety demonstration begins.

Just like on a real flight, nobody pays attention — and

these are passengers who know there is going to be a crash. The simulator rocks back and forth like it’s taxiing, then tilts up for takeoff.

Soon theatrical smoke fills the cabin, and the flight attendants shout, “Brace. Brace.

y Read all about it.

Brace.” Everybody’s head goes down until the evacuation order is given.

It’s a scramble to the nearest exit. Some passengers fare better than others. Seatbelts aren’t snapped off quickly enough. One woman struggles to open the emergency exit over the wing.

When the smoke clears, the group sits back down and learns that six to eight passengers can go through the door in the time it takes one passenger to go through the tiny over-wing exit. Seconds count. In the simulator, anyone who hesitates gets a stern lecture. In real life, they’re pushed out the door and down the slide by a flight attendant.

Clubb said the key to survival is getting into the proper brace position: Bend forward as far as possible, and keep your head down. Place your feet flat on the floor and slide them back.

Your dominant hand goes on the back of your head. Protect that hand by placing the other hand over it. Do not interlock fingers. The goal is to ensure that the bones in the stronger hand aren’t broken so you can eventually un-

buckle the seatbelt.

Will members of the class ever use the training? Each day, 8.3 million people around the globe step aboard some 93,500 flights. They almost always land safely. In the past decade, there have only been 138 crashes worldwide that had fatalities, according to aviation consultancy Ascend.

The majority of crashes occur during takeoffs and landings, and there are often survivors.

“The likelihood is that you are never going to have to do it in a real-life situation. But knowing now that you could do it just gives you a bit more confidence,” said participant Sarah Barnett, who frequently flies in her job marketing vacation destinations.

The course also aims to give the fliers confidence in the people at the front of the plane.

“The two guys at the front of your airplane are probably the most highly regulated and checked professionals you’ll find anywhere — certainly more than your doctor or your lawyer or your accountant,” said British Airways pilot Martin Hockfield.

Hockfield told the class that pilots come in twice a year for testing. In a simulator, they practice takeoffs with engine failures or landing after a loss of hydraulic pressure. It’s like taking a driving test every six months — in a broken car.

British Airways hopes the more than 15,000 people who have taken the training since 2004 can act as leaders for others to follow in a crash.

“Fingers crossed, this afternoon has been a complete, utter waste of time,” Clubb said. “You are at greater risk getting in your car and driving to the airport.”

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

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Students learn how to assume the brace position in a cabin simulator during a British Airways flight safety course.

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You can win $500 by writing about the importance of not texting while driving.

TEXTING AT THE WHEEL. It’s more common — and more dangerous — than you think.

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The Sumter Item newspaper is joining papers across the Palmetto State to challenge S.C. high school students to write an essay, editorial or opinion column about the dangers of texting while driving. The statewide winner will receive a $500 prize underwritten by AT&T. PILLOW SOFT INSOLES

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Also offering a $250 prize for the best it can wait student-produced video.

Find out more at scpress.org/ItCanWait

Entry Deadline: Oct. 13, 2014

Please send entries to jack@theitem.com Sponsored by The Sumter Item, S.C. Press Association and AT&T

LOCAL | WORLD

THE SUMTER ITEM

CREDIT RATING FROM PAGE A1 has cash to meet immediate and short-term obligations.”

The biggest value with the improved rating, Mixon said, was that it will lower the interest rate on future bonds taken out by the county to address the needs of its residents. Items such as new police and emergency medical vehicles all the way up to infrastructure and construction projects can benefit from a lower interest rate. For example, the 2008 penny tax involved the purchase of $40 million in bonds to help speed up the completion of the projects. Now with a lower interest rate, more can be done with the money raised because less will be spent to pay back interest on those bonds.

“If you’re paying less in interest, that allows you to

make more purchases with the same dollar,” Mixon said.

“I might be able to buy an extra vehicle with the interest alone. It’s significant.”

A large part of the improved rating is because of the reserve funds built up by the county. That “rainy day” fund not only helps the county’s credit now, but is also a strong signal that Sumter can grow stronger and weather any storm that may arise.

“It’s like your savings account if you’re thinking about it from a personal standpoint. You want to make sure that you have enough money in the savings account if a catastrophe were to happen,” Mixon said. “For an individual it might be a medical issue or a car broke down, but that’s all small compared to an organization of our

MORRIS COLLEGE FROM PAGE A1 names will be mounted on the buildings at a later date as the school was unable to get the names up because of inclement weather.

During the ceremony, President Dr. Luns C. Richardson said some were initially concerned about the building, but it was quickly explained that in structure, the residence halls would be coed but with two separate entrances and different areas for men and women. Richardson also commended Construction Dynamics for its work on making the dormitory exactly what the school wanted along with doing great work on other construction projects on campus in previous years.

“We announced it would be a dormitory for men and women, and they nearly fainted because it’s a Baptist school,” Richardson said jokingly. “But we had to explain that boys are one side and girls are on the other side. You (Construction Dynamics) have not left anything undone. I want to compliment you on all the buildings you have done on this campus. You’ve done a perfect job.”

size. For us, a ‘rainy day’ could be a hurricane.”

In other business: • A second reading and public hearing were given to the rezoning of a 27.9-acre parcel of land located on the east side of North Kings Highway and the south side of Meeting House Road. The new zone will be residential, allowing for the construction of a 49-home subdivision in the lot, which used to be a mobile home park before becoming vacant 10 years ago.

A resident of the area spoke out against the project, saying that increased traffic coming to the new subdivision will clog the roads in the area, especially because the subdivision will have just one public entry point. Property owners Mack Kolb and Carl Croft were in attendance, with Kolb speaking on behalf of the project. The request passed unanimously.

For the greetings and remarks, Jackson quoted Matthew 7:7, “ask and it shall be given ...” stating that he and many supporters, when asked, are dedicated to giving back to the college.

“To God be the glory for the position he has put us in. Morris College must keep on keeping on,” Jackson said. “Even the man with a little bit will see that Morris College keeps on growing and growing.”

The Rev. James Blassingame, president of the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina, and Audrey Neal, president of the Woman’s Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina, thanked Jackson for his contribution. Also in attendance were state Rep. David Weeks, D-Sumter, Sumter School District board member Barbara Jackson, family members of those honored and Mayor Joe McElveen — who said improvements to Morris College have been noticeable to the community since Richardson became president 40 years ago.

“As Morris improves here, I hope you’re going to see over the next two or four years, it’ll continue on past Morris College (into downtown),” McElveen said. “I hope to also make Morris a more visible gem in Sumter County.”

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

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A7

• A third reading was made for a proposal to rezone a .97acre parcel on Alpenglow Drive from agricultural conservation to residential. The area surrounding the parcel is already zoned for residential with the goal of starting a housing subdivision, but the specific parcel’s zoning had never been changed. No changes were made since the previous reading, and it passed unanimously.

• The third reading of minor changes to the Sumter 2030 Comprehensive Plan also passed unanimously with no new changes.

• A second reading was given to an ordinance that aims to amend the term lengths and limits to consecutive terms for members of boards and commissions in the county. It states that after a member’s first two terms, he or she may serve ad infinitum but must have

every ensuing term be approved by a super-majority vote of county council (five members). The boards and commissions can still make initial appointments independently from council. The reading was passed unanimously.

• In new business, first reading was given to an ordinance saying land that was willed to the county will be sold by auction. Also, an ordinance was read which amends the master agreement governing the KershawSumter County Industrial Park. Kershaw County Council aims to bring Weylchem U.S. Inc. to the industrial park. Under the agreement, Sumter County would receive one percent of all taxes collected from the chemical company, which operates in Germany, France and Italy along with the U.S. It now operates out of Elgin.

SYRIA FROM PAGE A1

ened jihadis who pose a direct and imminent threat to the United States.

On Wednesday, the Nusra Front said it was evacuating its compounds near civilian areas in Idlib province in northwestern Syria. The announcement, made on a Facebook page associated with the group’s Idlib operations, follows a U.S. airstrike on a Nusra Front base in the village of Kfar Derian that killed about a dozen fighters and 10 civilians, according to two activists.

Another Syrian rebel group, Ahrar al-Sham, was also clearing out its bases, weapons workshops and offices, according to the Observatory. It said the group issued a statement calling for fighters to limit the use of wireless communication devices to emergencies, to move heavy weapons and conceal them, and to warn civilians to stay away from the group’s camps.

He did not specify exactly where the air raids took place, but the Iraqi town of Qaim is across the border from the Syrian town of Boukamal, where Syrian activists reported at least 13 airstrikes on suspected Islamic State positions Wednesday.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it was not immediately clear who carried out the airstrikes in and around Boukamal, but it cited locals as saying the intensity of the air raids was similar to that of strikes on the town early Tuesday by the U.S.-led coalition.

In the opening salvo of the campaign, the U.S. on its own also hit al-Qaida’s Syria branch, known as the Nusra Front. American officials said the strikes targeted the socalled Khorasan Group, which the U.S. says consists of hard-

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A8

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

RELIGION Call: (803) 774-1250 | E-mail: jade@theitem.com

Is your ‘headline’ getting the message across?

G

example, I tried to write a headline describing a showdown between a police officer and a burglary suspect who was cornered against the side of a cinderblock building. My titular suggestion was “Suspect caught beFaith Matters tween cop and a hard JAMIE H. place.”

WILSON Thank goodness for those professionals who caught that gem before it went to print.

The purpose of the headline, of course, is to give the interested a glimpse into the story, a sample, if you will, of what they can expect from the article. I’ve noticed that headlines written by many fringe news sources with an obvious political or social agenda have

ood headline writers are a rare breed.

They are a special type of human being who, being tasked with creating a title both accurate and appealing, can often come up with a title that describes the main focus of a story written by someone with the luxury of some 400-600 words. If you scan today’s paper, you’ll find dozens of such headlines, most of which are written by some of the most lovely, jaded people you’ll ever meet.

I’m not a good headline writer, so says I, my cohorts and roughly 100 percent of my college professors. I don’t have that special ability to capture the attention of potential readers in just a few words. For some reason, my titles always trend toward a terrible pun, or they read with all the excitement of the fine print of prescription medicine advertisements. For

‘From the receptionist in the hall to the teacher at our kid’s school, we share a bit of our lives — our headlines, if you will — with those around us. Rarely do we have time to share the breadth of our faith through verbal discourse, so these interpersonal snippets are a way that others know who we are.’ wielded their headline scripts as bait to those already prone to outrageous thinking. In just a few words, they suggest scandal and intrigue gathered from dubious sources. It’s hard to know what to believe.

Through the course of an average day, you and I come into contact with dozens of people both familiar and unfamiliar. From the receptionist

Church Directory Adventist

Lost in the Dark

Sumter Seventh-Day Adventist 103 N Pike West 775-4455 Pastor Harry Robinson Sat. Sch: 9:15 am, Worship: 11:00 am Tues Bible Study 7 pm www.sumter22.adventistchurchconnect.org

Church of the Holy Cross 335 North Kings Hwy (Hwy 261 N) 803-494-8101 Father Michael E. Ridgill, C.F.S.B. Sunday School 9:00 am Mass 10:00 am

W

hen the lights go out it’s hard to find your way around…you can get lost in the dark. If you have ever had this experience you know how helpless it feels. Sometimes we all feel just as helpless stumbling about in our lives. Maybe we have a dilemma and we don’t know which way to turn, there doesn’t seem to be a solution.

Isaiah 2.5 says, “Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.” Through prayer and meditation and the study of God’s word, we can find light. Solutions will appear and life will make more sense. Step into the light of the Lord at your House of Worship.

Weekly Scripture Reading Matthew Matthew Matthew Matthew Matthew Proverbs Proverbs 7.1-14 7.15-29 13.1-17 13.18-32 13.33-52 1.1-33 8.1-36

Mon. - Thurs. Chapel 9 am Morning Prayer Wed. Chapel 11:00 qm - Bible Study 12 pm Mass

Baptist - Independent Baptist - Missionary Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church 803 S Harvin St. * 775-4032 Marion H Newton, Pastor Sunday Worship: 7:45 & 10:45 am Sunday Youth Service: 10:45 am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 pm Salem Missionary Baptist Church 320 West Fulton Street 803-775-8054 Rev. Lei Ferguson Washington Sun. School 9:00 am Praise Worship 9:55 am Worship 10:00 am

Photo Credit Istockphoto.com/Ugreen

Scriptures Selected by the American Bible Society

©2014, Keister-Williams Newspaper Services, P.O. Box 8187, Charlottesville, VA 22906, www.kwnews.com

Sun School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am Sun Evening Worship 6:00 pm Wed Mid Week Service 7:00 pm

Baptist - Southern

Shaw Heights Baptist Church 2030 Peach Orchard Rd 499-4997 Rev. Robert White Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 am Sunday Worship:11 am & 6 pm

Grace Baptist Church 219 W Calhoun St * 778-6417 Dr. Stephen Williams S.S. 9:45 am; Worship 11:00, 6:30 Wed. Meal-Choir-Missions: 5:30 pm Wed. Bible Study: 6:30 pm Hickory Road Baptist Church 1245 Cherryvale Dr 803-494-8281 Dr. Ron Taylor Pastor Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 10:55 am Long Branch Baptist Church 2535 Peach Orchard Rd. Dalzell 499-1838 www.longbranch_baptist.com Rev. Brian Benenhaley

Catholic - Roman

The Catholic Community of Sumter, St. Anne Site 216 E Liberty St • 803-773-3524 Fr. Thomas Burke, C.S.S.R. Weekend Masses: Sat Vigil 5 pm Sun. 7:30, 9:00 and 11:30 am Mass

Plaza Church of Christ 1402 Camden Hwy. • 905-3163 Stewart Schnur cell 361-8449 Sunday School: 10 am Sunday Worship: 11 am & 6 pm Wed. Bible Class: 7 pm

St James Lutheran Church 1137 Alice Dr, Sumter 773-2260 / www.stjamessumter.org Pastor Keith Getz Sunday Worship: 10:00 am Sunday School: 9:00 am

Immanuel Lutheran Church 140 Poinsett Drive • 803-883-1049 Pastor Gary Blobaum Worship Service 9:00 am Sunday School 10:30 am Wed Bible Class: 7:00 pm

Interdenominational Methodist - United

City of Refuge Church 16 Carolina Ave 938-9066 Barbara & Johnny Davis Sun School 10:00 am Worship 11:15 am Bible Study (Wed.) 7:00 pm www.cityofrefugeministry.com Love Covenant Church 245 Oswego Hwy • 775-7605 Apostle Tommy Fredrick Prophet Angela Frederick Sunday Worship: 11:00 am Thursday Bible Study: 7:00 pm

Spiritual Life Christian Center 4672 Broad St. Ext • 968-5771 Pastors Randolph & Minerva Paige Sunday Worship: 11:00 am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 pm Victory Full Gospel Interdenominational Church 601 Pitts Rd • 481-7003 Joann P. Murrill, Pastor Sunday Worship: 11:00 am Youth Bible Study/Respect Monday: 7 pm

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

Lutheran - ELCA Non-Denominational

Church of Christ Lutheran - NALC

Anglican

Cherryvale Baptist Church 1502 Cherryvale Dr. * 494-8655 Edward Bowen Sr. Pastor Sun. School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am & 6:00 pm Wed. Evening Service 7:00 pm

The Catholic Community of Sumter, St. Jude Site 611 W. Oakland Ave • 773-9244 www.stjudesumtersc.org Fr. Charles Michael Donovan, C.S.S.R. Saturday Vigil: 5:00 pm Sun. Euch.: 9:00, 11:30 am, 1 pm (Spanish)

in the hall to the teacher at our kid’s school, we share a bit of our lives — our headlines, if you will — with those around us. Rarely do we have time to share the breadth of our faith through verbal discourse, so these interpersonal snippets are a way that others know who we are.

Though we may not care to admit it, those headlines paint

a more accurate picture of our faith than anything else.

How does your headline read?

“Single mom spends more time on iPhone than with children” or “Business exec burns waiter with 8 percent tip.”

Maybe your light simply doesn’t shine bright enough for anyone to want to read your story.

I think it’s important for us as believers to have good headlines: to live our lives so that others want to know more about our faith. It’s important that we share our faith both verbally and through our actions. I’m amazed at the person whose personal testimony of faith is borne out in their daily routine, in their kindness and grace to everyone around them.

Aldersgate United Methodist 211 Alice Dr • 775-1602 Dr. Webb Belangia, Reverend Traditional Service 9:00 am Sunday School 10:15 am Contemporary 11:15 am

Bethel United Methodist Church 5575 Lodebar Rd • 469-2452 Rev. Jeremy Howell Sunday Worship: 8:30 & 11 am Sunday School: 10 am www.yourbethel.org BMethodist@ftc-i.net St John United Methodist Church 136 Poinsett Dr * 803-773-8185 www.stjohnumcsumter.com Rev. J. Robert (Bob) Huggins Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 11:00 am Wed. Night Supper/Bible Study 6:30 pm

Christ Community Church(CCC) 525 Oxford St, Sumter 803-934-9718 Sun. Worship 10:00 am (Patriot Hall) First Church of God 1835 Camden Rd • 905-5234 www.sumterfcg.org Ron Bower, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10:30 am Sunday School: 9:30 am

Sumter First Pentecostal Holiness Church 2609 McCrays Mill Rd • 481-8887 S. Paul Howell, Pastor Sunday School: 10:00 am Sunday Worship: 10:45 am & 6:00 pm Wed. Bible Study/Youth Group: 7:00 pm

Presbyterian USA

Greater St. Paul Church 200 Watkins Street 803-778-1355 Sunday School - 10:30 am Worship - 11:30 am Evangelistic Service 7:30 pm Wed. Mid Week Service - 7:30 pm Sumter Bible Church 420 South Pike West, Sumter 803-773-8339 • Pastor Ron Davis Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am & 6:30 pm Wed. Bible Study & Prayer 7:00 pm

Pentecostal

Canty Memorial Church of God in Christ, Ministries 873 Woodcrest St. • 773-6226 Superintendent Eugene Canty, SR. Sunday Prayer: 8:00 am Worship: 9:15 am & 5:00 pm

First Presbyterian Church of Sumter 9 W Calhoun St (at Main St.) (803) 773-3814 • info@fpcsumter.org Interim Pastor Rev. Ray Fancher Sunday School - All Ages 9:30 a.m.

Hospitality/Fellowship 10:10 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Night Program Schedule 4:45 p.m. - Children & Youth 5:00 p.m. Adults 6:30 p.m. Supper (all ages)

Presbyterian Lemira Presbyterian Church 514 Boulevard Rd • 473-5024 Pastor Dan Rowton Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am Bible Study 6:00 pm

First United Penecostal Church 14 Plowden Mill Rd • 775-9493 Pastor Theron Smith Sunday Service: 10:00 am & 6:30 pm Wednesday Bible Study: 7:30 pm

Trinity United Methodist Church 226 W Liberty St • 773-9393 Rev. Regi Thackston Blended Worship 8:45 am Traditional Worship 11:00 am Sunday School 9:45 am trinityumcsumter.org

(803) 774-1075

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To view church information online go to www.theitem.com or www.sumterchurchesonline.com

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

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A9

RELIGION Call: (803) 774-1250 | E-mail: jade@theitem.com

Scientist will address Alice Drive Baptist marks year creationism Sunday of Monday night service times

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com A speaker from Creation Ministries International will be in Sumter this weekend to address the big questions.

Made up of nonprofit ministries in several countries, this group aims to proclaim “the truth of the Bible and thus its Gospel message” with scientists providing “answers to the most-asked question in the vital area of creation (and) evolution,” according to creation.com.

“It’s actually a group of scientists that are Christians,” said the Rev. Kevin Massey, pastor at New Salem Baptist Church. He first learned of Creation Ministries through the S.C. Baptist Convention. “Today’s culture and society are trying to discredit the Scripture. We have to be intelligent, not ignorant. God created everything, and they show how science actually proves creation.”

Robert Carter will give a lecture titled “The Alternative: Creation’s Competitive Edge” at 6 p.m. Sunday at the church, 2500 W. Oakland Ave. The event is free and open to the public. A love offering will be taken.

Carter became a Christian at an early age, but he was a freshman in college before he was able to reconcile his

‘Today’s culture and society are trying to discredit the Scripture. We have to be intelligent, not ignorant.’

THE REV. KEVIN MASSEY New Salem Baptist Church pastor faith and his academic studies, according to his biography on creation.com.

He obtained a bachelor of science degree in applied biology from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1992 and taught various high school science classes for four years before going to the University of Miami to earn his doctorate in marine biology.

He is currently a senior scientist and speaker for CMI-USA in Atlanta and is researching human genetics.

“New Salem wants to engage with the culture,” Massey said. “We want to offer new and relevant things to the community.”

He’s hoping this is just one step in that direction.

For more information, visit creation.com.

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com Last September, a Sumter church decided to give Monday night services a try.

And so far, it seems to be going well.

“Mondays have been fantastic,” said Clay Smith, lead pastor of Alice Drive Baptist Church. “I’m just thrilled. They have exceeded our wildest expectations. Most churches that do this, their hope is in about three or four years, they’ll have equal to about 10 percent of their Sunday morning crowd at the new service. We’re already doing that after a year.”

