March 18, 2014

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Lace up your sneakers for Heart Walk TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014

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Mechatronics partnership could get $1M

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Sheriff wants club closed after man shot to death

Funding in S.C. budget for college, district program

BY RAYTEVIA EVANS revans@theitem.com (803) 774-1214 The state budget passed by the S.C. House of Representatives last week includes $1 million for a partnership between Central Carolina Technical College and Sumter School District.

STEM, or Sumter Tenth-graders Enter Mechatronics program, is included in the appropriations bill before the Senate Finance Committee, and once the bill is placed before the full Senate, state Sen. Thomas McElveen, D-Sumter, said he’ll do what he can to keep the funding for the program in place.

McElveen said he anticipates the Senate will take up the budget at the end of April or beginning of HARDEE May. According to Dr. Tim Hardee, president of Central Carolina, this type of program will help address the need for highly trained mechatronics professionals for local busiMcELVEEN nesses and industries, such as Continental Tire the Americas, Eaton Corp., BD and Caterpillar.

“It’s critical because we want something to be in place where there’s opportunity for students who are coming out of our schools,” McElveen said. “Those opportunities are going to be there in the future with the latest economic development; Continental is a big one, and I anticipate there will be more to come. But we have to make sure we can place students in those jobs. So this partnership makes a lot of sense because in my opinion, right now we don’t have the number of students we would like to have becoming engaged in things like mechatronics.”

Sumter School District graduates about 1,000 seniors each year. The STEM project would identify about 100 current 10th-grade students to enter a structured curriculum which

SEE STEM, PAGE A10 BREAKDOWN OF STEM BUDGET ∙ Renovations of existing facility at CCTC — $100,000 ∙ Renovations of existing facilities at Sumter County Career and Technology Center — $100,000 ∙ Equipment for Central Carolina mechatronics program — $300,000 ∙ Equipment for Sumter Career Center mechatronics program — $250,000 ∙ Tuition, books and student supplies for students — $150,000 ∙ Supplies for mechatronics lab — $100,000 Total — $1 million

PHOTOS BY BRADEN BUNCH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis, right, says Monday during a news conference that Club Miami on Broad Street Extension has become of hotbed of illegal activity and needs to be closed. Chief Deputy Hampton Gardner stands to Dennis’ left.

Office has responded to hundreds of calls at Club Miami

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT and BRADEN BUNCH bmarchant@theitem.com, bbunch@theitem.com (803) 774-1272, (803) 774-1201 Sunday’s shooting death outside Club Miami was the last straw.

Sumter County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday it plans to close the nightclub on Broad Street Extension after the latest in a string of criminal complaints surrounding the club.

“Due to the repeated and ongoing disturbances and violent activities taking place over a period of years, I am immediately beginning the process necessary to close the establishment of Club Miami,” Sheriff Anthony Dennis said. “We can no longer continue to tolerate the threat this establishment has caused to our citizens, Shaw Air Force Base partners, the community and visitors to our area.”

Tyrus Archie, 33, was shot and killed in the Club Miami parking lot about 3 a.m. Sunday, and another man was wounded by a gunshot to the leg following an altercation.

Rodney Rodriuguz Green, 31, of 1780 Richbow Road, Rembert, is in jail charged with Archie’s murder.

The nightclub is located at the corner of Eagle Road across the street from the Shaw Air Force Base fence.

Green was spotted running from the bar when deputies responded to the shooting early Sunday morning, and after a brief foot chase, Green was Tased and taken into custody.

Investigators said Green attempted to dispose of his .45-caliber gun by throwing it into a nearby grassy area but that the gun had been recovered.

The sheriff said the other victim in the shooting, 26-year-old Rayquann Mondell Jenkins, was scheduled for surgery on Monday and had serious but not life-threatening injuries. Jenkins was airlifted from the scene to a Columbia hospital.

Dennis said he’s spoken with club owner Jay Warren previously about the number of violent

SEE CLUB MIAMI, PAGE A8

Dennis called Club Miami a blight on Sumter County. The nightclub was the site of a fatal shooting Sunday morning.