Between 135 and 150 people usually check out the 7 p.m. contemporary service, said Nancy Lee Zimpleman, communications director.

“It’s basically the same service as on Sunday,” she said. “There is full child care up to fifth grade, and Life Group meets afterward.”

Life Groups are similar to Sunday school classes or small-group Bible studies, and the worship service is usually about an hour long.

Because individuals usually come in their work clothes, the tone tends to be more relaxed, Smith said.

“I had a woman tell me not too long ago

RELIGION BRIEF FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS

Students continue prayer tradition around flagpoles SAN DIEGO — Organizers of Wednesday’s “See You At The Pole” events said the students gathered around their school flag-

that Sunday mornings were just too intimidating, but Monday night was just her speed,” he said. “That’s great. That’s exactly what we want to happen.”

The church’s administration began considering the addition of a fourth service at the end of 2012.

“With shift work, retail and restaurants, about 30,000 people in Sumter County work on Sunday,” Zimpleman said. “You wouldn’t have a community that size that was not served by a church.”

Various days of the week were considered, but Monday seemed the best fit. Alice Drive Baptist pastors researched and found a large church in Little Rock, Arkansas, that had been holding Monday night services for almost five years. A couple of them took a field trip to check out a service and talk to that church’s leadership.

Smith hopes the Sumter service will continue to grow.

“I’d really like to see that service in terms of numbers draw 200 to 300 people every night,” he said. “Thirty-four to 37 percent of the workforce works on weekends. So that’s a big pool of people. We need this opportunity for them to worship.”

For more information, contact Alice Drive Baptist at (803) 905-5200 or info@adbc.org.

poles aren’t protesting. They’re praying.

National coordinator Doug Clark said the annual event, now in its third decade, is an opportunity for Christian students to connect during the school year and pray for their classmates, their schools and the nation.

Clark said the gatherings are constitutionally permissible at public schools because they’re student led and take place outside of class time, usually before school starts.

CHURCH NEWS ALIVE Praise & Worship Center, 342 W. Liberty St., announces: * Saturday — Free clothes drive 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Antioch United Methodist Church, 4040 Dubose Siding Road, announces: * Saturday — United Methodist Women tea — “The godly character that should pour out of our lives” at 4 p.m. The Rev. Debbie Bowens-Davis will speak.

Calvary Baptist Church, 459 Calvary Church Road, Bishopville, announces: * Saturday, Oct. 4 — Mid-Carolina singing at 6 p.m. featuring New Life Singers and Cedar Creek Quartet.

Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, 774 Douglas Ave., announces: * Saturday — Prayer breakfast 9 a.m.-noon. Pastor Connie Walker will speak.

Chapel Hill Baptist Church, 8749 Old Highway Six, Santee, announces: * Sunday — The 135th anniversary of the church will be observed at 10 a.m. The Rev. Robert Carter will speak.

Church of Christ at Kingsbury Road, 215 Kingsbury Road, announces: * Sunday-Friday, Oct. 5-10 — Gospel meeting as follows: 9:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sunday with dinner from 1 to 2:30 p.m.; and 7:30 nightly Monday-Friday. Joseph Barr will speak.

Church of God of Prophecy, 140 S. Guignard Drive, announces: * Sunday, Oct. 5 — Anointed Jubilaires 19th anniversary celebration at 5 p.m. featuring the Sumter Violinaires, Deacon Robert Burgess, New Boys, New Hope and more.

Church of the Holy Cross, 335 N. Kings Highway, Stateburg, announces: * Saturday, Oct. 4 — Blessing of the animals at 10 a.m.

Concord Baptist Church, 1885 Myrtle Beach Highway, announces: * Saturday — Gospel concert at 6 p.m. with Glorybound Quartet.

A love offering will be received.

Dalzell United Methodist Church, 3330 Black River Road, Dalzell, announces: * Saturday, Oct. 4 — Fish fry fundraiser 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Eat in

or take out. Tickets are $7 each, and the menu includes generous portion of fried catfish, French fries, coleslaw and hush puppies. Call (803) 469-0160 for details. * Sunday-Tuesday, Oct. 5-7 — Revival at 7 nightly. Speakers as follows: Sunday, the Rev. Dr. Robin Dease; Monday, the Rev. Steve Holler; and Tuesday, the Rev. Jeremy Howell. * Saturday, Oct. 18 — The fourth annual holiday bazaar will be held 9 a.m.-2 p.m. featuring vendors, crafters, silent auction, bake sale, trash and treasure (yard sale — no clothes), and the Rockin’ Faith Café (country cooking — eat in or take out). Vendors and crafters needed. Call Nikki at (803) 3161765.

Fellowship Outreach Ministries, 1891 Florence Highway, announces: * Sunday — Revival service at 3 p.m. Dr. Carolyn Robinson will speak. * Saturday, Oct. 4 — Youth explosion beginning at 10 a.m. and featuring a bounce house, gospel singing, horseback rides, food and more.

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 182 S. Pike East, announces: * Sunday — Church anniversary celebration at 3:30 p.m.

Golden Gate Fellowship Ministry, 705 Oswego Road, announces: * Sunday — Family and friends day at 4 p.m.

Green Bay Missionary Baptist Church, Lynchburg, announces: * Saturday, Oct. 4 — Dinner theater play “The Summer Uncle Pete Came Home” at Lee Central Middle School, 1800 Wisacky Highway, Bishopville.

Tickets are $15. Call Ella M. Laws at (803) 428-8644.

Home Branch Baptist Church, 2398 Home Branch Road, Manning, announces: * Sunday, Oct. 5 — Homecoming. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. followed by 11 a.m. worship. Meal and fellowship to follow. Pastor Terry Green will speak.

House of Judah Worship Center, 3890 White Oak Drive, Davis Station, announces: * Wednesday-Friday, Oct. 8-10, and Sunday, Oct. 12 — Celebration of the pastor’s first anniversary at 7 nightly Wednesday-Friday and 4 p.m. Sunday.

Speakers will vary.

Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, 803 S. Harvin St., announces: * Sunday — Ordination service of Minister Napoleon Bradford at 6:30 p.m.

Joshua Baptist Church, 5200 Live Oak Road, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday — Pack-a-pew family and friends day at 10 a.m. * Sunday, Oct. 5 — Gospel choir anniversary program at 5 p.m.

Land Flowing with Milk & Honey Ministry, 1335 Peach Orchard Road, announces: * Saturday, Oct. 18 — Women of Exertion Conference 2014 “Hear the Command.” Registration 8-8:30 a.m. with workshops 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Pastor Dorothy Maple and Evangelist Tonya Mack will serve as morning facilitators. Prophetess Rose Summers will speak at 6 p.m.

Mechanicsville United Methodist Church, 184 Lake Ashwood Road, announces: * Sunday-Wednesday, Oct. 1 — Revival. The Rev. James Wilson will speak at 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The Rev. Anthony Hodge will speak at 7 nightly MondayWednesday.

Mount Glory Baptist Church, 841 N. Main St., announces: * Friday-Sunday, Oct. 3-5 — Celebration of the seventh church anniversary as follows: 7 p.m.

Friday, the Rev. Sammie Simmons will speak; 10 a.m. Saturday, family fun day featuring food and drinks beginning at 10 a.m.; and 11 a.m. Sunday, the Rev. Dennis will speak.

Mount Moriah United Methodist Church, 1379 Swimming Pen Road, Mayesville, announces: * Sunday — Fifth Annual 100 Men in Black program at 3 p.m.

Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis will speak. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Department Gospel Choir will provide music. Theme: “Men Making a Difference” Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, 7355 Camden Highway, Rembert, announces: * Saturday — Everybody’s birthday recognition at 4 p.m. * Sunday — Annual Women’s Day program at 9:30 a.m. Audrey Neal, president of the South Carolina Woman Baptist E&M Convention will speak.

Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 325 Fulton St., announces:

* Sunday — 121st church anniversary and homecoming worship celebration at 10:45 a.m.

New Fellowship Covenant Ministries, 316 W. Liberty St., announces: * Saturday — The youth department will host a “fun day” noon-2 p.m. at Pocalla Springs Clubhouse, 112 Putter Drive, for ages 5-12. Games, food and sharing the word of God. Call Victorica Parker at (803) 8474160 for details.

New Gospel Tones announces: * Sunday, Oct. 12 — Gospel appreciation program at 5 p.m. On the program: Justified of Sumter; Sumter Violinaires, Spiritual Caravans of Sumter and more.

New Hope AME Church, 18808 Panola Road, Pinewood, announces: * Saturday — Chicken and fish dinner sale noon-3 p.m. Dinners are $7 and sandwiches are $3.50. Call (803) 452-6960.

New Israel Missionary Baptist Church, 5330 Old Camden Highway, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday, Oct. 12 — The 10th anniversary of the church will be observed at 1 p.m. The Rev. Benny McCants will speak. Dinner will be served.

New Salem Baptist Church, 2500 W. Oakland Ave., announces: * Sunday — Dr. Robert Carter, of Creation Ministries International, will present “The Alternative: Creation’s Competitive Edge” at 6 p.m.

New Testament Lighthouse Church, 1114 Boulevard Road, announces: * Saturday — Gospel singing at 7 p.m. featuring the Heavenly Tones.

Oak Grove UM Church, Bloomville Road, Manning, announces: * Sunday, Oct. 5 — Homecoming at 11:30 a.m. Dinner will follow service. Bring a covered dish to share and a lawn chair.

Orangehill AME Church, 3035 S. King Highway, Wedgefield, announces: * Saturday, Oct. 18 — One night sing out revival at 4 p.m.

Paxville Baptist Church, 10278 Lewis Road, Manning, announces: * Saturday — Gospel singing at 6 p.m. to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the church fea-

turing Karen Peck and New River. Tickets are $25. Call (803) 452-9969 or visit www.paxvillebaptistchurch.org. * Sunday — Celebration of the 125th anniversary of the church at 11 a.m. Former pastor Lawrence Dennis will speak. Luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall.

Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 6569 Old Georgetown Road, Manning, announces: * Sunday — Ordination service at 3 p.m. for the following: Deacons Olando A. Carter and Ernest Ragin Jr.; Deaconess Hope A. Carter, Deaconess Ida M. Ragin; and Herbert Billups, chairman of the trustee board.

Salem Missionary Baptist Church, 320 W. Fulton St., announces: * Sunday — The pastor’s fourth anniversary celebration at 10 a.m. Minister Cynthia Golden will speak.

Spring Hill AME Church, 4309 Bill Davis Road, Summerton, announces: * Saturday — “I am” program at 5 p.m.

St. James AME Church, 180 W. Fulton Manning Road, Pinewood, announces: * Saturday — Fall tent revival at 5 p.m. The Southernaires Quartet will provide music.

St. Mark 4-B Missionary Baptist Church, 2280 Four Bridges Road, announces: * Sunday — Homecoming celebration at 10:45 a.m. Pastor Meldon Dickens will speak.

St. Mark United Methodist Church, 1093 Oswego Highway, announces: * Saturday, Oct. 11 — Domestic violence abuse and awareness program 10 a.m.-noon.

Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 155 Wall St., announces: * Sunday — Military and public servants appreciation worship at 10 a.m. Col. James Palmer Jr., Fort Jackson installation chaplain, will speak. * Sunday, Oct. 19 — 105th church anniversary concert at 5 p.m. featuring gospel recording artist the Rev. Milton Biggham and the Georgia Mass Chair.

Walker’s Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, 99 Walter Ave., announces: * Saturday — Gospel singing at 6 p.m. featuring Hope’s Journey.

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‘How to Get Away with Murder’ will knock ‘em dead

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH ABC triples down on success. Is that smart? The network has taken the bold, if curious step of dedicating its entire Thursday-night lineup to three shows associated with writer/producer Shonda Rhimes: “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal” and the new “How to Get Away With Murder” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

Television has seen dominant producer/creators before. But this three-peat puts Rhimes in historic company with the likes of Aaron Spelling, Norman Lear, David E. Kelley, Steven Bochco, Jerry Bruckheimer and Dick Wolf.

I’ve long held the opinion that once a “producer” becomes the “star,” that producer’s star will begin to sink.

Rhimes may prove to be the exception.

Indulge me in a critical cliche. “Murder” has “hit” written all over it. Sure it has “Scandal” for a lead-in. And both series are certain to land the lion’s share of footballaverse Thursday night viewers. (Sorry, “Parenthood.”)

But even if “Murder” stood on its own (as perhaps it should), it would still probably thrive. Every show needs a gimmick or hook to grab viewers. “Murder” has at least three. Maybe four.

For starters, it’s a 21st-century variation on the old “Paper Chase” genre, the tale of young, attractive, ambitious and (occasionally) idealistic young people under the spell of a powerful and charismatic law professor — in this case, Annalise Keating (Viola Davis). She’s not only a towering and intimidating academic powerhouse, she’s a highly successful practicing defense attorney who takes only the most difficult cases.

If you can imagine (and might enjoy) a powerful black woman assuming the role of Alan Dershowitz in “Reversal of Fortune,” you’re already engaged. This sets up the murder trial story-within-thestory and the show’s second gimmick. And professor Keating makes ample use of her students’ insights and pits them against each other in a contest not unlike “The Apprentice,” for the show’s third gimmick.

And all of this is wrapped inside of the show’s real top-

per: it’s all just a flashback explaining how four of Keating’s best and brightest students: Wes Gibbins (Alfred Enoch); Michaela Pratt (Aja Naomi King); Connor Walsh (Jack Falahee) and Laurel Castillo (Karla Souza) have come to commit a real murder and are living the nightmare of trying to cover it up.

The murder victim is revealed at the end of the pilot episode. It would be a “Scandal” to reveal more!

ence on “Garfunkel and Oates” (10 p.m., IFC, TV-14).

LATE NIGHT

TONIGHT’S SEASON PREMIERES

NICOLE RIVELLI / ABC

• A 16-year-old corpse may explain how Booth ended up behind bars on “Bones” (8 p.m. Fox, TV-14).

• Meredith seeks a new normal on “Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

• Fitz wants to make the most of the new term on “Scandal” (9 p.m., ABC, TV14).

• Sarah and Zeek plan a birthday bash in Las Vegas

Viola Davis stars as criminal law professor Annalise Keating in “How to Get Away with Murder,” premiering at 10 p.m. today on ABC. on “Parenthood” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • A mom in her 30s tries to break into the world of mixed martial arts in the 2014 documentary “Glena” (8 p.m., Showtime).

Mt. Pisgah Missionary Church of Rembert will celebrate its

Woman’s Day 80th Year of

• George C. Scott won (and refused) a best actor Oscar for his portrayal of an eccentric general in the 1970 drama “Patton” (8 p.m., TCM).

• Contestants must convince a stranger to undergo a fashion makeover on “Project Runway” (9 p.m., Lifetime, TV-PG).

• Romance under the influ-

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Everybody’s birthday will be presented Come enjoy cake, ice cream and punch.

Steven Johnson is on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Bill Hader, Chelsea Peretti and Norah Jones are on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) * Walter Mischel is on “The Colbert Report” (11:30 p.m., Comedy Central) * Jerry Seinfeld and Cirque du Soleil are on “Late Show With David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Chris Pratt and Rosamund Pike on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Denzel Washington, Darby Stanchfield and the Script are on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Andy Samberg, Emily VanCamp and Roy Wood Jr. visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Carrie Ann Inaba and Ben Schwartz are on “The Late Late Show” (12:35 a.m., CBS).

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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

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

COMMENTARY

Cry, you’re on hidden camera W ASHINGTON — Without prior knowledge or intent, I recently was inducted into a club I had no interest in joining, especially in light of the $200 initiation fee.

In fact, I had no idea I had joined until the bill arrived notifying me that a camera had caught me exceeding the speed limit somewhere along the route between downtown Washington and the Maryland border. My aggravation at being charged, judged and sentenced without the courtesy of a human exchange was made worse by the realKathleen ization that I Parker had been denied the opportunity to adequately appreciate that on at least one day, the city’s eastbound traffic was actually moving.

To a fan of eye contact under almost any circumstance, the feeling was of having been observed without permission. There is a reason our justice system allows the accused to face his accuser.

Notwithstanding these common understandings, speed and red light cameras are becoming increasingly prevalent as reflected by the bulging coffers of participating towns and municipalities.

In Washington alone, traffic citations total about $179 million a year.

So what’s wrong with that?

Drive too fast or run a red light, and take your medicine, non-drivers contemptuously intone. (See the comments section.)

Well, yes, but not really.

Here’s the relevant question: Are the cameras designed to increase public safety, or are they just a means to trap citizens and make money?

The conclusion of an audit earlier this month by the District of Columbia inspector general suggests the latter. In one revealing quote cited in the report, a senior district official commented on the effrontery and efficacy of the parking ticket system: “One of the beauties of parking, it’s like the (Internal Revenue Service). If you get a parking ticket, you are guilty until you have proved yourself innocent. ... And that’s worked well for us.”

Ditto can be said of cameracaught speeders, which resulted in 745,875 tickets in 2013.

As a consequence, annoyed citizens have begun challenging speed cameras on issues of property rights and home rule. In Ohio, 29 state lawmakers and two civil liberties groups joined a motorist in a court challenge claiming that the city of Toledo violated his constitutional rights to due process.

The argument basically questioned whether the city was attempting to exact property from Ohio drivers without access to a judge authorized by and accountable to duly elected legislators.

It all gets rather weedy — and does seem like picking a nit to cure a plague — but so goes American jurisprudence.

The Ohio motorist’s case points to the more general concern that gotcha cameras, by eliminating the middle man (that being a human being), violate our sense of fair play.

‘There may well be reason to install cameras at red lights to catch those who fail to stop. But exceeding the speed limit often means keeping pace with traffic, which is sometimes safer. One car pulled aside by a traffic officer is usually sufficient to slow the herd, whereas a camera no one notices gives no one pause. Where’s the safety in that?’

What was that camera’s name, anyway, and what was he doing in my business? Did the camera bother to wonder why I might be driving faster than I’m supposed to? Excuse me, but could I speak to a human, please?

Bottom line: Mr. Camera doesn’t care.

Which brings us to my own rather metaphysical perspective. While not on an existential par with events in Syria and Iraq, someone has to worry about our self-inflicted war on ourselves and our submission to dystopian efficiency over humanity.

There may well be reason to install cameras at red lights to catch those who fail to stop. But exceeding the speed limit often means keeping pace with traffic, which is sometimes safer. One car pulled aside by a traffic officer is usually sufficient to slow the herd, whereas a camera no one notices gives no one pause. Where’s the safety in that?

And then there are the true emergencies — the woman in labor or the injured child being rushed to the hospital.

While these occasions are perhaps rare compared to people who are merely in a hurry, they illustrate our increasing lack of regard for the human side of events.

Once we accept the necessity of cameras to keep the citizenry in line, especially when keeping order is so profitable, we needn’t let our imaginations wander far to see that absolute order is the endgame in a brave new world.

The weird genius of the speeding/parking ticket industry is that we the people enrich the bureaucracies that torment us. And their little machines, too!

Surely with all that money just from parking tickets — $82.8 million in 2013 — Washington could hire some organic traffic officers. Or at least provide a little soma to ease the transition.

Kathleen Parker’s email address is kathleenparker@ washpost.com. © 2014, Washington Post Writers Group

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE TALENTED JAMES BEST A dear friend of mine, James Best, will be in Sumter on Oct. 4 at the Sumter Opera House for his one-man show.

Most people always think of him as Rosco from “The Dukes of Hazzard,” but he is far more than that; he has appeared in over 600 movie and television shows. He has worked with some of the greats such as Paul Newman, Humphrey Bogart, James Stewart and Steve McQueen to name a few.

He is also a great artist (please check out JamesBest.com for his artwork — it is amazing.) This man has so many talents and the show he performs is very funny.

Sumter is lucky to have him here. I had the honor back in March to do an introduction for one of his shows as well as spending the evening with him and his lovely wife, Dorothy, talking about his life and actors he has worked with. He spends time with troops before going on deployment. He was an MP in the Army.

He has been a college professor, acting coach, singer, songwriter and both him and Mrs. Dorothy help with animal rescues.

A few shows he has been on are: “Perry Mason,” “Gunsmoke,” “Bonanza,” “The Andy Griffith Show” as Jim Lindsey, “The Twilight Zone,” “In the Heat of the Night” and “The Rifleman” with Chuck Connors.

Some great movies include “Moondance Alexander” (2007), based on his real-life daughter Janeen, “Return of the Killer Shrews” (2012) and a great Hallmark movie, “The Sweeter Side of Life” (2013).

This may be the last year that Mr. Best will be doing these shows so don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Mr. Best is one of the few remaining survivors of the true Hollywood era when actors were true actors and not all the reality TV shows we have today where some of these people you could put their talent in a teaspoon.

He has provided us with entertainment for over 60 years, so please come out and show your support.

I look forward going fishing with him soon in Hickory, North Carolina.

CARL SMITH Sumter

START THE TRANSITION TO A SUSTAINABLE WORLD TODAY Last Sunday, hundreds of thousands marched throughout the world demanding action on climate change, and 120 world leaders gathered in New York for the United Nations Summit on Climate Change. What can we do?

A 2006 U.N. report estimated that meat production accounts for 18 percent of manmade greenhouse gases. A 2009 article in the respected World Watch magazine suggested that the contribution may be closer to 50 percent.

The meat industry generates carbon dioxide by burning forests to create animal pastures and by combustion of fossil fuels to confine, feed, transport and slaughter animals. The much more damaging methane and nitrous oxide are discharged from digestive tracts of cattle and from animal

waste cesspools, respectively.

In an environmentally sustainable world, wind, solar and other pollution-free energy sources must gradually replace polluting fossil fuels. Similarly, vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains must replace polluting meat and dairy products. The large variety of widely available plant-based entrees, lunch meats, veggie burgers, cheeses and ice creams can certainly help.

Our next trip to the supermarket is a great opportunity to start the transition to a sustainable world. Our favorite Internet search engine offers ample product lists, recipes and dietary tips.

SIMON ISAAC Sumter

CHRISTMAS OF 1940 MEANT MORE THAN TODAY’S COMMERCIALIZED SEASON Christmas 1940: In those days all little boys and girls believed in Santa Claus. To them he was as real as Jesus. After all, Santa knew who was naughty or nice. If you were nice, you got better gifts. If you were naughty, your Christmas stocking would be filled with coal. Therefore, before Christmas all boys and girls would be perfect little angels. I guess that was the tradition of the times.

Oh, we knew very well that Santa had helpers. Every store of any size had a Santa Claus. Everyone knew that these store Santas were not the real Santa but only his helpers. Our mamas told us that and everyone knew that mamas do not tell us kids something that was not true.

For all you folks who were born in this modern age, let me clue you in on something. Television was not always here. People back in 1940 relied on a big boxy thing called a radio. For entertainment, people played cards or sat around and talked. The art of conversation was not lost back then as it is now. We all knew English grammar, and the 12 times tables, i.e.: 12 times 12 is 144.

To us, Christmas did not start in August and blasted all over the airwaves via television. The earliest it started was after Thanksgiving. The Christmas season was the Christmas joy season. It was not a season to see how much stuff the stores can sell over and above their competitors. We celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ. He was and is the only reason for the season.

Now the reason for the season is a healthy bottom line to please the investors.

We little kids were not allowed to see the Christmas tree going up and be decorated.

That is because Santa was going to do it on Christmas Eve. Bright and early Christmas Day, we little kids were all eyes and smiles as we looked at the most awesome and beautiful sight in the whole world. That was our Christmas tree brightly and colorfully lit.

Editor’s note: Because this letter exceeded the 350-word length as stated in our Editorial Page Policies which appears regularly on this page, it can be read in its entirety under Opinion on The Sumter Item’s website, www.theitem.com.

JOE KALIE Sumter

EDITORIAL PAGE POLICIES COLUMNS AND COMMENTARY are the personal opinion of the writer whose byline appears. Columns from readers should be typed, double-spaced and no more than 850 words. Send them to The Sumter Item, Opinion Pages, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, S.C. 29151, or email to hubert@theitem.com or graham@theitem.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are written by readers of the newspaper. They should be no more than 350 words

and sent via e-mail to letters@theitem.com, dropped off at The Sumter Item office, 20 N. Magnolia St. or mailed to The Sumter Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, S.C. 29151,

along with the full name of the writer, plus an address and telephone number for verification purposes only. Letters that exceed 350 words will be cut accordingly in the print edition, but available in their entirety at www.theitem.com/opinion/letters_

to_editor.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

AROUND TOWN resident of Sumter or ClarThe Sumter Branch NAACP will sponsor a candidates forum for endon county to compete.

Call (803) 468-0251 or email Sumter School Board candiHeartoday whatatthe school board candidatesfor injpprivette@sc.rr.com dates 6-8:30 p.m. formation.

Central Carolina Technical have to say College, Health Science Cen- The Sumter Branch NAACP will ter, 133 S. Main St. hold a general membership The Sumter Unit of the National meeting at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Association of Parliamentarians Sept. 28, at Bethany Fellowship Baptist Church, 350 E. will meet at 6:30 p.m. today Red Bay Road. at Sumter School District, 1345 Wilson Hall Road. Helen The Clarendon County DemoMcFadden will conduct the cratic Party will meet on educational program “Script- Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Maning Your Agenda – (What not ning Restaurant, 476 N. to do).” Call Laura LeGrand Brooks St., Manning. Dinner at (803) 775-0830 for details. will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin The Shepherd’s Center will at 7 p.m. offer free public information classes 11-11:50 a.m. each The Campbell Soup friends Thursday through Nov. 13 at lunch group will meet at 11:30 24 Council St. On the scheda.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, at ule: today, Health Care Golden Corral.

Power of Attorney, Living Wills, DNR Orders; Oct. 2, Fall Caris Healthcare will hold its semi-annual memorial service Lawn Care and Pest Prevenat 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6, tion; Oct. 9, Self Defense for at Elmore-Hill-McCreight FuWomen; Oct. 16, Genealogy: neral Home. This service is Research and record your to honor all hospice patients family history using the of Caris Healthcare as well computer; Oct. 23, Veterans as all clients of Elmore-Hilltalk about their war experiMcCreight who died in the ences; Oct. 30, Crime Scene previous 12 months. This Investigation (CSI); Nov. 6, event is open to the public Healthy Aging: The imporand anyone who has lost a tance of good nutrition and loved one in the previous 12 movement in promoting healthy living as we age; and months, even if the loved one was not served by Caris Nov. 13, Peace of Mind Healthcare or Elmore-Hillthrough Meditation.

McCreight. To attend, conClarendon School District One tact Caris Healthcare at will conduct free vision, hear(803) 774-8400 with the name ing, speech and developmental of your deceased love one. screenings as part of a child The Sumter Benedict Alumni find effort to identify stuClub will meet at 6 p.m. on dents with special needs.

Screenings will be held from Monday, Oct. 6, at the North HOPE Center. Call Shirley M. 9 a.m. to noon at the Summerton Early Childhood Cen- Blassingame at (803) 5064019. ter on the following Thursdays: Oct. 9; Nov. 13; Dec. 11; The Stroke Survivors Support Group will meet at 6 p.m. on Jan. 8, 2015; Feb. 12, 2015; Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Alice March 12, 2015; April 9, 2015; Drive Baptist Church library, and May 14, 2015. For more 1305 Loring Mill Road at information, call Sadie WilWise Drive. Call Wayne Huntliams or Audrey Walters at er at (803) 464-3003 or (803) (803) 485-2325, extension 464-7865.

221.

Enjoy Dog Day at Patriot Park The American Red Cross, Sandfrom 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, hills Chapter, will offer the folOct. 21, brought to you by lowing classes at 1155 N. Sumter Stormwater SoluGuignard, Suite 2: 9 a.m.tions in partnership with noon Saturday, Sept. 27, Sumter County Public Works Feeding Fundamentals; and and the Sumter County Rec1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, reation Department. CeleLogistics. To register for brate the installation of four classes, call (803) 775-2363. new pet waste stations to Birnie Elks Lodge 1195 will hold its memorial banquet at 6 p.m. help park visitors pick up after their pets. Bring your on Saturday, Sept. 27. Rep. furry friend dressed in his or David Weeks, D-Sumter, will her favorite Halloween outfit speak. Cost: $15. Call (803) (optional) to enter the cos773-0846 for details. tume contest. Free giveThe Little Miss Teen Miss Sumaways will include pet banter-Manning preliminary pagdanas, Frisbees, water boteant will be held at 3 p.m. on tles, etc. For more informaSunday, Sept. 28, at Kingstion, contact Jolie Brown at bury Elementary School. Par- (803) 773-5561 or jolie2@ ticipants do not have to be a clemson.edu.

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2014

AccuWeather® five-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy and warmer

Mostly cloudy

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Clouds breaking for Some sun; pleasant some sun in the p.m.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Partly sunny and humid

Intervals of clouds and sunshine

75°

65°

77° / 64°

78° / 64°

81° / 64°

80° / 67°

Chance of rain: 25%

Chance of rain: 15%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 15%

Chance of rain: 25%

Winds: NNE 6-12 mph

Winds: NE 4-8 mph

Winds: NE 7-14 mph

Winds: NE 6-12 mph

Winds: NE 4-8 mph

Winds: NE 4-8 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaffney 74/60 Spartanburg 75/62

Greenville 74/62

Florence 78/64

Bishopville 75/63 Columbia 78/65

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

Sumter 75/65

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Myrtle Beach 80/67

Manning 77/65

Today: Clouds and sun. Winds east-northeast 4-8 mph. Partly cloudy.

Friday: Partly sunny. Winds east 4-8 mph.

Aiken 76/64

ON THE COAST Charleston 81/69

Today: Cloudy with a shower. High 78 to 82.

Friday: Mostly cloudy with a shower. High 77 to 81.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

64° 56° 81° 59° 95° in 1980 42° in 1981

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

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest.

356.88 75.50 75.32 97.41

24-hr chg -0.01 +0.06 none -0.10

Sunrise 7:12 a.m.

Moonrise 8:23 a.m.

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

0.03" 4.82" 3.10" 30.48" 39.62" 36.49"

NATIONAL CITIES

REGIONAL CITIES

Today Fri. City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Atlanta 78/64/pc 77/65/pc Chicago 75/54/c 75/56/pc Dallas 86/67/s 87/68/s Detroit 73/53/s 75/52/s Houston 83/69/s 82/68/pc Los Angeles 86/67/s 82/63/pc New Orleans 86/72/s 87/72/t New York 62/58/r 76/61/pc Orlando 86/73/t 87/75/t Philadelphia 65/57/r 76/59/pc Phoenix 102/82/pc 101/74/t San Francisco 74/63/r 73/61/pc Wash., DC 70/61/r 79/60/pc

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 74/58/pc 78/62/pc 77/65/c 81/69/c 77/67/r 81/69/c 74/60/c 79/64/pc 78/65/c 76/63/c 77/64/r 77/63/c 77/62/c

7:15 p.m.

8:03 p.m.

First

Full

Last

New

Oct. 1

Oct. 8

Oct. 15

Oct. 23

TIDES

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 4.53 none 19 3.36 +0.14 14 5.89 +0.13 14 2.17 -0.26 80 77.85 +0.54 24 9.92 -0.17

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 75/58/pc 77/63/pc 79/65/pc 81/70/c 75/67/r 80/69/c 77/60/pc 79/65/pc 78/65/pc 78/63/pc 75/64/r 76/63/c 77/63/pc

Sunset Moonset

AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Fri.

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 78/64/c Gainesville 83/70/t Gastonia 74/61/c Goldsboro 76/63/c Goose Creek 81/69/c Greensboro 74/59/c Greenville 74/62/pc Hickory 74/60/pc Hilton Head 78/71/c Jacksonville, FL 82/70/t La Grange 81/63/pc Macon 78/63/pc Marietta 79/61/pc

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 77/64/pc 84/71/t 77/60/pc 76/63/pc 79/68/c 75/59/pc 75/62/pc 76/60/s 79/71/sh 83/71/t 83/67/pc 79/66/pc 78/64/pc

High 10:27 a.m.

10:33 p.m.

11:02 a.m.

11:07 p.m.

Ht. 3.3 3.2 3.3 3.2

Low 4:47 a.m.

5:15 p.m.

5:22 a.m.

5:55 p.m.

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 75/59/pc Mt. Pleasant 81/70/c Myrtle Beach 80/67/r Orangeburg 76/66/c Port Royal 79/69/c Raleigh 73/59/c Rock Hill 74/60/c Rockingham 74/61/c Savannah 81/69/c Spartanburg 75/62/pc Summerville 79/70/c Wilmington 78/65/r Winston-Salem 75/59/c

Ht. 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 77/58/pc 79/69/c 79/68/c 76/66/pc 80/69/c 75/60/pc 76/60/pc 78/60/pc 82/70/t 77/61/pc 79/72/c 77/64/r 75/59/pc

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

PUBLIC AGENDA SUMTER COUNTY DEVELOPMENT BOARD Today, 7:30 a.m., Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce boardroom, 32 E. Calhoun St.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take one step EUGENIA LAST at a time and keep your emotions in check. You can accomplish a lot if you concentrate on what’s important and don’t allow anyone to distract you. A change in an important relationship will lead to greater opportunity.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Focus on self-improvement. Do something to help a cause you feel strongly about. Taking an authoritative approach will work as long as you don’t force your will on others or try to do the impossible.

Love is on the rise.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Channel your energy wisely. If you aren’t direct, you may mislead someone who will expect more than what you are prepared to deliver. Take care of your health by sticking to a nutritional diet. Follow your gut when dealing with peers.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Review all the events and situations unfolding around you. You are best to refrain from offering your opinions or your services until you feel you have a better handle on what’s happening. Don’t judge or make assumptions.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take it upon yourself to make a direct connection to someone who can help you reach your goals. High energy, effort and a charismatic approach to whatever you do will draw a crowd and ensure that you reach your destination in style.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take a look at the open job market and consider what you can do to market your skills and raise your earning potential. A change can be good, but only if you feel it will not cost you in your personal life.

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

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Strive for perfection. Refuse to let anyone put you down or stop you from believing in who you are and what you are capable of doing. Jealousy and possessiveness is apparent if someone feels threatened by your success.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Tidy up any unfinished business before taking on a new project. You will face setbacks if you let an emotional matter get the better of you at work. Look at your options but be practical regarding what’s doable.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You will be rewarded for your efforts and your contributions.

Short trips will bring positive changes to the way you live and take care of your emotional and physical wellness. Don’t be fooled by a newfangled diet. Eat nutritiously.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t count on anyone or anything.

Expect the unexpected and be ready to take whatever measure is necessary to protect what you have. A change of location will not be in your best interest. Stick close to home.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take action. What you do now will pave the way for greater opportunities.

You can negotiate and win approval if you present your case flawlessly. Know what you want and don’t give up until you get your way.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Look over personal contracts. You will find a way to cut corners and improve your cash flow. Love is in the stars and a commitment will lead to a change in the way or where you live. Consider your motives before following through.

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LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 WEDNESDAY

MEGAMILLIONS TUESDAY

4-16-19-22-28 PowerUp: 3

21-24-25-40-43 Megaball: 12 Megaplier: 5

PICK 3 WEDNESDAY

PICK 4 WEDNESDAY

4-6-3 and 3-0-5

2-4-4-2 and 8-3-0-8

POWERBALL numbers were unavailable at press time.

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC Don and Imogene Mathis share a photo of Scottish dancers performing at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, Scotland. Bands and units from all over the world participated.

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

Short week key for struggling Giants, Redskins

B

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

B5

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

PREP FOOTBALL

Becoming more balanced Barons QB finding more success in passing game

BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS justin@theitem.com Balance on offense has always been a goal for the Wilson Hall football team under head coach Bruce Lane.

Even so, Lane couldn’t help but be encouraged by what he saw last Friday against Thomas Sumter Academy.

The Barons ran the ball, yes, but first-year varsity quarterback McLendon Sears did more damage with his arm than his legs.

Sears went 18-for-20 through the air for 293 yards and three touchdowns. That breakout performance bodes well for WH moving forward as it gets set to face six straight SCISA 3A opponents, starting this Friday at Spencer Field at 7:30 p.m.

And with 4-1 Augusta Christian next on the docket, the air resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time as both teams sit at 1-1 in 3A play.

“With as well as we’ve run the ball the last few years and this year, there’s always that tendency that teams might crowd the box and try to take that away,” Lane said. “I think what we were able to do last week will be very significant going forward.

“Our quarterback threw the ball well. Our receivers ran good routes and we pass

MARK MORGAN /SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM

Wilson Hall quarterback McLendon Sears (7) looks for running room as teammate Thomas McGinnis (76) prepares to throw a block during a 42-0 victory over Thomas Sumter Academy last Friday. Sears ran for 101 yards and three scores and passed for 293 yards and three more TDs in the victory. blocked very well. We were able to stretch the field vertically.”

Because of that, Sears now

has 669 yards passing on the season with eight touchdowns. Compare that to the 863 yards rushing and 11

scores and the Barons’ offense is seemingly more 50-50 between the run and the pass than before.

Gators getting back to basics Lakewood looking to play consistent for all four quarters

BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS justin@theitem.com The Lakewood Gators got back to basics during their off week.

After all, head coach Perry Parks said, it’s the little things that have hurt the Gators the most through their first four high school football games.

“We just tried to clean up our game offensively and defensively,” Parks said. “We worked on fundamentals.

Defensively, we worked on just making tackles and playing our assignments. Offensively, we worked on making sure we didn’t keep shooting ourselves in the foot.”

Lakewood looks to play a more consistent four quarters on Friday when the Gators welcome Camden to J.

Wilson Hall (3-1) will need that balance facing a Lions

SEE BARONS, PAGE B3

NASCAR

No charges for Stewart in death of Ward Jr.

BY JENNA FRYER & CAROLYN THOMPSON The Associated Press

was the captain. He is adored in Scotland as much as any American golfer, having won the British Open four times on Scottish links. His three Senior British Open titles all were in Scotland.

In the four Ryder Cups that Watson played, only one was held in the United States.

One thing hasn’t changed.

Watson approaches these matches with a singular focus.

“The European team is

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. — Prosecutors announced Wednesday that a grand jury had decided against bringing criminal charges against three-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart in the August death of a driver at a sprint car race in upstate New York.

Ontario County STEWART District Attorney Michael Tantillo said the victim, Kevin Ward Jr., was under the influence of marijuana the night of the accident “enough to impair judgment.” And he said two videos examined by investigators showed “no aberrational driving by Tony Stewart.”

The decision came nearly seven weeks after Stewart’s car struck and killed Ward during a dirt track race on Aug. 9. Stewart, the brash and popular NASCAR driver known as “Smoke,” spent three weeks in seclusion following what he called a tragic accident before quietly returning to the Sprint Cup circuit.

One of the biggest stars in the garage, Stewart has 48 career Cup wins in 542 starts but is winless this year and did not make the championship Chase field.

“This has been the toughest and most emotional experience of my life, and it will stay

SEE WATSON, PAGE B5

SEE STEWART, PAGE B5

MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Lakewood running back Latheron Rogers-Anderson (8) is one of the key components to the Gators offense. Lakewood plays host to Camden on Friday.

Frank Baker Stadium in their final non-region tuneup.

LHS is 2-2 overall – but both of its losses have a sil-

ver lining.

“We shut (Lake City and Sumter) out in the second half,” Parks said. “That shows that it’s just a case of

minimizing mistakes in the first half so we don’t have to climb back out of a hole.

SEE GATORS, PAGE B3

PRO GOLF

2014 Ryder Cup signifies last hurrah for Watson

BY DOUG FERGUSON The Associated Press GLENEAGLES, Scotland — Phil Mickelson has played in the Ryder Cup more times than any American. His experience is such that recent captains have leaned on him for observations on everything from pairings to picks.

That wasn’t the case with Tom Watson at the helm.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS In the week leading up to This will be the final Ryder Cup for Watson making his three U.S. team captain Tom Watson, wild-card picks, Mickelson right. The competition begins was asked if the 65-year-old today in Gleneagles, Scotland. captain had reached out to

him. The answer was no, without elaboration.

Then, as if to make a point, Mickelson reached into his pocket for his phone, glanced at it and replied, “Still no.”

Watson might not need any help to find a winning formula for the Ryder Cup. One reason the PGA of America took a chance on the oldest captain ever in the Ryder Cup was his history in the matches.

The Americans haven’t won on European soil since 1993, the last time Watson

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SPORTS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

SCOREBOARD

Texas 2, Houston 1 Minnesota 6, Arizona 3 L.A. Angels 2, Oakland 0

TODAY

5:30 p.m. -- High School Football: Sumter Touchdown Club Meeting (FTC NOW 26).

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

7 p.m. -- Major League Baseball: Pittsburgh at Atlanta (SPORTSOUTH, WPUB-FM 102.7).

7 p.m. -- Major League Baseball: Baltimore at New York Yankees (MLB NETWORK).

7 p.m. -- Women’s College Volleyball: Arkansas at Mississippi (SEC NETWORK).

7 p.m. -- High School Football: Wilson Hall at Thomas Sumter (FTC NOW 26).

7:30 p.m. -- College Football: Texas Tech at Oklahoma State (ESPN).

7:30 p.m. -- College Football: Appalachian State at Georgia Southern (ESPNU).

8 p.m. -- College Football: Missouri Western State at Lindenwood (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

8:25 p.m. -- NFL Football: New York Giants at Washington (WLTX 19, WNKTFM 107.5).

9 p.m. -- Women’s College Volleyball: Gonzaga at Brigham Young (BYUTV).

10 p.m. -- College Football: UCLA at Arizona State (FOX SPORTS 1).

2:30 a.m. -- International Golf: Ryder Cup Day 1 Matches from Perthshire, Scotland -- United States vs. Europe (GOLF).

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE The Associated Press (Subject to change)

TODAY

SOUTH Appalachian St. (1-2) at Georgia Southern (2-2), 7:30 p.m.

SOUTHWEST Texas Tech (2-1) at Oklahoma St. (21), 7:30 p.m.

FAR WEST UCLA (3-0) at Arizona St. (3-0), 10 p.m.