As more jump into search for work, jobless rate rises

BY BRADEN BUNCH bbunch@theitem.com (803) 774-1201 The Sumter County unemployment rate climbed a halfpercentage point in January despite the area gaining more

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than 250 jobs during the month, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce reported Monday.

The uptick to 7.5 percent was fueled primarily by a swelling labor force as nearly

500 people entered the area’s workforce in January, according to DEW. Economists often consider a large increase in the labor force as a strong indication that optimism is growing among the long-term unemployed about the possi-

DEATHS, B4 Rolly Wells Ann T. Reynolds Virginia Lee Dorothy L. Wilson Charles C. Coulliette Yonwan L. Harris DeLeon Holland

Dorothy B. Lewin Dorothy Parrott Annie Lee T. Johnson Tyrus Archie Mamie D. Witherspoon J. Calvin Hodge Tara D. Graham

bility of finding a job.

With the new numbers, there are now approximately 40,800 Sumter County residents working and about 3,300 people in the county unemployed but looking for work.

Statewide, the unemploy-

ment rate fell to 6.4 percent, down 0.2 percentage points from the previous month. According to Gov. Nikki Haley’s office, it also marked the first time since 2001 that the South

SEE JOBLESS, PAGE A8

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A shower in the morning; cloudy during the day and overcast at night.

HIGH 54, LOW 41

Clarendon Sun C1 Lotteries A10 Classifieds B6 Opinion A9 Comics B5 Television A7

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TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

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

LOCAL BRIEFS FROM STAFF REPORTS

Juror illness postpones double-murder trial The murder, attempted murder and kidnapping trial of Justin Johnson was postponed Monday in Manning as the court waits to make a determination on the possible return of a juror who fell ill early Friday afternoon.

The trial is scheduled to continue at 9 a.m. today in the County Council Chambers of the Clarendon County Administrative Building.

Johnson is charged in the shooting deaths of ninemonth-old Jayden Caraway and the infant’s great-grandmother, Maxine Caraway, in April 2011, as well as the attempted murder of the infant’s mother, Kaisha Caraway, during the same incident. The prosecution has been presenting its case since testimony began March 10.

Shaw aircraft resumes night-flying exercises Shaw Air Force Base has announced that the 20th Fighter Wing has begun conducting night-flying training and surge operations, which will continue until March 28. Base-area residents should expect increased noise and later flying during this period. Shaw officials said these flights provide F-16CJ Fighting Falcon pilots with the opportunity to train with night-vision equipment and practice tactics that are critical to survivability in combat.

Lace up your sneaks for Heart Walk

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com (803) 774-1250 It’s free, and you don’t even have to register.

“You can show up that day,” said Laura Power, director of development for 2014 Sumter County Heart Walk.

“Technically, you don’t have to register (and) it’s free. We do try to have no zero dollar walkers, but any type of donation is great.”

The Sumter County Heart Walk starts at 9 a.m. March 29 outside the POWER Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce, 32 E. Calhoun St. There is a one-mile and a three-mile route.

Check-in activities begin at 8 a.m.

“If you show up, we ask you to write down your information,” Power said.

“We like to record who all is there to show our sponsors next year.”

A kind of warm-up area will be set up as well as a “kid zone” with a clown making balloon animals, she said.

There will also be a VIP area for Superstars — those raising $1,000 or more — to enjoy a hot breakfast, special parking and maybe even a chair massage.

WANT TO GO? WHAT: 2014 Sumter County Heart Walk, one-mile and three-mile course WHEN: 9 a.m. March 29 WHERE: Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce, 32 E. Calhoun St. COST: Free, though donations are requested FOR MORE: Visit sumtercountyheartwalk.org

The walk serves multiple purposes.

One is to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke — the No. 1 and No. 3 killers in the country, respectively, according to sumtercountyheartwalk. org. There will be health screenings such as blood pressure checks that morning.

Another is to celebrate with those who have survived and to honor those who died. New this year, people can buy a torch for $10 — red for heart disease and white for stroke — in honor of someone they love before the walk.