FRIDAY

SOUTH Middle Tennessee (2-2) at Old Dominion (3-1), 8 p.m.

FAR WEST Fresno St. (1-3) at New Mexico (1-2), 8 p.m.

SATURDAY

EAST Tulane (1-3) at Rutgers (3-1), Noon Georgetown (2-2) at Colgate (1-2), Noon Northwestern (1-2) at Penn St. (4-0), Noon Colorado St. (2-1) at Boston College (3-1), 12:30 p.m.

Monmouth (NJ) (2-1) at Lehigh (0-3), 12:30 p.m.

San Diego (2-1) at Marist (0-4), 1 p.m.

Army (1-2) at Yale (1-0), 1 p.m.

Fordham (3-1) at Holy Cross (2-2), 1:05 p.m.

Akron (1-2) at Pittsburgh (3-1), 1:30 p.m.

Villanova (2-1) at Penn (0-1), 3 p.m.

Bowling Green (2-2) at UMass (0-4), 3 p.m.

Miami (Ohio) (0-4) at Buffalo (2-2), 3:30 p.m.

W. Kentucky (1-2) at Navy (2-2), 3:30 p.m.

Rhode Island (0-3) at CCSU (1-3), 4 p.m.

Va.-Lynchburg (0-3) at St. Francis, Pa. (1-3), 4 p.m.

Temple (2-1) at UConn (1-3), 4 p.m.

Columbia (0-1) at Albany (NY) (3-0), 6 p.m.

Harvard (1-0) at Brown (0-1), 6 p.m.

Cornell (0-1) at Bucknell (3-0), 6 p.m.

Wagner (1-2) at Lafayette (1-2), 6 p.m.

Dartmouth (1-0) at New Hampshire (2-1), 6 p.m.

Davidson (1-3) at Princeton (0-1), 6 p.m.

William & Mary (3-1) at Stony Brook (1-3), 6 p.m.

Maine (1-2) at Towson (2-2), 7 p.m.

Notre Dame (3-0) vs. Syracuse (2-1) at East Rutherford, N.J., 8 p.m.

SOUTH Charleston Southern (4-0) at Charlotte (3-1), Noon Tennessee (2-1) at Georgia (2-1), Noon Vanderbilt (1-3) at Kentucky (2-1), Noon W. Michigan (2-1) at Virginia Tech (22), 12:30 p.m.

NC A&T (3-1) at Howard (1-3), 1 p.m.

Mercer (3-1) at VMI (1-3), 1:30 p.m.

SC State (2-2) at Hampton (1-3), 2 p.m.

W. Carolina (2-1) at Furman (2-2), 3:30 p.m.

Wake Forest (2-2) at Louisville (3-1), 3:30 p.m.

Florida St. (3-0) at NC State (4-0), 3:30 p.m.

FIU (1-3) at UAB (2-1), 3:30 p.m.

Kent St. (0-3) at Virginia (2-2), 3:30 p.m.

Louisiana Tech (2-2) at Auburn (3-0), 4 p.m.

Florida Tech (3-0) at Bethune-Cookman (2-1), 4 p.m.

Delaware (2-1) at James Madison (22), 4 p.m.

Morgan St. (2-2) at Norfolk St. (0-4), 4 p.m.

Southern U. (2-2) at Alcorn St. (3-1), 5 p.m.

UTSA (1-2) at FAU (1-3), 5 p.m.

Alabama A&M (0-4) at MVSU (0-3), 5 p.m.

Texas Southern (4-0) at Alabama St. (3-1), 6 p.m.

Valparaiso (1-2) at Campbell (0-3), 6 p.m.

Savannah St. (0-3) at Delaware St. (04), 6 p.m.

Gardner-Webb (2-2) at The Citadel (03), 6 p.m.

Samford (2-1) at Chattanooga (1-2), 7 p.m.

North Carolina (2-1) at Clemson (1-2), 7 p.m.

Elon (1-2) at Coastal Carolina (4-0), 7 p.m.

Troy (0-4) at Louisiana-Monroe (2-1), 7 p.m.

Arkansas Tech (2-1) at McNeese St. (1-1), 7 p.m.

Jacksonville St. (2-1) at Murray St. (12), 7 p.m.

Missouri (3-1) at South Carolina (3-1), 7 p.m.

Rice (0-3) at Southern Miss. (2-2), 7 p.m.

Florida A&M (0-3) at Tennessee St. (3-1), 7 p.m.

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST DIVISION W 94 81 80 76 68

L 63 76 77 81 89

Pct .599 .516 .510 .484 .433

GB – 13 14 18 26

W 87 86 82 72 67

L 70 71 76 85 90

Pct .554 .548 .519 .459 .427

GB – 1 51/2 15 20

W x-Los Angeles 97 Oakland 86 Seattle 83 Houston 69 Texas 64 x-clinched division

L 61 71 74 89 93

Pct .614 .548 .529 .437 .408

GB – 101/2 131/2 28 321/2

Detroit Kansas City Cleveland Chicago Minnesota WEST DIVISION

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Seattle (Undecided) at Toronto (Da. Norris 0-0), 4:07 p.m.

Baltimore (Gausman 7-7) at N.Y. Yankees (Kuroda 11-9), 7:05 p.m.

Minnesota (May 3-5) at Detroit (Scherzer 17-5), 7:08 p.m.

Tampa Bay (Hellickson 1-4) at Boston (Webster 4-3), 7:10 p.m.

Oakland (Hammel 2-6) at Texas (Lewis 10-14), 8:05 p.m.

Kansas City (Shields 14-8) at Chicago White Sox (Quintana 9-10), 8:10 p.m.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Tampa Bay at Cleveland, 7:05 p.m.

Baltimore at Toronto, 7:07 p.m.

Minnesota at Detroit, 7:08 p.m.

Houston at N.Y. Mets, 7:10 p.m.

N.Y. Yankees at Boston, 7:10 p.m.

Oakland at Texas, 8:05 p.m.

Kansas City at Chicago White Sox, 8:10 p.m.

L.A. Angels at Seattle, 10:10 p.m.

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST DIVISION W 92 76 76 75 71

L 64 81 81 81 86

Pct .590 .484 .484 .481 .452

GB – 161/2 161/2 17 211/2

W 88 86 80 73 70

L 70 71 77 84 88

Pct .557 .548 .510 .465 .443

GB – 11/2 71/2 141/2 18

W L Pct z-Los Angeles 90 68 .570 San Francisco 85 72 .541 San Diego 75 82 .478 Colorado 66 92 .418 Arizona 63 95 .399 z-clinched playoff berth x-clinched division

GB – 41/2 141/2 24 27

x-Washington Atlanta New York Miami Philadelphia CENTRAL DIVISION z-St. Louis z-Pittsburgh Milwaukee Cincinnati Chicago WEST DIVISION

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Washington 4, N.Y. Mets 2 Cincinnati 3, Milwaukee 1 Miami 2, Philadelphia 0 Pittsburgh 3, Atlanta 2 Chicago Cubs 4, St. Louis 3, 10 innings Minnesota 6, Arizona 3 Colorado 3, San Diego 2 L.A. Dodgers 4, San Francisco 2

TODAY’S GAMES

Milwaukee (Gallardo 8-10) at Cincinnati (Holmberg 1-2), 12:35 p.m.

Philadelphia (D.Buchanan 6-8) at Miami (Koehler 9-10), 4:10 p.m.

N.Y. Mets (Za.Wheeler 11-10) at Washington (Fister 15-6), 7:05 p.m.

Pittsburgh (Volquez 12-7) at Atlanta (Hale 4-4), 7:10 p.m.

San Diego (Cashner 5-7) at San Francisco (Y.Petit 5-5), 10:15 p.m.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Miami at Washington, 1:05 p.m., 1st game Atlanta at Philadelphia, 7:05 p.m.

Miami at Washington, 7:05 p.m., 2nd game Houston at N.Y. Mets, 7:10 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 7:10 p.m.

Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee, 8:10 p.m.

St. Louis at Arizona, 9:40 p.m.

Colorado at L.A. Dodgers, 10:10 p.m.

San Diego at San Francisco, 10:15 p.m.

NASCAR LEADERS

By The Associated Press SPRINT CUP LEADERS

Through Sept. 21 Points 1, Brad Keselowski, 2,097. 2, Joey Logano, 2,096. 3, Kevin Harvick, 2,090. 4, Jimmie Johnson, 2,080. 5, Kyle Busch, 2,077. 6, Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2,077. 7, Jeff Gordon, 2,070. 8, Matt Kenseth, 2,057. 9, Carl Edwards, 2,057. 10, AJ Allmendinger, 2,056. 11, Kasey Kahne, 2,055. 12, Ryan Newman, 2,055. 13, Denny Hamlin, 2,049. 14, Greg Biffle, 2,049. 15, Kurt Busch, 2,047. 16, Aric Almirola, 2,045. 17, Kyle Larson, 821.

18, Jamie McMurray, 782. 19, Clint Bowyer, 781. 20, Austin Dillon, 759.

Money 1, Brad Keselowski, $6,204,698. 2, Jeff Gordon, $5,788,727. 3, Jimmie Johnson, $5,507,667. 4, Joey Logano, $5,430,852.

5, Kevin Harvick, $5,249,408.

6, Matt Kenseth, $5,209,951. 7, Dale Earnhardt Jr., $5,199,004. 8, Jamie McMurray, $5,192,066. 9, Kyle Busch, $4,996,829.

10, Denny Hamlin, $4,666,013. 11, Greg Biffle, $4,416,134. 12, Austin Dillon, $4,339,433.

13, Clint Bowyer, $4,236,764. 14, Kyle Larson, $4,206,105.

15, Brian Vickers, $4,147,148. 16, Aric Almirola, $4,142,538. 17, Paul Menard, $4,119,227.

18, Carl Edwards, $4,071,677. 19, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., $3,985,955. 20, Marcos Ambrose, $3,812,475.

Baltimore 5, N.Y. Yankees 4 Kansas City 7, Cleveland 1 Toronto 10, Seattle 2 Detroit 4, Chicago White Sox 3 Tampa Bay 6, Boston 2

TSA tennis blanks OP Thomas Sumter Academy’s varsity girls tennis team swept Orangeburg Prep 9-0 on Wednesday at Palmetto Tennis Center.

The Lady Generals took five of the six singles matches and won four of them in straight sets.

SINGLES 1 – H. Jenkins (TSA) defeated Walter 6-3, 6-1.

2 – B. Jenkins (TSA) defeated Bozart 6-1, 6-1.

3 – Townsend (TSA) defeated Robinson 6-0, 6-0.

4 – Decker (TSA) defeated Riser 6-0, 6-0.

5 – Hood (TSA) defeated Altman 6-0, 6-0.

6 – Chappell (TSA) defeated Patel 6-0, 6-0.

DOUBLES 1 – St. Crye/B. Jenkins (TSA) defeated Walter/Bozart 9-7.

2 – Kistler/Vise (TSA) defeated Robinson/Riser 8-1.

3 – Font/Filipiak (TSA) defeated Altman/Frierson 8-5.

WILSON HALL 7 LAURENCE MANNING 2

Wilson Hall improved to 8-1 on the season with a 7-2 victory against Laurence Manning Academy on Wednesday at Palmetto Tennis Center.

The Lady Barons will host A.C. Flora on Monday at PTC.

SINGLES 1 – Beasley (WH) defeated Newman 6-0, 6-0.

2 – Segars (WH) defeated Ridgill 6-1, 6-1.

3 – Lecher (WH) defeated Mac. Ham 6-0, 6-0.

4 – Spencer (WH) defeated K. Johnson 6-2, 6-0.

5 – Clifton (WH) defeated Mas. Ham 6-0, 6-2.

6 – Collins (LMA) defeated Brunson 3-6, 6-2, 10-7.

DOUBLES 1 – Beasley/Lecher (WH) defeated Newman/Ridgill 8-1.

2 – Segars/Bell (WH) defeated Mac. Ham/K. Johnson 8-0.

3 – Mas. Ham/A. Johnson (LMA) defeated Clifton/Prescott 8-5.

JUNIOR VARSITY TENNIS THOMAS SUMTER 5 WILSON HALL 4 Thomas Sumter Academy’s junior varsity tennis team got wins at Nos. 1 and 2 doubles to earn a 5-4 victory over Wilson Hall on Tuesday at Palmetto Tennis Center.

SINGLES 1—Mouzon (TSA) defeated Beasley 6-2, 6-0.

2 – Guldan (WH) defeated Houser 6-0, 6-1.

3 – Townsend (TSA) defeated Davis 6-1, 6-3.

4 – Avery (TSA) won 3-6, 6-5, 10-5.

5 – (WH) defeated Peckham via tiebreak 10-5.

6 –Welch (WH) defeated Arrants 6-2, 6-0.

DOUBLES 1 –Mouzon/Payton (TSA) won 8-1.

2 – Townsend/Avery (TSA) won 8-6.

3 – Land/Welch (WH) defeated White/Peckham via tiebreaker 9-7.

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL WILSON HALL 3 ORANGEBURG PREP 1 ORANGEBURG – Wilson Hall remained undefeated in SCISA Region II-3A with a 3-1 victory over Orangeburg Prep on Tuesday at the OP gymnasium.

The Lady Barons, who improved to 10-3 overall and 4-0 in region play, won by the scores of 25-23, 25-16, 22-25, 25-16.

Simmons deHoll, who was named SCISA Player of the Week last week, led WH with 16 kills, 14 service points and three aces.

Haley Hawkins had 14 kills, Delaney Johnson had 11 points and four aces and Courtney Clark had 21 assists.

FLORENCE CHRISTIAN 3 LAURENCE MANNING 0

FLORENCE – Florence Christian School swept Laurence Manning Academy on Tuesday at the FCS gymnasium.

Game scores were 25-7, 25-13 and 25-17.

VARSITY GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY SUMTER FINISHES SIXTH FLORENCE – Sumter High School finished sixth in a meet on Tuesday at Freedom Florence.

Riley Gallegos led the Lady Gamecocks, finishing ninth overall in a time of 24

minutes, 2 seconds.

JV VOLLEYBALL WILSON HALL 2 ORANGEBURG PREP 0 ORANGEBURG – Wilson Hall improved to 7-4 on the season with a 2-0 victory over Orangeburg Prep on Tuesday at the OP gymnasium.

Chandler Curtis had nine points, three aces, two kills and eight assists to lead the Lady Barons. Cameron Duffy had five kills, three service points and one ace.

FLORENCE CHRISTIAN 2 LAURENCE MANNING 1

FLORENCE – Laurence Manning Academy lost 2-1 to Florence Christian School on Tuesday at the FCS gymnasium.

Game scores were 8-25, 25-22 and 23-25 in favor of the Lady Eagles.

MIDDLE SCHOOL FOOTBALL ALICE DRIVE 20 FURMAN 0

Furman Middle School lost to Alice Drive 20-0 on Tuesday at Craig Field.

Trqvius Epps had 57 yards rushing for the Indians. Avery Williams and Clifford Workman both had six tackles and Trayshawn Moore recovered a fumble.

MAYEWOOD 6 BATES 0

Bates Middle School lost to Mayewood 6-0 in overtime on Tuesday at the Bates field.

John Henry led Bates with 50 yards rushing. Kurt Lewis led the defense with five tackles and Marcus Hicks had a quarterback sack.

MLB ROUNDUP

NFL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press

AMERICAN CONFERENCE EAST Buffalo New England Miami N.Y. Jets SOUTH Houston Indianapolis Tennessee Jacksonville NORTH Cincinnati Baltimore Pittsburgh Cleveland WEST Denver San Diego Kansas City Oakland

W 2 2 1 1

L 1 1 2 2

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .667 .667 .333 .333

PF 62 66 58 62

PA 52 49 83 72

W 2 1 1 0

L 1 2 2 3

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .667 .333 .333 .000

PF 64 95 43 44

PA 50 78 69 119

W 3 2 2 1

L 0 1 1 2

T Pct PF PA 0 1.000 80 33 0 .667 65 50 0 .667 73 72 0 .333 74 77

W 2 2 1 0

L 1 1 2 3

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .667 .667 .333 .000

PF 75 69 61 37

PA 67 49 65 65

NATIONAL CONFERENCE EAST Philadelphia Dallas N.Y. Giants Washington SOUTH Atlanta Carolina New Orleans Tampa Bay NORTH

MLB STANDINGS

By The Associated Press x-Baltimore New York Toronto Tampa Bay Boston CENTRAL DIVISION

SPORTS ITEMS

TODAY’S GAMES

TV, RADIO

THE SUMTER ITEM

Detroit Chicago Minnesota Green Bay WEST Arizona Seattle St. Louis San Francisco

W 3 2 1 1

L 0 1 2 2

T Pct PF PA 0 1.000 101 78 0 .667 77 69 0 .333 58 77 0 .333 81 64

W 2 2 1 0

L 1 1 2 3

T 0 0 0 0

Pct PF PA .667 103 72 .667 63 58 .333 78 72 .000 45 95

W 2 2 1 1

L 1 1 2 2

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .667 .667 .333 .333

W 3 2 1 1

L 0 1 2 2

T Pct PF PA 0 1.000 66 45 0 .667 83 66 0 .333 56 85 0 .333 62 68

PF 61 75 50 54

PA 45 62 56 79

TODAY

N.Y. Giants at Washington, 8:25 p.m.

SUNDAY

Green Bay at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Buffalo at Houston, 1 p.m.

Tennessee at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Carolina at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Detroit at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

Miami vs. Oakland at London, 1 p.m.

Jacksonville at San Diego, 4:05 p.m.

Philadelphia at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m.

Atlanta at Minnesota, 4:25 p.m.

New Orleans at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Open: Arizona, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Seattle, St. Louis

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle waves to the crowd as he leaves the dugout after the Pirates defeated Atlanta 3-2 on Tuesday in Atlanta to clinch a playoff berth.

Pirates clinch playoff spot ATLANTA — Gerrit Cole was so focused on recording 17 consecutive outs, he didn’t glance at the out-of-town scoreboard.

Cole insisted he didn’t know his win over Atlanta had clinched a playoff spot for Pittsburgh until he walked into the clubhouse and saw the lockers covered in plastic.

The surging Pirates earned their second straight trip to the postseason with a 3-2 victory over the free-falling Braves on Tuesday night.

Cole gave up two runs in the first two innings and then didn’t allow another baserunner.

The Pirates’ win combined with Milwaukee’s loss to Cincinnati assured Pittsburgh of no worse than an NL wild card.

Pittsburgh also moved within 1 1/2 games of NL Central leader St. Louis, which lost to the Chicago Cubs in 10 innings.

The Pirates wrapped up their postseason berth exactly one year after clinching a place in the 2013 playoffs to end a 21-year drought.

The Pirates reacted to the final out on Tuesday with little emotion. Players exchanged high-fives in a line on the field before sharing hugs in front of their dugout.

The emotions flowed with champagne and beer in the clubhouse.

MINNEAPOLIS — Phil Hughes set a single-season major league record for strikeout-to-walk ratio, pitching eight strong innings for the Minnesota Twins in a 2-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on a wet Wednesday afternoon.

ORIOLES 9 YANKEES 5

NEW YORK — Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees were eliminated from postseason contention, wasting a three-run lead Thursday in a 9-5 loss to Nelson Cruz and the AL East champion Baltimore Orioles.

TIGERS 6 WHITE SOX 1

DETROIT — Justin Verlander pitched eight impressive innings, and the Detroit Tigers inched closer to a postseason spot Wednesday, rallying after benches cleared in the sixth inning to beat the Chicago White Sox 6-1.

ANGELS 5 ATHLETICS 4

TWINS 2

OAKLAND, Calif. — Howie Kendrick doubled and drove in three runs, and the AL West champion Los Angeles Angels held off the playoff-hopeful Oakland Athletics 5-4 on Wednesday.

DIAMONDBACKS 1

From wire reports

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

AREA SCOREBOARD BOWLING GAMECOCK LANES WEEKLY HIGH SCORES

Industrial Mixed: Thomas Price 244629; Thomas Jackson 265; Evvie Prioleau 548; Ron Rath 546.

Friday Night Mixed: Curtis Anderson 277-745; Sam Green 269-666; Romero Davis 251-581; Gregg Anderson 276711; Norris Kendrick 221-561; George Russ 215-582; Charlie Boykin 246-692; Ken Rainwater 259-711; Steve Shirley 245-643; Sean Chapman 678; Wardell Stevenson 558; Dave Fanning 722; Marc Harton 709; Tyrone Bailey 652; Evvie Prioleau 202-532; Lynn Fanning 248-646; Sammie Washington 545; Catherine Choice 521.

Jr./Maj./Sr.: Mark Lupori 242-556; Devin Pringle 185-513; Ghassen Green 200-524; Connor Batey 182; Ryan Wolfe 225-617; Shonia Lambert 180-466; Jordyn Griffin 346.

Bantams/Preps: Hunter Johnson 105300; Payton Frye 107-295; Caden Mahoney 166; Cameryn Gregory 88-200; Haley Carter 117-306; Mia Sims 114292; Faith Livingston 63-172.

Bumper Bowler: Joey Kirk 133; Sydnie Vohs 121.