There will be a torch-lighting ceremony.

And of course, it is a way to raise money for the American Heart Associ-

ation and American Stroke Association. The goal is to raise $210,000 this year, and so far, the count is at $129,834.

“A lot of the fundraising money is turned in on Bank Day, the Friday before the walk and the day of the walk,” Power said. “But we fund raise through June, so there is definitely enough time.”

Last year, the organization raised $191,142.

Now if you don’t want to go it alone, you can go to sumtercountyheartwalk. org to register your own team or a company team or even to join an existing team. Team captains are encouraged to collect money, and the two best ways are through social media and selling trail markers, Power said.

“Team captains will get a package,” she said. “They are encouraged to personalize their page. For example, mine has a pic of me and my dad. I shared mine on Facebook during one of the snow days, and I had $650 by the end of the day. It’s easy, and people are willing to do it.”

Trail markers range from signs with heart healthy messages at $500 to $100 for banners.

For more information, visit sumtercountyheartwalk.org.

Jet engine inspection

Water line repairs, hydrant tests set The City of Sumter will make repairs to water lines at the intersection of Pinewood Road and Kolb Road between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Water service along Kolb Road between Cains Mill Road and Sun Valley Drive and Pinewood Road between Treetop Lane and Cains Mill Road to include Winterberry Park, Monogan Park, Briarcliff Estates, Cains Point, Manchester Downs, Pierce Place, Sunny Field, Pipkin Hill and Anburn and Wilson Trust subdivisions will be disrupted while these repairs are being made. Customers in these areas may experience temporary discolored water.

The city will also perform fire hydrant flow tests on Mooneyham Road, U.S. 521 South, West Brewington Road, Belk Street, Electric Drive, Old Manning Road and Preot Street between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Water customers in these areas may experience temporary discolored water.

Direct questions or concerns to the City of Sumter Public Services Department at (803) 436-2558.

CLARIFICATION Information provided to The Sumter Item listed an incorrect phone number for Maggie Richardson, chapter leader of the Sumter Parents of Murdered Children. To reach Richardson, call (803) 236-9086.

AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JENSEN STIDHAM / SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel Gallentine, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron jet engine craftsman, inspects a jet engine at the engine test facility on Shaw Air Force Base recently. While the engine was at 29,000 pounds thrust capacity, Gallentine checked for oil and air leaks as well as any vibrating parts to ensure all components were working properly.

Sumter social work conference coming up

BY IVY MOORE ivym@theitem.com (803) 774-1221 Among the speakers at the Sumter Area Social Workers 26th Annual Conference on March 28 will be Congressman James F. Clyburn, D-S.C.; Sen. Vincent Sheheen, D-Camden; Dr. Wilhemenia Rembert, retired dean of the Winthrop University School of Social Work; and Carla Damron, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers-S.C. Chapter. While the conference is targeted to social work-

ers, it is open to the public; according to conference planner Ramelle Coker, “This is an educational and fun event for all social workers, case managers or anyone who works with those who have special needs.”

The conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Friday, March 28, at the North HOPE Center, 904 N. Main St. The theme for this year is “Resilience ... Weaving ... Advocacy.”

Trainers include social workers Carrie Sinkler-Parker on the Affordable Care Act, Robert Carlton on “Key Concepts of Disaster Behavioral Health,”

Lt. Christina Stabile on “Air Force Family Advocacy Program Services” and Kelli Scurry on “Trauma Informed Care.” Damron, recently named S.C. Social Worker of the Year, will present an update on advocacy, and Sheheen will give a legislative update.

The fee for the conference is $30, which includes lunch. Attendees can receive 6.0 continuing education units, 4 of them in social work. The registration deadline is Thursday.

For more information or to register, visit the website peedeeahec.net, or call AHEC at (843) 777-5343.

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

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LOCAL | WORLD

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TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014

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Boy Scouts will hold barbecue benefit this weekend

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com (803) 774-1250 If you’ve got a hankering for some barbecue, then the Boy Scouts of the Henry Shelor District have you covered.