Sunday Night Mixed: Debbie Becchetti 214-578; Jay Gillion 255; Harold Allan 267.

Holy Bowlers: Jeff Guest 161-401; Dave Martin 205-536; Ellen Monarch 396; Joe Mader 378; Lee Fifield 384; Joe Casey 498.

Hot Shots: Gwen Cofield 523; Nancy Champion 503.

Tuesday Night Mixed: Don Infelise 280731; Joe Spangler 267; Joshua Sweeney 210-520; Rowland Yates 268; David McGowan 255; Russ Ratcliff 278; Larry Schultz 278-759; Joann Goins 256; Lois Ann Horne 247; Scott Keisling 672; Josh Henderson 310; Kevin Drost 685; David Durant 665; Tara Draper 386; Heather Dallaire 388; Amy Vohs 483.

Close Encounters: Johnny Evans 497; Lee Springs 182-475; Mike Barnes 436.

Afternoon Delight: Calvin McMillan 247-616; Sly McMillan 234-619; Chuck Scott 572.

Possibilities: Liz Andrews 204-467; Julia Jenkins 200; Sally Broadway 290.

Thursday Night House: Missy Riles 137342; Mike Christy 246-626; Phil June 236-605; Floyd Christy 214-549; Jason Krug 218-572; James Price 549.

GOLF PAR 4 PETS TOURNAMENT

The date for the Par 4 Pets 3rd Annual Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, Oct. 18, at Crystal Lakes Golf Course.

The tournament was origi-

nally scheduled to be played this month.

The format for the tournament is 4-Man Captain’s Choice. The entry fee is $160 per team or $40 per player.

The tournament is limited to the first 20 teams. Prizes will go to the top three teams and prizes will be given to closest to pin on all par 3 holes.

Money raised from the tournament goes to K.A.T.’s Special Kneads. For more information on the organization, check it out on Facebook or go to katsspecialkneads@ yahoo.com.

For more information on the tournament, call Kathy Stafford at (803) 469-3906, Teresa Durden at (803) 917-4710 or Mike Ardis at (803) 7751902.

LAKEWOOD TEE IT UP CLASSIC

Lakewood Baseball’s First Tee It Up Classic will be held

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014 on Dec. 6 at The Links at Lakewood.

The format for the tournament will be 4-man Captain’s Choice and will begin at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start. The cost is $200 per team or $50 per player. Lunch will be provided.

The registration and payment deadline is Nov. 21.

For more information, call Lakewood baseball head coach Mike Chapman at (843) 685-0568 or (803) 506-2700 (Ext. 1001) or email him at Chapmonis@gmail.com.

4-PERSON SCRAMBLE

The Links at Lakewood Golf Course will host a 4-person scramble every Thursday.

The cost is $25 per person and includes golf, prizes and food following the scramble.

Call the pro shop at (803) 481-5700 before 4 p.m. on Thursday to sign up.

BARONS

Junior Varsity Football Dutch Fork at Sumter, 7:30 p.m.

Crestwood at Lake City, 6 p.m.

Lakewood at Camden, 6 p.m.

Manning at Beaufort, 6:30 p.m.

Lee Central at Timmonsville, 6 p.m.

Wilson Hall at Heathwood Hall, 7 p.m.

Cardinal Newman at Laurence Manning, 7 p.m.

Clarendon Hall at Patrick Henry, 6:30 p.m.

B Team Football Dutch Fork at Sumter, 6 p.m.

Wilson Hall at Heathwood Hall, 5 p.m.

Cardinal Newman at Laurence Manning, 5 p.m.

Middle School Football Thomas Sumter at Trinity-Byrnes, 6 p.m.

Robert E. Lee at Dillon Christian, 6:30 p.m.

Varsity Girls Tennis West Florence at Sumter, TBA Laurence Manning at Holly Hill, 4 p.m.

Thomas Sumter at Carolina Academy, 4 p.m.

Junior Varsity Girls Tennis Carolina Academy at Thomas Sumter, 4 p.m.

Varsity Volleyball Crestwood at Hartsville, 6 p.m.

St. Francis Xavier at Dorchester, 5 p.m.

Varsity and JV Volleyball

FOOTBALL SUMTER TOUCHDOWN CLUB

The Sumter Touchdown Club will meet each Friday at the Quality Inn located at 2390 Broad Street Extension from 7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

The 13-week program features a guest speaker, a devotional, a high school coaches corner, the recognition of The Item Players of the Week, a catered breakfast and a pick’em contest.

The speakers will include people involved in different aspects of football on the high school, college and professional levels.

The club is accepting members at a price of $100 per membership. It is also looking for sponsorships at a cost of $200.

Sponsorship and membership forms are on the club’s website, www.sumtertdclub. com.

Conway at Sumter, 6 p.m.

Marlboro County at Lakewood, 5:30 p.m.

East Clarendon at Carvers Bay, 5 p.m.

Wilson Hall at Gray Collegiate, 4:30 p.m.

Laurence Manning at Thomas Sumter, 4 p.m.

Clarendon Hall at Patrick Henry, 4:30 p.m.

B Team Volleyball Robert E. Lee, Timmerman at Hammond, 4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY

Varsity Football Sumter at Dutch Fork, 7:30 p.m.

Lake City at Crestwood, 7:30 p.m.

Camden at Lakewood, 7:30 p.m.

Beaufort at Manning, 7:30 p.m.

Timmonsville at Lee Central, 7:30 p.m.

Latta at East Clarendon, 7:30 p.m.

Military Magnet at Scott’s Branch, 7:30 p.m.

Augusta Christian at Wilson Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Laurence Manning at Cardinal Newman, 7:30 p.m.

Trinity-Byrnes at Thomas Sumter, 7:30 p.m.

Dillon Christian at Robert E. Lee, 7:30 p.m.

Clarendon Hall at Wardlaw, 7:30 p.m.

MARK MORGAN / SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM

Wilson Hall’s Josh Gentile hauls in a pass during a 42-0 victory over Thomas Sumter Academy.

Friday. The Lions average 279.2 yards on the ground per game and have amassed 1,396 yards rushing and scored 15 touchdowns this season.

It doesn’t all come from one back, either. AC has four rushers with 170-plus yards, led by Emon Reeves with 431.

“I think they like to use different guys in different situations,” Lane said. “But it all starts up front for them. Their center is committed to Clemson and their left tackle has

been offered by Temple, so they’re very big and physical up front and we have to do a good job of not letting them get a running start at us.”

The onus then will be on the WH run defense that has performed well up to this point. The Barons have allowed just 11.8 points per game. Sam Watford and John Wells Baker lead the team with 47 tackles each and Wilson Hall has 10 sacks as a team.

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FROM PAGE B1 “And on offense, we have to find a way to have success even when things don’t go our way all the time.”

The Gators have averaged 32.5 points per game this season while giving up an average of 27. In two wins, LHS has scored at least 42 points, while in two losses it’s scored a combined 32.

Lakewood quarterback Roderick Charles and running back Latheron Rodgers-Anderson have provided a solid 1-2 punch for the Gators.

Charles has thrown for 341 yards – 306 of which have gone to Khafari Buffalo and Terry Singleton – and three scores. He’s also rushed for 215 yards and five more TDs. Rodgers-Anderson has 538 yards and six scores.

But while the defense has tightened up in the second halves of both losses, the offense struggled to the tune of 13 combined points.

Parks is looking for more consistency from both sides as the Gators prepare to enter the Region VI-3A gauntlet of Marlboro County, Hartsville, Manning, Darlington and Crestwood.

But first, the 2-2 Bulldogs come to town.

“We’re going into it with a region-game mentality,” Parks said. “We want to approach it as a new season, starting out 0-0, and look to get back on the winning track.”

The Bulldogs earned a season-opening victory against Lugoff-Elgin before falling to West Florence the next week.

Still, they averaged 31 points through their first two games.

That has not been the case

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PREP SCHEDULE TODAY

FROM PAGE B1 defense that has allowed an average of just 11.6 points per game. AC hasn’t allowed more than 20 points in any game and has given up 10 points or less in its last three contests.

“They’re probably, along with Ben Lippen, the biggest team physically that we’ll face this year,” Lane said. “They’re a 3-5-3 defense, so you know they’re going to bring pressure from all different places and we have to do a good job of picking guys up.”

The Lions have seven sacks on the year and nine tackles for a loss, led by Calvin Taylor, Alan Worsham and Justin Richburg.

Sears’ mobility might then be a key component of the Barons’ attack.

“That could be a factor, but even when you get us moving side to side I think we have pretty good skill people that can match up with anybody,” Lane said.

WH has four receivers who are over the 100-yard mark this season, led by Brent Carraway’s 196 yards. Robert James and John Ballard are two of the other three and have also combined to rush for 399 yards.

While it might be a coin flip as to whether the Barons will run or pass, there’s little secret as to what Augusta Christian wants to do offensively on

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Lakewood quarterback Roderick Charles has thrown for 341 yards and rushed for 215 yards this season. the last two weeks, however, as Camden has scored just 22 combined points against Hartsville (8) and Lancaster (14).

Kendrice Slater leads Camden with 277 yards rushing, but Jamar Byrd has done the most damage with five touchdowns. Jaylen Nelson has thrown for 474 yards with D.J. Wilson (242 yards) as his go-to target.

“They’re a spread offense, but they want to establish the run,” Parks said. “They have a 6-foot-6-inch tight end and a 6-foot-4 wide receiver, so they’ve got some big guys on the outside that they like to get the ball to. One likes to go

in the middle of the field, the other likes to go down the field.

“So we have to make sure we don’t give up the big play on defense.”

Buffalo and D’onte Washington anchor the Gators defense with 26 total tackles each, and Buffalo leads a LHS secondary that has picked off five passes this season.

Defensively, Camden has multiple fronts with a cover-4 scheme, Parks said.

“They’re very balanced across the board and they’re coached well,” he said. “We have to do a better job of maintaining drives and putting points on the board.”

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

USC FOOTBALL

THE SUMTER ITEM

CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Cooper accounts for Tigers ready to several key positions run with Heels

BY DAVID CARAVIELLO Post and Courier COLUMBIA — He leads South Carolina in receptions, thanks in large part to a career-best game last weekend.

He’s rushed seven times out of a wildcat quarterback formation, one of those resulting in a 70-yard scamper which fell a few feet short of a touchdown.

The only thing left for Pharoh Cooper to do is — throw the ball?

“I haven’t really practiced throwing,” said the Gamecocks’ dynamic do-everything sophomore. “I played quarterback my senior year in high school, so I can throw it. But it’s different in college with all the defensive coverage and stuff. I wouldn’t say I’m comfortable enough to actually go out there and start throwing the ball to every other receiver.”

He’s done it before — it was a 26-yard strike from Cooper to Brandon Wilds that finished off Clemson last season. And Cooper is the only Gamecock other than starting quarterback Dylan Thompson to have taken snaps behind center, because USC’s games have been too close for head coach Steve Spurrier to get backups Perry Orth or Connor Mitch any action.

So if anything were to happen to Thompson, does that make Cooper the No. 2?

“He’s taken the number two snaps, hasn’t he?” Spurrier said. “He’s sort of a wildcat, I guess they describe it, quarterback who’s in there every now and then and so forth, so the other (quarterbacks) have not had a chance to play much.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

South Carolina wide receiver Pharoh Cooper has moved the chains for the Gamecocks in a variety of ways this season.

Who knows how much they’ll play this year. We just have to wait and see how it plays out.”

In the meantime, Cooper is proving quite effective in other areas for the 13th-ranked Gamecocks (3-1, 2-1 SEC), who host Missouri (3-1, 0-0) at 7 p.m.

Saturday. He proved crucial to shifting momentum last weekend at Vanderbilt, where his 10 catches for 114 yards helped USC rally from a 14-0 deficit and withstand two kickoff returns for touchdowns. His 70yard run in the fourth quarter set up a Thompson scoring plunge that provided the Gamecocks enough breathing room in the end.

It was a game that netted Cooper 189 all-purpose yards, and showed so much of what the sophomore is capable of.

No one who has witnessed his preparation was surprised.

“Multiple times this summer, he’d do two-a-days, as far as himself. We’d work out and then he’d throw twice, he’d run routes twice after working out, just stuff like that,” Thompson said.

“There’s no substitute for that. He’s a guy that works, and he’s hungry to be great.

That’s something that’s a common characteristic in great players, that desire and that hunger, and he has it. I think our coaches know that, and you see that during the game.

He’s making big plays.”

Against Vanderbilt, the game plan wasn’t necessarily to target Cooper that many times. But Thompson is proving adept at working through his progressions, and the middle of the field was often open.

The wideout took advantage, with routes that often resulted in big hits after he caught the ball.

“He was a little sore after the game,” Spurrier said. “A couple of the catches he made were sensational.”

At practice Monday, Spurrier asked Cooper, “We’re not using you too much, are we?”

From Cooper’s perspective, he can’t be used enough.

“I always feel like I can do more to help the team if I have more opportunities,” he said.

“But I’m OK. I only got two plays in the wildcat (against Vanderbilt), and I was OK with that. We came out with a win.

But as long as the coaches are calling the plays and I’m doing the best of my ability, I’m going to keep going out there.”

That’s fine with the Ball Coach.

BY MANDRALLIUS ROBINSON Greenville News

CLEMSON— Rapid-fire, no-huddle offenses do not alarm Clemson University defensive end Corey Crawford. He faces that straining strategy during every practice.

Like a jockey whipping his horse down the final stretch, Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris constantly demands a faster pace. Thus, when Clemson’s defense SWINNEY battles a nohuddle team on Saturdays, they already are conditioned for the tempo.

“I really don’t worry about it too much,” Crawford said, “because our offense does the same thing, and we see it a lot.”

However, according to Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, the Tigers have not yet seen an offense sprint like North Carolina.

If Chad Morris employs the Red Bull offense, North Carolina coach Larry Fedora pours the Red Bull into a cup of double espresso.

“They’re the fastest team we’ve played as far as their tempo and how fast they want to snap the football,” Swinney said. “Obviously, we’re a tempo team as well, but they’re kind of a notch above us.”

North Carolina ran 82 plays last week amid a 70-41 pounding from East Carolina. North Carolina

has averaged 42.7 points per game, the second-highest figure in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

“They score a lot of points, and they’ve been very consistent in doing that since Coach Fedora has been there,” Swinney said. “They are extremely fast, so we’ve got to do a good job of preparing for that.”

The Tar Heels’ frenetic pace strains defenders on all three levels of the defense, but Crawford said the limited substitutions especially labor the linemen.

“We’re going to have to get good conditioning in this week,” senior defensive tackle DeShawn Williams said with a big grin.

“Tempo. Tempo. It’s like spot the ball and they go.

No matter what it is, just go. We’ve just got to handle our business.”

The Tar Heels last visited Death Valley in 2011, the year before Fedora arrived in Chapel Hill. However, Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables is familiar with Fedora’s schemes.

Fedora served as the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State from 2005 to 2007. During that same span, Venables was defensive coordinator at rival Oklahoma. Through those three meetings, Venables’ units limited Fedora’s offense to an average of 16.3 points per game.

“It’s nothing that’s going to shell shock us,” Crawford said, “but we just have to be prepared for it.”

Missouri looking to regroup against Gamecocks

BY JAKE KREINBERG The Associated Press COLUMBIA, Mo. — No, Andrew Baggett says, he doesn’t think about “The Kick.”

Eleven months after the Missouri kicker missed a game-tying, 24-yard field goal in double overtime against South Carolina, the Tigers travel this week to face the 13th-ranked Gamecocks in the first of eight consecutive Southeastern Conference matchups.

Missouri (3-1) enters the game unranked following a stunning 31-27 home loss to Indiana, but remains untested in SEC play. A victory against the preseason favorite to win the East division would go a long way toward returning to the conference championship game.

“We’re going to put our foot on the gas,” quarterback Maty Mauk said. “We’ve got to get ready to go. When you start SEC play, you’ve got to make a statement early.”

Baggett says he dealt with

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Indiana’s Michael Hunter, left, breaks up a pass to Missouri wide receiver Bud Sasser during the Hoosier’s 31-27 upset victory over the Tigers on Saturday in Columbia, Mo. fans’ reaction to last year’s loss “for a while,” but realized it meant little as the Tigers went on to win their following four games to capture the di-

vision. Besides, it’s a new year and a new team.

With one problem of old, though.

Missouri allowed 11 tackles

for loss to Indiana, which yielded 45 points to Bowling Green the previous week.

The consistent pressure prevented the Tigers from establishing any rhythm on offense, and outside of two early long runs by Russell Hansbrough, the team averaged just 1.9 yards per rush.

Part of the issue could be attributed to a makeshift offensive line following the loss of fifth-year senior left guard Anthony Gatti, who tore his right anterior cruciate ligament in the first quarter. In 2012, when Missouri went 5-7, only one lineman stayed healthy enough to start every game.

“You look at us last year, we were able to keep the same five guys in the same five spots for every game but (two),” offensive coordinator Josh Henson said. “So does that lead to more consistent, better play?

Sure it does. But when you get injuries, this is what happens.”

Brad McNulty relieved Gatti last week and is expected to start for the first time at left guard against the Game-

cocks (3-1, 2-1 SEC). He started five times at center two years ago before backing up Evan Boehm at the position last season.

Connor McGovern will move from right tackle to right guard, where he started every game last season. Taylor Chappell is expected to make his first career start at right tackle in McGovern’s absence.

Only Mitch Morse (left tackle) and Boehm (center) carry over. But Boehm wasn’t immune to the line’s struggles against Indiana, as he snapped the ball too high several times throughout the game.

“Once you start thinking about it, you just tend to start doing it more and more,” Boehm said. “Like I said, I had a (bad) day. I don’t have an excuse for it. I found out what I was doing, and I went out on Sunday and corrected it.”

Defensive end Markus Golden is expected to return after missing last week with a strained hamstring.

Settlement discussed in Winston sexual assault case, no agreement

BY KAREEM COPELAND The Associated Press TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — There were discussions of a settlement earlier this year between representatives for Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston and the woman who said he sexually assaulted her.

Attorneys for both sides strongly disagree, however, on the details of the talks and who initiated them.

David Cornwell, an atWINSTON torney who advises the Winston family, said in a Sept. 23 letter to Florida State obtained by The Associated Press that the woman’s former lawyer Patricia Carroll demanded $7 million in February to settle her claim against Winston, the university and the Tallahassee Police Department.

Baine Kerr, one of the lawyers for the woman, said in a statement emailed to the AP Wednesday that Cornwell sought the settlement. Kerr said it’s “our understanding that (a) settlement was discussed, no authorized demands were made of Mr. Winston.”

TMZ first reported the letter being sent to Florida State.

Neither Cornwell nor Florida State immediately responded to requests for comment.

The statement released by Kerr said Cornwell “leaked to TMZ a self-serving letter” that he had sent to Florida State, adding that the letter was “full of dishonest and distorted statements at a time when Mr. Winston is suffering from the negative attention of his own continuing misconduct of last week.”

Kerr said Cornwell, threatened to sue the woman and her parents for “civil racketeering in an effort to intimidate them into staying quiet” after

they declined to settle.

Cornwell’s letter said, “Ms. Carroll stated, ‘If we settle you will never hear from my client or me again - in the press or anywhere.’” The letter also said that Carroll threated to bring in “high profile” Colorado lawyers if Winston did not accept the offer. Kerr and his partner John Clune are based in Colorado.

Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher said Wednesday morning that he had no previous knowledge of the letter, but had been told about the TMZ report.

The school is currently investigation Winston for a possible code of conduct violation involving the alleged sexual in December 2012. The Department of Education is investigating the university on how it handles sexual assault complaints after Winston’s accuser filed a complaint.

Cornwell said on Twitter Tuesday,

“... will advise FSU that JW will cooperate with Title 9 investigation. Looks forward to clearing his name.”

Winston was suspended from the Clemson game last week for making “offensive and vulgar” comments about female anatomy on campus. Interim President Garnett S. Stokes and athletic director Stan Wilcox announced the decision after criticism that the original half-game suspension for Winston’s latest embarrassing offfield incident was too light.

While playing for the Florida State baseball team, he was suspended for three games and completed 20 hours of community service after acknowledging he stole $32 worth of crab legs from a local grocery store in April.

Before the football season, he said he had matured, learned what it takes to be a leader and understood that he needed to be more careful in his personal life.

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

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B5

PRO FOOTBALL

Short week is long on meaning for Giants, Redskins

BY JOSEPH WHITE The Associated Press WASHINGTON — The New York Giants and Washington Redskins dragged their sore bodies out of bed this week knowing that the next game would be only four days after the previous one.

Both teams also know that GRUDEN their respective 1-2 starts won’t cut it if the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles are going to keep coming from behind to COUGHLIN win every game.

So never mind the fact that no one seems to like the idea of playing a Thursday night game, or that Redskins coach Jay Gruden joked that he was “jittery” this week because of the “17 cups of coffee” he had consumed just to accommodate the cramped preparation schedule.

Neither team can afford to coast through this one and fall 2½ games off the pace.

“You fall too far behind the 8-ball this early in the season, it’s going to be tough sledding,” Gruden said, “and we’re already behind the 8-ball at 1-2.”

New York defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka said the first thing coach Tom Coughlin said upon walking into the meeting room this week was: “In the division, in the division, in the division.”

The Giants, who started 0-2 before beating the Houston Texans on Sunday, are playing their first NFC East game of the season.

“We didn’t start the season the way we wanted to,” said New York’s Eli Manning, who has struggled to find a comfort zone with first-year offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s playbook.

“But we’ve got a chance to get back on track and get even and hopefully get something going.”

Time to get going, indeed, with some things to notice when the old rivals meet for the 165th time: PUMELLED AND BRUISED

The Redskins listed 17 players on their injury report this

week, including some who would have a much better chance at playing — or playing well — if the game were on a Sunday. The Giants aren’t quite as battered, but they have the extra burden of travel: Road teams are 0-3 on Thursdays this season.

“You’re talking about moving from the emotion of the game you just played right into your preparation,” Coughlin said. “And, of course, you have got to be a pro about that because it is mental, and you can’t leave a stone unturned.”

ELI & KIRK, PROGRESSING

Manning finally made some headway under McAdoo’s scheme with a 21-for-28 day against the Texans, while Washington’s Kirk Cousins has posted a 105.8 rating in roughly seven quarters since taking over for Robert Griffin III (dislocated ankle). Cousins, of course, is miles behind Manning in intangibles such as experience and playing under pressure: He is 1-4 as a starter, and his career fourthquarter rating is 59.3 after he faded late in Sunday’s 37-34 loss to the Eagles.

“You don’t like how we finished in crunch time, how I finished in crunch time,” Cousins said. “But, we’ll learn from it and get better.”

SAFETY VALVES

Manning and Cousins might want to take a peek downfield more often than usual. Free safety has been a problem for both teams.

The Giants benched Stevie Brown after he was beaten for a touchdown pass against the Texans and replaced him with rookie Nat Berhe. Quintin Demps appears set to start Thursday after practicing with the first unit this week.

The Redskins cut Bacarri Rambo after he allowed big plays in the first two games while Brandon Meriweather was suspended. Meriweather is back, but he looked out of sorts against the Eagles. Another would-be option, Duke Ihenacho, broke his left foot and is done for the year, further depleting a secondary that has also lost cornerback DeAngelo Hall (ruptured Achilles) and will start rookie fourth-round pick Bashaud Breeland against the Giants.

SPECIAL FIXES

If nothing else, both teams would have appreciated a full week to work on special teams. The Giants botched a short field goal attempt and were fooled by a fake punt against the Titans, while the Redskins allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown and had a short field goal attempt hit an upright against the Eagles.

D-JAX VS. DRC

Good buddies DeSean Jackson and Dominique RodgersCromartie should put on quite the show, having jostled every day at practice for two seasons as teammates with the Eagles.

“There is definitely going to be some competition and a lot of talking going on,” Giants cornerback RodgersCromartie said. “He likes to go deep, so you have to have on your good shoes.”

Jackson said his friend is one of the few defenders who can keep up.

“At the end of the day, he still has to be able to guard me,” the Redskins wideout said, “regardless of how fast you are.”

WATSON FROM PAGE B1 loaded,” Watson said. “But when the matches start at 7:35 on Friday morning, there’s going to be quality of play going on. We’ll just see who wins. I know our team is totally committed to bringing the cup back. I know that. And I’m going to do everything in my power to help them do that and set the stage for them.”

Even so, the generation gap creates a dynamic that brings an element of curiosity to this Ryder Cup. Only two players on his team — Mickelson and Jim Furyk — were playing on the PGA Tour when Watson won the last of his 39 titles in 1998.

Watson has not been at a Ryder Cup since he was captain, and he was slightly defensive Wednesday when asked a series of questions about whether that might hurt him.

“No,” he said flatly. “Because I’ve played in the Ryder Cup four times, and I’ve been a captain once. That’s experience.”

He also doesn’t buy into the notion that he can’t relate to a new generation of players, nine of whom were not even born when he won the first of his eight majors.

“I’ve answered that question before,” Watson said.

“They know I’ve played in the Ryder Cup. They understand I’ve been a captain. And they know that I know what they’re doing. They have respect for me and I have the ultimate respect for them. We’re on the same page. We’re professional golfers. Doesn’t matter how old you are or how young you are.”

He certainly has the respect

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

United States team captain Tom Watson, second from left, holds the Ryder Cup trophy as he lines up with U.S. players Jimmy Walker, Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson, left to right, for a team photograph ahead of today’s Ryder Cup in Gleneagles, Scotland. of European captain Paul McGinley, who referred to Watson as his “boyhood hero.”

McGinley went to college in San Diego and worked on a practice range when the PGA Tour came to town. McGinley used to ask his friends to cover for him when Watson played a practice round so he could watch.

As a captain?

“I haven’t really been paying attention,” McGinley said.

“In regards to what Tom is doing with the team, I don’t even know what groups he’s going out with. I just know he’s going to make some good decisions and he’s going to

STEWART FROM PAGE B1 with me forever,” Stewart said in a prepared statement.

“While much of the attention has been on me, it’s important to remember a young man lost his life. Kevin Ward Jr.’s family and friends will always be in my thoughts and prayers.”

Tantillo could have determined the case on his own but last week said he would take it to a grand jury. Experts said it would have been difficult to prove criminal intent, but the prosecutor asked the grand jury to consider charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.

“There were not 12 votes to either charge,” he said.

A call placed to the Ward family’s home went unanswered.

Sheriff Philip Povero spent weeks investigating, several times saying investigators did

not have evidence to suggest Stewart meant to harm the other driver at the track in tiny Canandaigua. Ward had spun while racing alongside Stewart and then the 20-yearold climbed out of his car and walked down the track, waving his arms in an apparent attempt to confront the 43-year-old NASCAR veteran.

Authorities said the first car to pass Ward had to swerve to miss hitting him. The front of Stewart’s car appeared to clear Ward, but Ward was struck by the right rear tire and hurtled through the air. He died of blunt force trauma and his father later told a newspaper there was “no reason” for the death given Stewart’s skills and experience.

The sheriff asked in the days after Ward’s death for spectators to turn over photos and videos of the crash as in-

have a strong American team out there and we are going to be prepared for that.”

McGinley talks of a template that Europe has had for years.

The Americans have no such thing. They have won the Ryder Cup only twice since Watson last was captain — Brookline in 1999 when Justin Leonard made the “putt heard ‘round the world,” and 2008 with Paul Azinger at the helm at Valhalla.

Watson already raised questions with his picks, stating that he wanted the hot hands and then passing over Chris

Kirk, who had won the Deutsche Bank Championship the day before the captain’s picks were chosen.

Will it matter who plays?

Does it matter who is the captain?

“Bottom line is he’s a professional golfer with a resume that is awfully deep,” Zach Johnson said. “He’s got a lot of sage advice and wisdom that I think we can certainly dig into and maybe learn from. And then you compound that with the fact that we’re playing a country that he’s had some success in — to put it mildly — I think it’s terrific.”

Mickelson was asked how

his own experience could help the Ryder Cup rookies, and he quickly deferred.

“I’ll try to do or say whatever I can,” Mickelson said.

“But it’s captain Watson’s team. He’s the leader. It’s been 21 years since the last time we won on foreign soil and the last time it happened, he was the leader. It was also the last year before I started making the teams. So I’m very honored that I have the opportunity to play with him, play for him, and learn from him.”

And now, the Americans will find out if they can win under him again.

vestigators worked to reconstruct the accident. Among the things being looked at were the dim lighting, how muddy it was and whether Ward’s dark firesuit played a role in his death, given the conditions.

A fan’s video was widely circulated after Ward’s death, but details of the second video obtained by the sheriff have not been made public.

Stewart, who Povero described as “visibly shaken” after Ward’s death, vowed to cooperate in the investigation but he did not testify before the grand jury. He issued a brief statement expressing deep sadness and then dropped off the radar, missing races at Watkins Glen, Michigan and Bristol before coming back for the Aug. 31 race at Atlanta.

Looking far different then the fiery driver his fans love, Stewart quietly read a statement at a news conference in which he said the death of a driver he hit was “one of the

toughest tragedies I’ve ever had to deal with.”

“This is something that will definitely affect my life forever,” Stewart said then. “This is a sadness and a pain I hope no one has to experience in their life. That being said, I know that the pain and mourning that Kevin Ward’s family and friends are experiencing is something that I can’t possibly imagine.”

Stewart’s peers were protective of him as questions emerged in the aftermath of the crash, and it pained them that Stewart was grieving in private and had cut off communication with so many of them. They welcomed him back in Atlanta, and fans gave him a robust cheer, too.

Two days later during the race, his No. 14 Chevrolet slammed into the wall twice and Stewart settled for a dismal 41st-place finish.

After Ward’s death, NASCAR announced a rule that

prohibits drivers from climbing out of a crashed or disabled vehicle — unless it is on fire — until safety personnel arrive. The series also cleared the way for Stewart to make its Chase for the Sprint Cup championship with a win, despite missing the three races.

Stewart, who is from Columbus, Indiana, has long been one of the most proficient drivers in racing, winning in every kind of series, from sprint cars to the elite Sprint Cup Series. He has for years taken part in little races in nondescript towns because he loves the thrill of the high horsepower, lightweight cars skidding around the dirt.

He rarely made his schedule public, popping up when he pleased, and he was welcome at the clay track at Canandaigua Motorsports Park the night before the NASCAR race in nearby Watkins Glen.

B6

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

DOROTHY C. BROGDON

VIRGINIA ALMA GREEN

BROOKLYN, New York — Dorothy Caldwell Brogdon, age 78, entered into eternal rest on Monday, Sept. 22, 2014, at Calvary Hospital, Brooklyn.

Born on Dec. 10, 1935, in Clarendon County, she was a daughter of the late Nathan and Alfair “Daughter” Jones Caldwell.

Professional services entrusted to Dyson’s Home for Funerals of Summerton, (803) 485-4280.

Virginia Alma Green, 104, of 507 W. Calhoun St., Sumter, died on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014, at her home.

Born on July 8, 1910, in Turbeville, she was a daughter of the late Daniel Luther and Alma Broadway Green. Miss Green was a graduate of Turbeville High School and Winthrop College and received a master’s of education degree from the University of South Carolina in 1948. She taught school for 42 years in the schools of South Carolina, having taught in Allendale, Kingstree, Florence, Columbia and Sumter, from which she retired.

She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Sumter, the Trinity Fellowship Sunday School Class and the UMW. She was also a member of the Sumter Art Association and the Sumter Gallery of Art. She was a former member of the Sumter Artist Guild, the Gardenmakers Garden Club, and a number of educational organizations.

She is survived by the following nieces and nephews, Janie Kaye Gaskin Young of Easley, D. Lowell Gaskin Jr. and his wife, Doris, of Rock Hill, Charles Coggin Allen Jr. and his wife, Gail, of Spartanburg, and Myrna Marie Allen Whitner and her husband, Richard Church Whitner, of Alexandria, Virginia; three grandnephews; seven grandnieces; and 11 great-grandnieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Mrs. Charles C. (Myrtle Green) Allen Sr. and Mrs. D.L. (Janie Green) Gaskin Sr.; and a baby brother, D.L. Green Jr. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Trinity United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Steve Holler and the Rev. Phil Jones officiating. Burial will be in Pine Grove United Methodist Church cemetery in Turbeville.

Pallbearers will be nephews.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. before the service at Trinity United Methodist Church and other times at the home.

Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 226 W. Liberty St., Sumter, SC 29150.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals. com.

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.

JOHN M. NORWOOD John Michael Norwood, age 33, was born on Sept. 1, 1981, in Sumter County, a son of the Rev. John and Minister Linda Scott Norwood, of Ellenwood, Georgia. John Michael departed this life on Sept. 21, 2014, in Rembert.

John Michael attended Sumter High School and graduated from Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia. He continued his studies at DeVry Institute, Atlanta, Georgia. John was a gifted actor, singer and songwriter, as well as a brilliant, creative thinker. He had a compassionate heart for people and he expressed it while working with the elderly at Traditions Nursing Home in Lithonia, Georgia, for a season. For his compassion and dedicated service, he was awarded a certificate of commendation. He loved God and God’s people. John Michael served as a praise and worship leader under the ministry of Pastor Marvin and Natalie Shaw of Stone Mountain.

John had an infectious smile that warmed the hearts of all whom he encountered.

He had a very good sense of humor and knew how to light up a room with his laughter.

He was an amazing person.

Survivors include his parents, the Rev. John and Minister Linda Norwood; a brother, the Rev. Joshua Norwood; a sister, Nichel Norwood of Ellenwood, Georgia; grandparents, Wilhelmina D. Scott of Rembert and Zanthia Norwood of Lithonia; aunts, Myrtle (Robert) Johnson of Sumter, Iris Williams, and Lydia Norwood of St. Petersburg, Florida; uncle, the Rev. Otis (Jeannetta) Scott Jr. of Columbia; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, the Rev. Dr. Otis Scott Sr.; and paternal grandfather, the Rev. Dr. John Norwood Sr. No public viewing.

Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday at Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, 5605 U.S. 521 N., Rembert, with the Rev. Anthony Taylor, pastor, officiating.

The family is receiving friends at 4835 Dennis Road, Rembert.

Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements.

Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary. net.

MARGARET P. HOLMES Margaret Pressley Holmes, 102, widow of McNeil Holmes, died on Friday, Sept. 19, 2014, at Wallingford Nursing Facility in Walling-

OBITUARIES ford, Pennsylvania.

She was born on Sept. 26, 1911, in the Manning Pieland area of Summerton. She was a daughter of the late Prince and Mary Watson Pressley.

She received her education in the public schools of Clarendon County. She attended Galilee Baptist Church in Mayesville. Upon migrating to Richmond, Virginia, for a number of years, she went on to Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania, where she joined the First African Baptist Church. She was a senior choir member and a trustee. She continued actively until her health failed.

Margaret was the last of her parent’s legacy. She was preceded in death by five sisters, Mary, Marie, Cammie, Dianna and Lummie; and six brothers, Moses, Simon, Prince, Willis, Johnson and James.

Margaret leaves to cherish her memory: seven nieces; five nephews; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; one sister-in-law, Edith V.R. Pressley of Lynchburg; and a host of cousins and friends.

We were blessed to have her life shared with us.

A wake service will be held from 9 to 11 a.m.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at First African Baptist Church, 901 Clifton Ave., Sharon Hill, PA 19079, with the Rev. Dr. Richard A. Dent, pastor and eulogist.

Claude J. Edney Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

Announcement courtesy of Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, SC 29150.

ANNIE MAE H. FLEMING Annie Mae Hadley Fleming, 90, widow of Jack Fleming, departed this life on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014, at her residence.

She was born on June 22, 1924, in Monticello, Florida, a daughter of the late Joel and Luvenia Glenn Hadley.

Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced later by Job’s Mortuary Inc. of Sumter.

THE REV. G.W. HARRELL JR. Rev. G.W. Harrell Jr., 82, beloved husband of the late Alpha May Hodge Harrell, made the journey home on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014.

Born on Jan. 15, 1932, in Greensboro, North Carolina, he was a son of the late Glenn Washington Harrell Sr. and Maxine Glenn Harrell.

He began his call to preach in 1950 while attending Sumter First Church of the Nazarene. His first pastorate was in 1952 at Great Falls Nazarene in Chester County. He served as pastor of Berclaire Nazarene in Memphis, Tennessee, Garden Road Nazarene in Charleston County, Florence Nazarene in Florence County, associate pastor of Lem Turner Church of the Nazarene in Jacksonville, Florida, associate pastor of

THE SUMTER ITEM Bennettsville Nazarene in Marlboro County, and retired as pastor of Calvary Church of the Nazarene, where he served from 1973 to 1997. Following his retirement, he was interim pastor for Walterboro Nazarene in Colleton County, Georgetown Nazarene in Georgetown County and associate pastor of Manning New Start Nazarene in Clarendon County from 1999 – His End of Call. He organized and assisted with organizing Nazarene churches in South Carolina. He also served on the Trevecca Nazarene College Board (now Trevecca Nazarene University), the Salvation Army Boy’s Club Board, and numerous South Carolina Nazarene District Boards.

Survivors include two sons, Glenn A. Harrell (Tammi) and Samuel Joseph Harrell (Barbara), both of Sumter; a daughter, Patricia Martin of Houston, Texas; a brother, Robert Harrell of Sumter; a sister, Martha Nevins of Ridgeland; seven grandchildren, Jeremy Harrell (Michelle), Paige Watts (Brian), Brian Harrell (Cathy), Ariel Harrell, Joe Moore, Lisa Ricci (Danny) and Amy Becker (Zachary); eight great-grandchildren, Glenn Wesley Harrell, Kylee Watts, J.P. Watts, Wyatt Watts, Cole Yomtob, Drake Donlon, Autumn Moore and Ce Ce Ricci; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and greatnephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; a daughter, Bonnie Lois Harrell (an infant); a sister, Barbara Harrell Hodges; a sonin-law, Logan Martin; two grandsons, Jonathan Martin and Robert Allen Harrell (an infant); and a great-niece, Adalynn Marie Lester (an infant).

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Sumter First Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Greg Pressley, the Rev. Vilma Horne, the Rev. Dale Turner, the Rev. Dr. Albert Truesdale and District Superintendent Dr. Eddie Estep officiating.

Interment will be at Calvary Nazarene Cemetery.

Jessie McLeod, Jerry Hyatt, George Geddings, Joe Waldron, Howard Pew, Mike Larkins, Tim Alsbrooks and St. Andrews Albert will serve as pallbearers.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Alton Jordan, Dr. James B. Cahill, Howard Pew, and all who cared so tenderly for him at National Healthcare.

Memorials can be made to the Worship Department at Sumter First Church of the Nazarene, 3700 Patriot Parkway, Sumter, SC 29154.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday before the service and other times at the home, 4500 Nazarene Church Road.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium is in charge of the arrangements. www.ecsfuneralhome.com

MARY L. JENKINS Mary Louise Jenkins, 75, departed this earthly life on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born on Nov. 4, 1938, in Lee County, she was a daughter of the late Henry and Anna Dora Shaw Mickens. She attended the public schools of Lee County and was a graduate of Ebenezer High School Class of 1959, Dalzell. After graduation, she moved to New York, where she was employed at Super Glassware of Brooklyn, New York. During July 2006, she relocated to her home in Sumter and reunited with her church family at Mt. Olive AME Church.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her husband, William Jenkins; one son, Tyrone (special friend Barbara) Mickens; one daughter, Charisse Michelle Jenkins; two sisters, Dorothy Mae Searles of Lompoc, California, and Ruby Robinson of Las Vegas, Nevada; two grandsons, Andre Mickens of Rembert and Victor Graham of Sumter; two great-grandchildren, DeMariye Mickens of Woodrow and Madisyn Cooks of Sumter; one aunt, Annie Mae Shaw of Brooklyn; three sisters-in-law, Rosa Lee Wactor, Bertha McCoy and the Rev. Janette Jenkins, all of Sumter; three brothers-in-law, James H. Jenkins, Lee Grant Jenkins and Otha Johnson, all of Sumter; a best friend, Flossie Morant of Brooklyn; two special cousins, Carolla Shaw of Brooklyn and Dinah Shaw of Sumter; a good friend, John Galishaw; two special nieces, Beverly and Tina Davis; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Mae Davis.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Friday at Mt. Olive AME Church, 2738 Woodrow Road, Woodrow, with the Rev. Dr. Friendly J. Gadson, pastor, eulogist.

The family will be receiving friends and relatives at the home, 102 Brown St., Sumter.

The procession will leave at 11:20 a.m. from the home.

Flora bearers and pallbearers will be family and friends.

Burial will be in Mt. Olive Memorial Garden, Pear Street, Sumter.

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., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.

MELODY DAVIS ALCOLU — Melody Marie Todd Davis, 57, wife of Terry Lee Davis, died on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014.

Services will be announced

by Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome. org

COMICS

THE SUMTER ITEM

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

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B7

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Perfect marriage is shattered by man’s discovery DEAR ABBY — I always thought that “Lana,” my wife of 14 years, and I had the perfect marriage. When Dear Abby I discovered she was havABIGAIL ing an affair, VAN BUREN it hit me like a train wreck. After many weeks of trying to discover who she really is, I found out she has had several affairs throughout our marriage.

I still love my wife and feel I could forgive her and regain my trust in her.

The problem is, she says she is trying to recover from her actions, so she can no longer

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

hear about my problems or respond to any of my questions.

Lana is now saying I need to see someone to discuss our issues with. We are already seeing a marriage counselor, but I suspect he is too connected to us as a couple. What do you think?

Lost in Limbo

talk to someone individually.

With the help of a licensed psychotherapist — someone who is there JUST FOR YOU — you may be able to rationally decide whether your wife is capable of being the person you assumed she was, and if staying married to her is the best thing for you.

DEAR IN LIMBO — I think the marriage counselor should have made clear to you and your wife that in order for trust to be rebuilt it takes LOTS of dialogue and listening on the part of both spouses. And painful as it may be for Lana, she owes you the answers to your questions.

That said, I think she is correct in suggesting you

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.

DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes

by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $14 (U.S. funds) to Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

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.