So far, 13 cook teams have signed up to participate in the Third Annual Benefit BBQ for Boy Scouts.

“I signed up two more this morning, and I’ll probably have more of them sign up this afternoon,” said Emil Wodicka, program director for the district that

serves Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties, on Monday. “As long as they can have food ready by 5 p.m.

Friday, we’ll take their money at the door. We’re hoping to hit 20.”

The first year, six teams competed, and last year, 16 participated.

Friday night is the Wing Ding from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For $8, a person can get 10 wings and listen to live music at the American Legion Post 15 Fairgrounds off Artillery Drive.

“We’re expecting 500 people Friday and 700 Saturday,” Wodicka said.

Saturday is the pulled pork com-

petition from 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the fairgrounds. The event is being judged by the S.C. Barbeque Association. Tickets for this event are $10 and purchases the individual four barbecue sliders.

But for $15, a person can buy a pass to both events.

While the single-day tickets are available at the gate, the $15 one is only available in advance at eight locations.

For more information on the Third Annual Benefit BBQ for Boy Scouts, including an application to compete, contact Wodicka at (803) 406-8025 or ewodicka@sc.rr.com.

GET YOUR TICKETS • Alexander’s Family Hair Salon, 1330 Broad St. (Gateway Plaza) • American Legion Post 15 Business Office, 28 S. Artillery Drive • Burgess-Brogdon Building Supply, 220 Dingle St. • Danny’s Trophy Shop, 713 Bultman Drive • Pizza Lane, 460 Broad St. Get 10 percent off your meal with ticket purchase.

• Sumter Cut Rate, 32 S. Main St. • Wally’s Hardware, 1291 Broad St. • Council Service Center, 702 S. Coit St., Florence

Putin declares Crimea is sovereign, independent KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized Crimea as a “sovereign and independent country” Monday, just hours after the strategic Black Sea peninsula declared it had broken away from Ukraine.

The moves triggered the toughest Western sanctions against Russia since the Cold War — with Washington and the European Union retaliating with asset freezes and travel bans and U.S. President Obama vowing to “increase the cost” if the Kremlin does not back down.

Ukraine’s turmoil has become Europe’s most severe security crisis in years, and tensions have been high since Russian troops seized control of Crimea, which decided in a Sunday referendum to merge with Russia.

Putin signed a decree recognizing Crimea’s independence, and Russian troops were massed near the border with Russian-speaking eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine’s acting president raised tensions on the ground by calling for the activation of some 20,000 military reservists and volunteers across the country and for the mobilization of another 20,000 in the recently formed national guard.

In the Crimean capital of Simferopol, ethnic Russians applauded the Sunday referendum that overwhelmingly called for secession and for joining Russia. Masked men in body armor blocked access for most journalists to

the parliament session that declared independence, but the city otherwise appeared to go about its business normally.

The U.S., EU and Ukraine’s new government do not recognize the referendum held Sunday in Crimea, which was called hastily as Ukraine’s political crisis deepened with the ouster of pro-Russia President Viktor Yanukovych following months of protests and sporadic bloodshed. In addition to calling the vote itself illegal, the Obama administration said there were “massive anomalies” in balloting that returned a 97 percent “yes” vote for joining Russia.

Obama warned that Rus-

Ukrainian troops with white bands on their sleeves march past an unmarked Russian military vehicle outside a Ukrainian military base in Perevalne, Crimea, Ukraine, on Monday.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

sia could face more financial punishment.

“If Russia continues to interfere in Ukraine, we stand ready to impose further sanctions,” Obama said.

One of the top Russian officials hit by sanctions

mocked Obama.

“Comrade Obama, what should those who have neither accounts nor property abroad do? Have you not thought about it?” Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin tweeted. “I think

the decree of the President of the United States was written by some joker.”

Moscow considers the vote legitimate, and Putin was to address both houses of parliament today on the Crimean situation.