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 Stick on the ground 5 “Notes on a Scandal” Best Actress nominee 10 Legal suspension 14 “How awful!”

15 Villa on the Volga 16 After the bell 17 *Hobby shop purchase 19 Rte. 66 goes through it 20 African capital with a metro 21 *World Wildlife Fund symbol 23 Health care org.

24 Matter, in law 26 Burning sign 27 “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” channel 28 Glittery strand 30 Utter 32 Sweet and sour 36 Extremely dry 37 Common sports injuries ... and a hint to hidden words that span both parts of the answers to

starred clues 41 Die down 42 Kenyan’s neighbor 43 John of England 45 Spurred 49 Showy wrap 50 Yale alum 53 Batteries for mice 54 Something to grind 55 *Florida city with over 400 miles of canals 58 Lets up 60 European range 61 *”Movin’ Out” choreographer 63 Flight unit 64 Movie toy in a cereal box, e.g.

65 Inner: Pref.

66 Hoopla 67 Early stage 68 Sauna phenomenon DOWN 1 Alley prowler 2 End of many a riddle 3 Mauritius’ ocean 4 Movie trailer?

5 Banned pesticide 6 Notable Old West brothers 7 Sweet Sixteen org.

8 Holiday dish-

es?

9 Ones working around the clock?

10 Disorderly sort 11 “Be well!”

12 Its 2011 landing marked the end of the Space Shuttle program 13 Pined 18 “Because we’re worth it” sloganeer 22 Relaxed remarks 25 “Anything __?”

29 Fla. University named for a pope 31 Actress Shire 33 Vikings seek them, briefly 34 Rock genre 35 Total 37 Silicon Val-

ley city 38 Yet to be used 39 Epic tale 40 Hanger hangout 41 Online program 44 Japanese electronics giant 46 Aquafina rival 47 Puts forth 48 Coup target 51 Game most people lose 52 Novelist Shaw 53 Kate’s sitcom pal 56 Old Bruin nickname 57 Shouts of support 59 Polite interruption 62 Raid target

B8

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

CLASSIFIEDS

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

BATH SHEETS

$5 each

BATH TOWELS

$4 each

WASH CLOTHS

29 Progress St. - Sumter 775-8366 Ext. 37

.60¢ each

LG. MICROFIBER DRYING MATS

Store Hours Mon. - Sat. • 9:30 - 5:00 Closed Sunday

BUSINESS SERVICES Business Opportunities Sumter Lawn Service Accounts + $20K in Equip. Great Investment! $30K Sale price OBO Call 803-468-5950

Cleaning Services Don't have time to clean?

Call Inside Out Cleaning, LLP Family owned and insured Call 803-883-6104

Demolition, Hauling, Dumping We haul small or large loads. All kinds of dirt & rock. All types of mulch, firewood or loads of uncut wood. Great prices!

Call 803-983-2459

$3 each

Mobile Home Rentals

Swimming Pool Freeze Protection thermostat. Like new $90. Fire Place - LP Gas Logs Insert 36"x 34" 28000 BTU w /fan $450. Maytag Front load washer, white $150, Call 803 840-0520.

5 Br, 3 Ba, mostly furnished, fenced in backyard, Lee State Park Rd. Bishopville. Call 803-229-2474.

Two plots in Evergreen Cemetery, veteran's section, $4000.00.

(803) 468-3060.

2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

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

Guarantee 464-5439 or 469-7311 Cemetery Plots- Two plots with vaults, opening/closing fees and granite marker with vase in Evergreen Memorial Park , Sumter, SC. Save thousands. Call 803-469-9763 2 Lots in Evergreen-1 is for Veteran only- Both For $1900 Call 469-8244

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time

Four Seasons Lawn Care Serving Sumter for almost 20 yrs!

Free est. 494-9169/468-4008

B-N-T is looking for Drivers, EMTS & Paramedics. Competitive wages. $8/$16 Per hr. Fax resume to: 803-774-4452 or call 803-774-4450.

Tree Service

Full time Administrative Assistant needed with Quickbooks experience required. Apply in person @ 1282 N. Lafayette. No Phone Calls Please.

Ricky's Tree Service Tree removal, stump grinding, Lic & ins, free quote, 803-435-2223 or cell 803-460-8747.

Mention this ad & get 10% off.

A Notch Above Tree Care Full quality service low rates, lic./ins., free est BBB accredited 983-9721

PETS & ANIMALS Dogs OBEDIENCE TRAINING Basic Commands, Behavior problem solving, Advanced training. Master Trainer 27 Yrs Exp. Both Military & Law Enforcement Canines. Will train at your home or our training facility.

Call 803-972-0738 or 972-7597 Labradoodle Golden, 7wks $500 Call 316-0489 www.jmelberg.wix.co m/marthas-puppies

Pets Pure bred Boxer puppies 1M 3F $300 Call Kevin 803-795-5506

MERCHANDISE Garage, Yard & Estate Sales 777 Kenyon Ave. Fri 7am-2pm Computer chair, dresser w/ mirror, other misc items.

Booth Rentals available for hair stylist and nail tech. Great location and working conditions. Call Trish 803-469-7755 The #1 Furniture Retail Company in the U.S. is seeking highly motivated individuals with outgoing personalities to join our Sales Team.

Candidates must have a working knowledge of computers. They will be required to build sales volume by providing superior customer service and knowledge of product and finance options. This full time position is based on a flexible work schedule that includes evenings, Saturdays and some holidays. Offering unlimited income potential based on commission and bonuses. Guaranteed salary during training process. Send resume to 2850 Broad St., Sumter, SC 29150.

STC offers competitive salary and benefits EOE and Drug Free Workplace Contact - Pat Joyner 803-775-1002 x107

RENTALS

IDLEWILD Neighborhood Sale Sept. 27th 7am-1pm Early Bird Sale Fri Sept 26th 7-1 @ 470 Canvasback Cove.

Unfurnished Apartments

LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $2

2BR 1BA Duplex $550 Mo + Sec. Dep. 18 Folsom St Call 803-773-2557

FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend.

905-4242

Auction Estate Of William Dudley 2190 Greystone Rd Oct 4, 2014 9AM 1107 N Main St Sumter SC Conducted by T. Atkinson SCAL 3879 assisted by Bill's Furniture & Antiques. Contents of house to be moved to auction location.

Furn, fridge, washer & dryer Lots more! Go to auctionzip.com for photo's and details.

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

775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

Unfurnished Homes Sumter: 1 David Ct 2BR 1BA $525/$525 Dep. Call 803-210-9299

Mobile Home Rentals 1844 Kolb Rd. Friday & Saturday 8-12 Furn & a little bit of everything.

2 br, 1 ba S/W in Windsor City for rent. $450 mo. + dep. Will accept Section 8. 464-5559

Estate Sale 925 Autumn Run Fri 6am-6pm & Sat 7am-1pm Furniture, dishes, linens, antiques & more!

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

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.

Reconditioned 2BR 2BA MH on Privately owned .5 acre lot.

4639 Allene Dr. Owner Financing Avail. Call 775-4391 or 464-5960

Manufactured Housing Looking for your DREAM HOME? LOW CREDIT SCORE? Been turned down for bad credit? Come try us, we do our own financing. We have 2-3-4 bedroom homes. For more information, call 843-389-4215.

1972 Kingswood 12x65 2BR 1BAFREE Strong structure but needs repairs 1978 Nashua 14x66 3BR 1.5 BA $2300 OBO needs TLC Call 803-968-2553 Both homes have titles. Must be moved.

5775 Cane Savannah Rd. 1 ac. on main hwy. City water. Close to Shaw AFB. $8,900 803-983-2261 MINS WALMART/SHAW AC +/- SEPTIC, WATER $12,900. 888-774-5720

TRANSPORTATION

Autos For Sale American Auto Sales 803-775-2344 We have church buses and Crown Victorias

Miscellaneous

2 ac, Manning, Lake Marion. Will perk, 5 mins. to water. M.H. welcome. Paved road, lightly wooded. $19,900. Owner will finance.

Down payment. $2,000. Payment, $202. Call anytime. 473-7125 Reconditioned batteries $35. Also have lawn mower, truck, 4 wheeler, golf cart & marine batteries, starters & alternators. Car dealers/garages ask about special prices. Auto Electric Co. 803-773-4381

LEGAL NOTICES Summons & Notice SUMMONS AND NOTICES

1800 VINTAGE COURT SUMTER, SC

$8 each

SHOWER CURTAIN LINERS

$2 & $3 each

ASSORTED VALANCE

$1 each

Summons & Notice

TO THE NAMED:

DEFENDANTS

ABOVE

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint herein, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, or to otherwise appear and defend, and to serve a copy of your Answer to said Complaint upon the subscribers at their office, 4000 Faber Place, Suite 450, P.O. Box 71727, North Charleston, South Carolina, 29415, or to otherwise appear and defend the action pursuant to applicable court rules, within thirty (30) days after service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service; except that the United States of America, if named, shall have sixty (60) days to answer after the service hereof, exclusive of such service; and if you fail to answer the Complaint or otherwise appear and defend within the time aforesaid, the Plaintiff in this action will apply to the Court for relief demanded therein, and judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

TO MINOR(S) OVER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE, AND/OR TO MINOR(S) UNDER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND THE PERSON WITH WHOM THE MINOR(S) RESIDE(S) AND/OR TO PERSONS UNDER SOME LEGAL DISABILITY:

DALZELL 16.57 ACRES WATER, PAVED ROAD $2250/ACRE 888-774-5720

REAL ESTATE AUCTION

SHOWER CURTAIN RODS

Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae"), a Corporation Organized and Existing Under the Laws of the United States of America, PLAINTIFF, vs.

Amy Lewis a/k/a Amy Myers Lewis Individually and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Gregory A. Lewis a/k/a Gregory Alan Lewis; Tuomey Healthcare System; Branch Banking & Trust Company; and Asset Acceptance, LLC, DEFENDANT(S).

Land & Lots for Sale

Homes for Sale

$8 each

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER

REAL ESTATE Homes for Sale

ASSORTED SHOWER CURTAINS

Summons & Notice

Autos For Sale

STATEBURG COURTYARD

Seeking an Exp HVAC installer.

Needs to be experienced with duct fabrication and installation of duct work with residential and some light commercial equipment.

Salary based upon experience. Paid vacation and benefits. Call Lowery Heating and Air 803-778-2942 MonFri 8am-5pm.

STC Now Hiring Diesel Mechanic Qualified candidates must have: •Valid driver license •High School Diploma or GED •Three years or more of diesel mechanical experience •Must provide tools / picture at interview

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.

SHOP WITH US FOR GREAT BUYS AND SAVE! SAVE! SAVE!

For Sale or Trade

Lawn Service

STATE TREE SERVICE Worker's Comp & General liability insurance. Top quality service, lowest prices. 803-494-5175 or 803-491-5154 www.statetree.net

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS C/A NO: 14-CP-43-1510 (NON-JURY MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE)

YOU ARE FURTHER SUMMONED AND NOTIFIED to apply for the appointment of a guardian ad litem within thirty (30) days after the service of this Summons and Notice upon you. If you fail to do so, application for such appointment will be made by the Plaintiff.

COMPLAINT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the original Complaint in the above entitled action, together with the Summons, was filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Sumter County on July 24, 2014 at 2:26 P.M. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT pursuant to the Supreme Court of South Carolina Administrative Order 2011-05-02-01, you may be eligible for foreclosure intervention programs for the purpose of resolving the above-referenced foreclosure action.

If you wish to be considered for a foreclosure intervention program, you must contact Finkel Law Firm LLC, 4000 Faber Place Drive, Suite 450 (29405), P.O. Box 71727 (29415), North Charleston, SC 29405, or call (843) 577-5460 within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice. Finkel Law Firm LLC represents the Plaintiff in this action. Our law firm does not represent you and is not authorized to provide you any legal advice.

IF YOU FAIL, REFUSE, OR VOLUNTARILY ELECT NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS FORECLOSURE INTERVENTION PROCESS, THE FORECLOSURE MAY PROCEED. NOTICE PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT (15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq.): This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information you provide will be used for that purpose. However, if you have previously received a discharge from bankruptcy, this message is not and should be construed as an attempt to collect a debt, but only as a requirement pursuant to the administrative order.

FINKEL LAW FIRM LLC THOMAS A. SHOOK Post Office Box 71727 North Charleston, South Carolina 29415 (843) 577-5460 Attorney for Plaintiff

YOU WILL ALSO TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Rule 53(b) SCRCP, as amended effective September 1, 2002, the Plaintiff will move for a general Order of Reference to the Master in Equity for Sumter County, which Order shall, pursuant to Rule 53(b) of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically provide that the said Master in Equity is authorized and empowered to enter a final judgment in this action. If there are counterclaims requiring a jury trial, any party may file a demand under rule 38, SCRCP and the case will be returned to the Circuit Court.

NOTICE OF FILING

BEAUTIFUL 4/5 BR HOME IN GATED COMMUNITY! GRANITE, HARDWOODS, LANDSCAPING, APPLIANCES AND PRIVACY... READY TO MOVE IN!

DRIVERS WANTED

PREVIEWS ON 9/21 & 9/28 • 2-5PM 9/23 & 9/25 • 4-7PM OR BY APPOINTMENT BID ONLINE ANYTIME, OR ONSITE ON SEPTEMBER 30, 4-6PM

AUCTION CLOSES SEPTEMBER 30!

DETAILS AT WWW.JRDIXONAUCTIONS.COM RAFE DIXON, SCAL 4059 (803) 774-6967

“SIGN ON BONUS - $2,000”

.45/mi on all miles • Layover Pay • Loading/unloading $15 from 1st hr Guaranteed Minimum Pay • Achievable Goals for Lucrative Incentives - CDL (Class A) w/ hazmat & tanker - At least 2 yrs. exp. - Clean MVR - Excellent pay ($.45 per running mile - includes $.06 per diem non-taxable expense) - Paid Vacation - Paid Holidays - Paid Sick Days - BC/BS Health Ins. - Dental Insurance - Life Insurance - Short Term Disability - 401(k) w/co. Match

CONTACT Pat Joyner at 803-775-1002 Ext. 107 OR visit our website to download a job application and fax to (954) 653-1195 www.sumtertransport.com 170 S. Lafayette Drive Sumter, SC 29150 EOE

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THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

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C1

FALL

FIX-UP

Sometimes it seems all the seasonal hype is overkill — the half-grown plants in every store beckoning you to take them home in spring, the nostalgic neon sand pails and shovels of summer and maybe pumpkin and owl everything this time of year. I’ve already heard the “Silver Bells” carol around the office, thanks to Sumter Item archivist Sammy Way’s crooning.

Other times, something happens to me that makes the work of the changing seasons worth every second, every penny. Last week, it was eating a BLT made with a fresh, chilled Brandywine tomato that I grew from a seed that made all that digging, weeding and sweating so worthwhile in the end.

So it’s with hope that I’m now tending to my three butternut squash plants, oven at the ready. Parmesan risotto with roasted butternut squash is high on my list of comfort foods for this season.

If you’re a gardener like me, turn to our primer on growing fall vegetables that you’ll be proud to serve your family as the weather gets chilly.

If you’re not the gardening sort, though, we’ve got plenty of ideas for other projects you’ll enjoy this fall. Learn how to build your own fire pit, and invite your buddies over for an impromptu s’mores snack when the weather turns chilly in the evenings. I know my parents are already pondering this idea.

Need help with your lawn? We’ve got that covered too. From fertilizing to watering, Sumter’s experts tell you how it should be done.

For the handyman, we’ll tell you how to save more money on your bills this fall and how to get your home ready for the coming winter. With the several inches of ice we all got last year, it’s an excellent idea to be prepared.

When you’ve gotten all the fall chores out of the way, watch the crisp leaves float to the earth, drink that pumpkin spice latte you’ve been waiting for all year, and light some lovely candles in the ever-longer evenings. Enjoy the season.

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FALL FIX-UP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

Smoak on the Water

Local specialist gives do’s and don’ts of fall lawn care

BY JOE KEPLER joe@theitem.com After 30 years running his own irrigation company out in Pinewood, Joey Smoak might know more about making a lawn look its best than John Deere himself. When it comes to preparing your lawn for the winter months, Smoak said your yard needs to be babied — literally.

“You don’t want to put a baby to bed with too much milk in its belly or not enough because something’s going to happen during the night,” Smoak said.

He was of course referring to proper watering habits and not babies (although a nursery does sit just yards away from his office). One of the best ways to have a healthy lawn through all four seasons is discipline — keeping a consistent watering program year-round will go a long way.

“Taper the amount of days in the week. Water Monday, Wednesday and Friday, then during the hot part of summer you may go up to five times a week,” Smoak said.

“Once you get past July and August weather and into September, go back down to three. Depending on how the weather breaks, go two times a week, then taper again to once a week, then off.”

Unless there’s a dry winter, or if you’re using an annual rye grass, Smoak said to avoid watering altogether in the winter. Rye grass is a seed that is put down in September that grows up alongside the grass to help a lawn stay green all the way through the cold months. If there is an extended dry winter, you can water once or twice a week, but limit the time spent watering because the grass and plants are dormant and pull in much less water than on a normal mid-July day.

Proud gardeners all over the area tend to water plants and grass liberally, Smoak explained, which not only hurts their development, but also exposes them to increased threats when the cold comes.

More times than not, a little bit of tough love can help increase the boldness of your plant life.

“When you water a lot, you keep the soil saturated closer to the surface of the ground so the roots don’t need to grow. They stay shallow and lazy,” Smoak said. “When you start tapering off, you stress the grass, so the roots have to go deeper to get the water, which makes them healthier and less susceptible to ‘winter kill’ later.”

“Winter kill” is when the roots of a plant freeze and die from the cold, leading to ugly brown patches when warm weather returns. Many factors can come into play with

PHOTOS BY JOE KEPLER / THE SUMTER ITEM

Joey Smoak, owner of Smoak Irrigation Co. in Pinewood, stands in front of his nursery while holding a patch of Zorro Zoysia grass.

DO: • Fertilize in the spring, and apply lime to balance your soil’s pH. That will carry your treatment all the way through the year.

• Set specific days that you will water, and stick with it. Three days per week in spring, 3-5 in summer and 1-2 in fall will make your lawn heartier for the winter months.

DON’T: • Over-water your plants, even in the heat of summer. Stress to the plants can be good to a point, as it promotes root growth.

• Mow your lawn too low. While you may save a few trips on your rider, many types of grass can be damaged long-term from over-cutting.

While many sprinkler systems automatically drain, be sure there is no water in the pipes and pumps because freezing temperatures can cause major damage, particularly to above-ground systems. the prevention of “winter kill,” including soil type, properly tapering your watering schedule and even tree canopies that can shield patches of the lawn.

Along with preventing oversaturation of your yard, an important step in proper lawn care is fertilization. While common misconceptions may lead you to think fertilization

can be a benefit any time, Smoak offered a way to get the most out of your fertilizing budget.

“You really need to fertilize your lawn in the spring, and that should take it on through. It depends on the variety of grass, but generally fertilize and apply lime to balance your pH,” said Smoak.

“That’ll make your roots

healthy through summer and fall, and then when you go into winter, you’ll have a better chance of not having ‘winter kill.’”

For the systems that quench your lawn’s thirst, winter can also be a dangerous time. Many sprinklers in the region are underground and relatively safe, but owners should be aware of any pumps that sit above ground and be sure they’re drained of water. Systems that sit above ground are generally engineered to drain themselves, but do your homework because if they do not, water will be held in the case, and it will break when freezing temperatures arrive.

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Aside from a watering schedule, Smoak said the other most common mistake he sees involves over-mowing.

Centipede grass is the most common type of grass in the Southeast, and it should be maintained at a minimum of two inches in length. Any lower, and you damage the grass’ ability to absorb the sunlight and will damage the grass in the long run.

Smoak earned his degree in horticulture and almost immediately began his own company. Today, at peak season, he estimates that about 25 employees work under him, keeping lawns and gardens all over Sumter County in tip-top shape.

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FALL FIX-UP

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

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Take your gardening experience through the fall season

BY RAYTEVIA EVANS ray@theitem.com

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Mike Dellinger of The Farm Store on Bultman Drive works in his garden on the Dellingers’ farm.

The Dellingers plant a garden throughout the summer and fall months. Mike Dellinger said crops such as lettuce, green onions, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbages are good vegetables to grow during the fall season.

cold crops or cool-season vegetables is rapid growth, so you want nitrogen-rich fertilizer,” Dellinger said. “Root crops such as turnips and beets also need phosphorus and adequate water.”

The Farm Store provides gardeners of all experience levels the opportunity to learn more about farming and growing organic gardens. In the spring, it offers a class for meetings and questions about growing organic foods.

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The weather may be getting cooler, but you still have a little time to get your hands dirty while growing your own fall garden. Mike Dellinger with The Farm Store on Bultman Drive said those with a green thumb can plant vegetables that will be just as successful in the fall and winter months.

The Farm Store is one of Sumter’s fresh markets that provides organic groceries including produce, cheese, eggs, meats and different vegetables. With their crops, Dellinger said they don’t use pesticides on their gardens that are not approved by OMRI — Organic Materials Review Institute. At this point in the year, he is getting ready for the fall season and still spending quite a bit of time in the garden to produce fall crops.

“What we do is finish up our summer and clean out our beds and start to plow in preparation for fall,” Dellinger said. “For the weather, our specialty is Asian greens and lettuces. We will also be doing cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, green onions, radishes, spinach, mustard collards and kohlrabi (German turnip).

This area is good for any of those crops through fall and a large part of winter.”

The best time to have fall crops planted and ready to go is before the end of September for those planting seeds, or by Oct. 15 at the latest for people interested in using transplants they purchase from local home and garden stores, Dellinger said.

For new gardeners who are unaware, he warns that it’s important to prepare as best you can for pests because of the climate in the region. If not controlled, pests can ruin a gardener’s crops, and there are various ways they choose to control pests in their gardens throughout the season.

“Our climate is susceptible to late insect infestations, so you have to control them for your crops,” Dellinger said.

“You can take a look at Clemson Cooperative Extension’s website for some tremendous information on pest control, disease management and recommended pesticides.”

He said you can also use non-chemical pesticides to control pests throughout the fall or use row covers in your garden to protect them from insects.

“One way we can control pests in the cooler season is row covers to protect the plants, and that way there’s no outside contact,” Dellinger said. “But you can also go to a home and garden store for pesticides like Spinosad for biting and chewing insects.”

For fall and winter crops, he said there is no need for pollination, so row covers are a good option, and people can tend to their gardens, then cover up their crops when they’re done.

Whether you’re growing an organic garden or not, or if you’re using raised beds or if you decide to use seeds or transplants, Dellinger recommends getting your soil tested by submitting a sample through Clemson Extension.

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FALL FIX-UP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

Winterize to safeguard your home from harsh weather

BY FAMILYTIME.COM Autumn is a beautiful time of year marked by welcoming cooler temperatures and the natural beauty of leaves changing colors. Autumn also has a tendency to fly by, as if the powerful weather of winter simply cannot wait to make its presence felt.

With such a seemingly short time between the end of summer and the dawn of winter, homeowners know they don’t have too many weekends in between to prepare their homes for the potentially harsh months ahead. But such preparation, often referred to as “winterizing,” can make a home more comfortable when the mercury dips below freezing while saving homeowners substantial amounts of money along the way.

Fall is a time of year for homeowners to spend a weekend or two preparing their homes for the often harsh weather that awaits when winter arrives.

Clean the gutters Leaves falling can be a beautiful sight to behold, but many of those leaves are likely finding their way into your gutters, where they can lodge and cause a host of problems down the road. If the leaves and additional debris, such as twigs and dirt, that pile up in your gutters are not cleared out before the first winter storm, the results can be costly and even catastrophic.

Winter rain and snowfall needs a place to go upon hitting your roof, and gutters facilitate the travel of such precipitation from your roof into street-level drainage systems. If gutters are backed up with leaves and other debris, then ice dams may form, forcing water to seep in through the roof. That damage can be costly and can even cause the roof to METROCREATIVECONNECTION collapse inward in areas with heavy Cleaning gutters in the fall can snowfall. Clean gutters throughout the prevent roof damage resulting fall, especially if your property has many from winter rains and snowfall. trees, and be sure to check gutters one

last time before the arrival of winter.

caulk or weather stripping.

Tend to your attic Homeowners who have attics in their homes might want to add some extra insulation up there, especially those who recall feeling cold inside their homes last winter, which is often a telltale sign of improper insulation in a home. A good rule of thumb when determining if your attic needs more insulation is to look for the ceiling joists. If you can see the joists, then you need more insulation.

Test the furnace Homeowners typically do not devote much thought to their furnaces in spring, summer and fall. But with winter on the horizon, fall is the time to test the furnace to make sure it’s ready for the months ahead. Expect a somewhat foul yet brief odor to appear when starting the furnace. That odor should dissipate shortly, but if it does not go away, then your furnace is likely in need of repair. But even if the smell does not stick around, you might want to have the furnace cleaned by a professional anyway. Such cleanings ensure the furnace works efficiently throughout the winter.

Address leaky windows and doors Sometimes attic insulation is not the culprit when it comes to a cold home.

Oftentimes, leaky windows and doors are the real bad guys in a drafty home. Fall is a great time to inspect for leaky windows and doors, as the wind outside can serve as your partner. When the wind outside is blowing, take a tour of your home’s windows and doorways, standing next to them to determine if there are any holes or leaks that are letting outdoor air inside.

If you notice any leaks beneath exterior doors, install some door sweeps to keep outdoor air where it belongs. Leaks around windows can be snuffed out with

Clean the garage You might not mind parking in the driveway during the warmer months of the year, but why subject your vehicles to harsh winter weather if you don’t have to? Clean the garage in the fall so you have an indoor parking spot throughout the winter season. Protecting your car from the elements can add years to its life and also saves you the trouble of digging your car out of the snow.

Simple tips can extend the life of your carpets

BY FAMILYTIME.COM Considering that soil and dust can actually destroy carpet fiber, taking care of carpeting is economically efficient. Weekly vacuuming helps enormously, but beyond that, there are some simple things you can do to extend the life and beauty of your carpets.

Stain Removal Remove stains with ordinary household products, most of which you probably already have.

Vinegar and water: Mix one-part white distilled vinegar with one-part water.

Using firm strokes and a clean white cloth, rub carefully over the carpet stain.

Club soda: Pour just-opened club soda directly on a spot. Let it soak in for a few moments before dabbing with a clean white cloth. Club soda works best on food and drink stains.

Cornstarch: Sprinkle the stain with cornstarch before vacuuming to help lift out spots. Go lightly — too much cornstarch can clog the vacuum cleaner.

Deodorizing After a winter of closed windows and doors, pets and children, your carpets need some refreshing. Here are some home remedies.

Cornstarch and baking soda: For dry carpet cleaning and deodorizing, mix one-third cup of cornstarch along with two cups baking soda and sprinkle this over the carpet. (Particularly large carpets may need more; smaller carpets less.) Let it sit for a few minutes and then vacuum.

Don’t pile this on the carpet; it can clog the vacuum cleaner.

Baking soda: Dust the carpet with a box of baking soda and let it sit for a few

hours to neutralize any sour smells.

Vacuum.

Crushed cloves and banking soda: Make a mixture of about two tablespoons of crushed cloves and five or six crushed bay leaves. Mix this with baking soda and dust it over the carpet. Let it sit for a few minutes and then vacuum.

Beautifying When you move heavy furniture, you will notice indentations in the carpet.

To remove dents made by furniture, put an ice cube directly in the dent and allow it to melt completely. Blot up the moisture with a clean cloth and fluff up the indentation with a small brush.

Once dry, put a furniture coaster under the leg of the furniture to prevent future indentations.

Commercial Products and Professional Cleaning Wonderful commercial products are available to remove stains, clean carpets and refresh them.

Look for them at the hardware, house supply or local grocery store. Before using, always test them on a small section of carpet in an inconspicuous place.

Have your carpets professionally cleaned once or twice a year. This maintains them in peak condition. Ask friends or check the Yellow Pages for a qualified service.

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• Clean and inspect evaporator coil and drain pan when readily accessible • Clean and inspect condensate drain lines and fittings.

• Clean, level and calibrate thermostat.

• Adjust and clean blower motor and fan assembly as needed (when accessible) • Inspect and tighten all electrical connections, wires and terminal. (includes disconnect switch).

• Clean return air grills throughout house.

• Test system starting and running capacitors.

• Test all controls, switches, relays, transformers, contactors, motors, and fans.

• Measure starting and running amperes, line voltage, and control voltage.

• Test system-starting capabilities.

• Check system for proper airflow and air delivery.

• Inspect and adjust all safety controls.

• Monitor refrigerant (Freon) pressures and tempertaures.

• Test and record super-heat and sub-cooling. Compare with factory specifications.

• Check and inspect duct system.

• Examine complete system for code violations and possible safety problems.

• Monitor fan motors and compressor operating tempatures.

• Apply weather resistant protective coating to the outside unit (condenser).

• Complete and present full written report and make any necessary recommendations.

FALL FIX-UP

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

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Grime on the house? Pros and cons of power washing

BY CAROLE FELDMAN The Associated Press It’s not just national monuments such as Mount Rushmore that could benefit from a good power wash every now and then.

Is there grime on your siding that good old-fashioned elbow grease won’t take away? Stains on your concrete driveway? Is the deck looking dirty?

Power washing or pressure washing — the terms are used almost interchangeably — might be an option.

“People find it so powerful,” said Ken Collier, editorin-chief of The Family Handyman magazine. “It’s so fast, and it’s so liberating.”

You can hire a pressurewashing company or do it yourself. Machines come in electric and gas models and can be rented or purchased.

ARE THERE RISKS? “Too much pressure on vinyl siding or stucco can cause damage to the surface,” said Doug Rucker, owner of Clean and Green Solutions in Kingwood, Texas, near Houston. “The same thing with concrete cleaning.”

Similarly, excessive pressure on a deck can tear up the wood. “When we’re cleaning wood decks, we’re using what we call low pressure,” he said.

When you’re cleaning the exterior of the house, window and door seals need to be protected to prevent leaks.

Windows could also break if you inadvertently hit them with the same pressure you’re using for the rest of the house.

And there’s always the risk of working on ladders with a machine that has recoil. “It’s something where ladder safety is very important,” Collier said.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

This 2006 photo provided by The Family Handyman magazine shows a woman cleaning off overspray by rinsing siding and windows with clean water at a low pressure to remove chemical residue.

Homeowners also need to be aware of overhead power lines.

Still, many people decide to do the work themselves.

Home supply stores offer an array of pressure washers; prices range from about $100 to more than $1,000.

Collier said most of the skill in using a power washer lies in applying the right pressure and tip. “It’s like anything else — you have to learn how the tool operates,”

WALTON

he said.

Gas pressure washers tend to be more powerful, noisier, heavier and more expensive than electric ones. Manuals that come with the units should explain what types of job they’re good for.

If you decide to rent a power-washing machine, Collier advised, “Have a job in mind, ask what tip you need and if there’s an additive that will help with the cleaning.”

And don’t forget the prep

W C

OUNTER

work. “The finished product is only going to be as good as the preparation you did,” said John Nearon of Exterior Wood Restoration in Cicero, Indiana.

People unaccustomed to such work might be advised not to try it themselves, Collier cautioned. “Lots of people do it themselves, but it’s also something that for most people it would be a hire and done,” he said.

Hiring a contractor to power wash a home could cost 12 cents to up to 20 cents per square foot, depending on the location and surface, according to Rucker, who also provides training for power washers.

Before hiring, ask questions: • Insurance. Is the contractor insured to cover any damage or injury that might occur when cleaning? Don’t be afraid to ask for a copy of their insurance certificate binder, Rucker said.

• Training. Do workers get continuing education to keep

their training up to date?

• The process. “Talk to them about how they’re going to clean it, what kind of process they’re going to use, down to the products they’re using,” he said. In the Southeast, for example, he said bleach is used to kill mold and mildew and keep it away longer.

• Safeguarding landscape.

What will they do to protect trees, shrubs or other plants around the house or property being cleaned? Rucker said that wetting down plants and keeping them watered is important. If you cover them, he said, do it only for minutes at a time.

Power washing isn’t just for big projects; it also can be used for items such as patio furniture and cars.

Collier likens the experience of using a power washer for the first time to switching from a hand lawn mower to a gas, self-propelled one. “It’s kind of a momentous thing,” he said. “You can’t say the same thing about most tools.”

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

FALL FIX-UP

THE SUMTER ITEM

Master Gardener shares tips on fall planting While some may think fall is a good time to put away the gardening tools, Sue Timmons, a Master Gardener at Simpson Hardware, says it’s a great time to think about planting.

Vegetables? “Of course — cabbages, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, collards, of course,� Timmons said.

Trees and shrubs? “You can plant them any time in the fall, even after they drop their leaves,� she said. “Until it gets really, really cold, their roots will grow in the ground as long as the ground isn’t frozen.�

But don’t wait too long, she

SUE TIMMONS Master Gardener at Simpson Hardware said. “Now is a better time to do than much later, like November.�

What about fertilizer? “When you plant in the fall you should not fertilize trees and shrubs because you do not want them to put out new leaves,� she said. “They will grow roots anyway, without fertilizer. Don’t even put root stimulator, don’t put out anything.�

Timmons said if you feel the

need to amend the soil to use compost. “If you are going to do that dig a fairly big hole that is wide and not too deep, at least as wide as the pot your plant came in but not more than a few inches deeper, “ she said. “Your plant will grow to the edge of the hole where you amended the soil and it will stop. If you make a fairly large hole, when it gets to the edge of that it will probably

NO CREDIT

Don’t leave your patio furniture out in the cold

BY FAMILYTIME.COM Before the winter winds howl, put away the patio and porch furniture. Any that you leave out will fall victim to the harsh elements and could need some serious repair work come spring.

CLEAN AND DRY If the weather is warm enough, hose down the furniture. If not, use damp cloths to wipe it clean. In either case, wipe the hard surfaces dry with old towels.

If you see knicks or scrapes, touch them up with paint. For most touch-ups, spray paint works very well.

Remove cushions and pillows. Wipe them down with a mild detergent and water and let them dry in the sunshine. If you find mildew on the underside of a cushion, scrub it gently with a weak solution of bleach and warm water. Rinse it with warm water (or rub it with towel saturated with fresh water) and let it dry.

Once clean and dry, stuff the soft cushions and pillows in plastic bags and twist the tops closed. This will keep them dust free all winter.

the fall, even ones that are done blooming for the summer,� she said. “Anything that you plant in the fall will be three times prettier than if you just plant in the spring.�

The roots get bigger during the winter, she said, even if it doesn’t look like anything is happening.

Timmons said most of the plants that grow around here naturally are things that aren’t difficult to take care of. “If you put the right thing in the right spot you shouldn’t have too much trouble,� she said. “It’s all in getting the right plant in the right place and knowing what kind of care it needs. If you plant something in the wrong spot, then all the work in the world won’t make it grow.�

keep on growing.�

Mix the compost with the soil that is already there, she said. “If you use something else you are pretty much making an artificial pot, and your plant will get to the edge of it and stop growing,� Timmons said. “It will get to the edge of it and start circling as if it were living in the pot.�

When you plant, water really well and then just keep the soil from drying out. “You don’t need to water as much when you plant in the fall.�

Perennials, plants that grow year after year, are great for planting in the fall, Timmons said. “You can plant all kinds of perennials when you plant in

‘You don’t need to water as much when you plant in the fall.’

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Most patio and porch cushions will also fare well in the unheated but dry space. If you are concerned that mice or other critters might invade them, store them inside the house in an

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FALL FIX-UP

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

|

C7

Wood or gas?

Fire pits create focal point for family, friends have a propane tank handy.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more realistic, and it gives off quite a bit more heat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With gas, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s convenience.

All you have to do is turn it on and light it. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to worry about starting a fire.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to work every time as long as you have propane.â&#x20AC;?

Flahertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s store sells more wood-fueled fire pits, too. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The wood ones are a little less expensive,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little more expensive to do the gas. There are merits to each. A wood fire produces more heat. Obviously, there is no need to run a gas or fuel line. It also doubles as an outdoor grill. If you live in a rural or wooded area, you can keep your fuel cost pretty low. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With a natural gas fire pit, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s super clean and low maintenance. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no ash. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smokeless. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to worry about flying embers or smoke inhalation. It fires up and produces heat instantly.

It turns off immediately. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to worry about putting out the embers.â&#x20AC;?

The products start at a 2-foot diameter and range up to 12 feet, Flaherty said, and

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for something to spiff up your backyard and spark a little interest for outdoor hangouts, then a fire pit may be for you. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Making a fire pit part of your landscaping is a great decision,â&#x20AC;? said Patrick Flaherty, an assistant store manager at Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Sumter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It creates a focal point. It brings people together and away from cellphones and TVs.â&#x20AC;?

Kits can make it a pretty simple Do-It-Yourself project, too, he said.

To get started, you have to make a couple of decisions. â&#x20AC;˘ One, where do you want it? In the yard or on the patio? â&#x20AC;˘ Two, how big do you want it? â&#x20AC;˘ Three, do you want it on the ground or up off it? â&#x20AC;˘ Four, what kind of fuel do you want to use? Wood or gas? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really whatever you like best,â&#x20AC;? said Thad Kennedy, sales associate with Simpson Hardware and Sports. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The wood is far more popular because you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to

PHOTOS BY JADE REYNOLDS / THE SUMTER ITEM

Wood is usually the most popular fuel with fire pits, and kits, like one at top left, make it an easy Do-ItYourself project, said Patrick Flaherty, an assistant manager at Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Sumter. If this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exactly what you want, the store also sells the parts separately so you can customize. Self-contained fire pits, above, make good patio additions, said Flaherty. They are also good for toasting marshmallows. can range from $59 when not on sale up to $2,000. His store usually has 25 to 30 different styles on hand of the wood fire pits and an additional 10 to 15 gas ones. Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also owns atgstores.com, so customers can shop hundreds more options. They usually ship in five to seven business days, Flaherty said.

Simpson also offers a number of styles starting at $150, Kennedy said. They will assemble them on the premises for you at no extra cost, too, he said, and they sell fire wood.

Then there are those who like to create their own path, so to speak. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What a lot of people like to do is get patio stones, basically build a patio around a circle and create a fire pit that way,â&#x20AC;? Flaherty said.

The stones need to be durable, he said, and the ones with the correct thickness usually range from $2.50 to $3 apiece.

Fire pits usually start selling in the beginning of September. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People think of them along with college football, tailgating and grilling out,â&#x20AC;?

Flaherty said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sales will pick up, and by early to mid-October, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be in full force. It normally tapers off in mid-February.â&#x20AC;?

Kennedy agrees on the timeline. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get them the end of the month and starting into October,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everybody starts thinking about enjoying a nice fire on the patio and roasting marshmallows by Halloween.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;With gas, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s convenience. All you have to do is turn it on and light it.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; THAD KENNEDY Sales associate with Simpson Hardware and Sports

Gas-powered fire pits can be more expensive but also more convenient, said Flaherty.

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C8

|

FALL FIX-UP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

Save money on your electricity bill Maintain a constant temperature and use less hot water

BY FAMILYTIME.COM Utility companies say that a water heater can contribute between 15 and 20 percent of your utility bill. It’s the third largest energy user after heating and cooling. It pays to find ways to curb use.

For every degree you lower your water heater thermostat, you’ll reduce your cost by one percent. Typically, 125 degrees is sufficient, but anything lower than 120 degrees can allow bacteria to grow in the tank, which is dangerous.

MAINTAIN A SENSIBLE TEMPERATURE Some folks think that keeping the water very hot and mixing just a little with cold water is a better way to save money.

Here’s why this theory is off base: Think of a tea kettle as a water heater. To keep the water at 125 degrees over a continuous period of time, you’d eventually find the right setting on the burner.

To make the water hotter, you would turn up the heat — and consume more electricity or gas. Regardless of how much water you use, it will always take more energy to keep the water heated to a higher temperature.

REDUCING HOUSEHOLD COSTS If you have an older unit, a water heater jacket is a good first step to cutting costs. Installing one is a simple do-ityourself project that usually costs less than $20.

Cutting usage is equally important. Running the

washing machine with both cycles set at “hot” consumes, on average, 32 gallons.

Changing the settings to a warm wash and cold rinse reduces that by seven gallons.

The dishwasher runs through 10 gallons per load, which is why it’s a good idea to wait until the machine is full before running it.

A bath or long shower uses an average of 20 gallons. A good showerhead reduces water consumption by half and so assuming a family of four takes daily showers, installing a water-saving showerhead could save as much as 1,200 gallons each month.

The electric company may offer you a discount if you allow a “peak load” controller to be placed on your water heater. It automatically turns off your water heater when the electric company is facing high demand.

Water heaters require some regular maintenance. Mineral build-up can reduce efficiency but draining a few gallons from the tank quarterly solves the problem.

BUYING A NEW WATER HEATER Old water heaters operate for many years at a low efficiency before they fail. Naturally, that low efficiency translates into higher energy bills.

There are different types of water heaters available. The most common is a storage tank that holds water heated to a pre-set temperature.

Most use electricity or natural gas to heat the water.

A “demand” or “tankless” water heater stays off until

PHOTO BY METROCREATIVECONNECTION

hot water is required. Generally, these work best in situations where only a limited amount of hot water is needed at any given time.

When you shop for a new water heater, look for one that is energy efficient. An easy way to do this is to compare the Energy Factor (EF) for different models. The higher the number, the more efficient the water heater.

Another consideration is the First Hour Rating (FHR),

which tells how much hot water can be supplied under peak load. A bigger tank does not always mean a higher FHR. Buy one that’s big enough to handle your needs but not wasteful. Figure out how much hot water you need based on the usage figures above.

GAS OR ELECTRIC? Gas water heaters generally cost a little more, but are less expensive to operate.

Typically, the energy savings more than make up for the higher purchase price. Before buying, you should check with your electric or gas company. Many will help you to pay for a new water heater.

BOTTOM LINE FOR SAVINGS? Turn the water heater thermostat down, try to consume less hot water, and consider replacing an older water heater.

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