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STATE | REGION

General chokes up as he details affair during plea

An AH-64D Apache Longbow with the South Carolina Army National Guard releases flares during a test over Camp Tajo, Iraq, on Oct. 8, 2011.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Proposed Apache cuts worry former state Guard leader COLUMBIA (AP) — A Pentagon budget plan to take Army National Guard Apache attack helicopters from America’s citizen-soldiers doesn’t sit well with the South Carolina general who commanded an Apache battalion and flew the fearsome choppers for 1,500 hours during his 37-year career.

“It could be problematic for the U.S. Army as a whole.

You are losing upward of 20 years of experience that we, the nation, need,” said Maj. Gen. Les Eisner, who retired from his post as the state’s No. 2 military commander on March 5.

The South Carolina AH-64’s have deployed to EISNER Bosnia, Kuwait and twice to Iraq. The 60-year-old former general said the unit has proven itself in battle and has done it as a far cheaper alternative than full-time units in the active-duty Army.

The move would strip about 200 choppers from National Guard units in eight states: South Carolina and North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Utah, Idaho, Arizona and Texas. Eisner said the decision also would affect logistic hubs for the aircraft in California, Connecticut, Missouri and Mississippi.

Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., has put forward a bill to block the transfer of the AH64s, and he is also seeking a commission to study the Army changes. The measure has gained 120 co-sponsors.

THE SUMTER ITEM

“This aviation restructuring plan would have a significantly negative impact on Army National Guard aviation and the total Army. The National Guard is the primary combat reserve for the Army and should mirror the active-duty force,” Wilson said in a statement.

South Carolina’s 24 Apaches are based at McEntire Joint National Guard Base near Eastover. North Carolina also has 24, based near Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The N.C. Guard has deployed to both Afghanistan and Iraq since the terrorist strikes of 9/11.

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) — An Army general who admitted to improper relationships with three subordinates appeared to choke up Monday as he told a judge that he’d failed the female captain who had leveled the most serious accusations against him.

At his sentencing hearing, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Sinclair explained details of his three-year affair with the woman under his command for the first time publicly. His voice halted when telling the judge why he was pleading guilty to mistreating her in a deal that included the dropping of sexual assault charges.

“I failed her as a leader and as a mentor and caused harm to her emotional state,” Sinclair said, his voice catching as he read from a statement. He asked the judge for a break and took a long drink of water before continuing to read.

“I created a situation

over time that caused her emotional harm,” Sinclair said, seated in his dress blue uniform. It was the first public show of regret or sadness for a 27-year veteran who had betrayed little emotion in court hearings during the past year.

The judge accepted Sinclair’s guilty pleas on several lesser charges in a deal that includes the dropping of sexual assault counts and two others that may have required him to register as a sex offender.

A sentencing hearing for Sinclair was scheduled to start Monday afternoon.

Ultimately, the judge will give Sinclair a sentence that can’t exceed terms in the agreement struck between defense lawyers and military attorneys during the weekend. The legal agreement is likely to require a punishment far less severe than the maximum penalties of 21½ years in prison and dismissal from the Army.

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Suicide, allegations stun border agent’s family

BY ALICIA A. CALDWELL Associated Press Writer MISSION, Texas — Esteban Manzanares was working his regular day shift as a U.S. Border Patrol agent along the busiest stretch of Mexican border when a trio of Honduran immigrants spotted him and offered to surrender.

A woman, her teenage daughter and a teenage family friend later told authorities they were taken into custody and driven away from a popular county park just north of the Rio Grande and upriver to a more remote, scrub brushfilled area. It was there, in this rugged no-man’s land between the river and a stretch of rust-covered steel border fence, that the older woman said the group was assaulted by a man wearing green fatigues who left the area with one of the girls.

Based on the woman’s description of the attacker’s clothing and his vehicle, investigators quickly concluded the suspect was likely a U.S. Border Patrol agent, according a federal law enforcement official.

More than seven hours after the older woman was first spotted Wednesday, her wrists cut and bloodied, agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement found Manzanares dead in his apartment from what investigators have described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The missing teenager was there, too, bound and naked.

Manzanares’ family has no idea what could have led the Border Patrol agent to his apparent suicide. They said allegations that he kidnapped and assaulted the women were even harder to comprehend.

“Honestly, I don’t know,” Manzanares’ ex-wife, Susana Manzanares, said Sunday.

“It’s really hard to believe.”

She and Esteban Manzanares met online about 10 years ago. She described him as a sweet, kind-hearted man who helped strangers. They married in 2006.

The pair divorced earlier this year, but Susana Manzanares, 30, said they remained friendly and spoke often, usually about their 6-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter, both of whom have cystic fibrosis.

“What surprises me is that he would leave his children,” she said as she watched her daughter, Artemis, toddle around the living room of her apartment.

Manzaneres, 32, was originally from the McAllen area, and he had been with the Border Patrol since 2008, serving at a checkpoint farther away from the border before transferring to a station along the border to be closer to his children, his ex-wife said. Before joining the Border Patrol, he

The general area in Anzalduas Park in Mission, Texas, where officials say a group of three female immigrants from Honduras tried to surrender to Border Patrol Agent Esteban Manzanares on Wednesday afternoon is seen on Saturday. Manzanares killed himself early Thursday, and the FBI is investigating allegations that he kidnapped and assaulted the migrants before committing suicide.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

worked as a local jailer and served in the Army National Guard, she said.

The day the FBI said Manzanares kidnapped and assaulted the immigrants, he and Susana Manzanares texted each other about the kids.

In his last message to her, about 3:15 p.m., he said he wanted to help with the kids.

“I want to help in any way I can but I am very limited,” he wrote.

Susana Manzanares said she sent him another message

at 5:23 p.m. to chat about plans to swap sofas. By then, according to officials who discussed the case with The Associated Press, Manzanares had left the border with the teenage girl. At some point, he dropped off his patrol truck at the nearby station in McAllen, a border city about 350 miles south of Houston.

He never responded to his exwife’s message.

The details of what happened between the time other border patrol agents found the older woman near the border fence in a place called Abram and when investigators heard a single gunshot inside his first-floor apartment remain unclear.

The FBI has declined to discuss specifics of the case. The Homeland Security Department has referred questions about Esteban Manzanares’ shift and activities that day to the FBI. The federal law enforce-

ment official and a border patrol agent who helped in the search for the missing girl told the AP previously that the woman was spotted on a border camera shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday. Agents made it to the area within about 10 minutes and started searching for the teenagers. Both the official and the agent spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss details of the case being investigated by the FBI. Esteban Manzanares’ day shift was ending as the search started. If he had his radio on as he left the border, he likely would have heard his colleagues start the search for him and the missing girl.

Investigators narrowed in on Manzanares hours later after finding blood and remnants of duct tape inside the vehicle he had been assigned for that day’s shift, the federal law enforcement official said.

As authorities approached his apartment sometime after midnight Thursday, they heard a gunshot.

Since the attack, the women have received medical attention for what the law enforcement official described this week as non-life threatening injuries. Their exact whereabouts have not been released, but ICE said Friday the group was not in its custody.

Their future remains uncertain. Immigrant victims of crime can be eligible for a special visa that allows them to stay in the country to help authorities investigate a crime.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

U.S. cites security more to censor, deny records

W

ASHINGTON (AP) — The

Freedom of information requests

Obama admin-

The Obama administration censored or denied more federal Freedom of Information Act requests for government files in the 2013 fiscal year than it granted outright.

istration has a way to go to fulfill its promises from Day 1 to become the most transparent administration in history.

More often than ever, the administration censored government files or outright denied access to them last year under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act, cited more legal exceptions it said justified withholding materials and refused a record number of times to turn over files quickly that might be especially newsworthy, according to a new analysis of federal data by The Associated Press.

Most agencies also took longer to answer records requests.

The government’s own figures from 99 federal agencies covering six years show that halfway through its second term, the administration has made few meaningful improvements in the way it releases records. In category after category — except for reducing numbers of old requests and a slight increase in how often it waived copying fees — the government’s efforts to be more open about its activities last year were their worst since President Obama took office.

In a year of intense public interest over the National Security Agency’s surveillance programs, the government cited national security to withhold information a record 8,496 times — a 57 percent increase over a year earlier and more than double Obama’s first year, when it cited that reason 3,658 times. The Defense Department, including the NSA, and the CIA accounted for nearly all those. The Agriculture Department’s Farm Service Agency cited national security six times, the Environmental Protection Agency did twice and the National Park Service once.

And five years after Obama directed agencies to less frequently invoke a “deliberative process” exception to withhold materials describing decisionmaking behind the scenes, the government did it anyway, a record 81,752 times.

“I’m concerned the growing trend toward relying upon FOIA exemptions to withhold large swaths of government information is hindering the public’s right to know,” said Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “It becomes too much of a temptation. If you screw up in government, just mark it ‘top secret.’”

Citizens, journalists, businesses and others last year made a record 704,394 requests for information, an 8 percent increase over the previous year. The government responded to 678,391 requests, an increase of 2 percent over the previous year. The AP analysis showed that the government more than ever censored materials it turned over or fully denied access to them, in 244,675 cases or 36 percent of all requests. On 196,034 other occasions, the government said it couldn’t find records, a person refused to pay for copies or the government determined the request to be unreasonable or improper.

Partially denied/ censored

Fully granted

Fully denied*

800 thousand 600

631,424

678,391

569,957

600,849

665,924

578,172

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

400 200 0

*Includes inability of agency to locate files, rejection of improper or unreasonable request or refusal of requester to pay processing fees.

National security cited as reason to withhold information 10 thousand 8 6 4 2 0 2008

8,496

2009

2010

SOURCE: U.S. government data

Sometimes, the government censored only a few words or an employee’s phone number, but other times it completely marked out nearly every paragraph on pages.

The White House said the government’s figures demonstrate “that agencies are responding to the president’s call for greater transparency.”

White House spokesman Eric Schultz noted that the government responded to more requests than previously and said it released more information.

“Over the past five years, federal agencies have worked aggressively to improve their responsiveness to FOIA requests, applying a presumption of openness and making it a priority to respond quickly,” Schultz said.

Sunday was the start of Sunshine Week, when news organizations promote open government and freedom of information.

Hours:

Monday - Friday 9:00am-7:00pm Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm Sunday Closed

2011

2012

2013 AP

The chief of the Justice Department’s Office of Information Policy, which oversees the open records law, told the Senate last week that some of the 99 agencies in the past five years have released documents in full or in part in more than 90 percent of cases. She noted the record number of requests for government records, which exceeded 700,000 for the first time last year, and said decisions are harder than ever.

“The requests are more complex than they were before,” director Melanie Pustay told the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The government’s responsiveness under the FOIA is widely viewed as a barometer of its transparency. Under the law, citizens and foreigners can compel the government to turn over copies of federal records for zero or little cost. Anyone who seeks information through the law is generally supposed to get it unless disclosure

would hurt national security, violate personal privacy or expose business secrets or confidential decision-making in certain areas. It cited such exceptions a record 546,574 times last year.

“The public is frustrated and unhappy with the pace of responses and the amount of information provided,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said at the same congressional hearing. “There’s a common reaction for anybody who has any experience with it that it doesn’t function well.”

John Cook, the incoming editor at the Intercept, the online magazine founded by investor Pierre Omidyar, said his experience under the open records law was “abysmal” but not especially worse last year than previously. “It’s a bureaucracy,” Cook said. “As often as it’s about trying to keep data from falling into the hands of reporters, it’s the contractor looking for ways to reduce the caseload.

It’s just bureaucrats trying to get home earlier and have less to do.”

The AP could not determine whether the administration was abusing the national security exception or whether the

public asked for more documents about sensitive subjects.

The NSA said its 138 percent surge in records requests were from people asking whether it had collected their phone or email records, which it generally refuses to confirm or deny. To do otherwise, the NSA said, would pose “an unacceptable risk” because terrorists could check to see whether the U.S. had detected their activities. It censored records or fully denied access to them in 4,246 out of 4,328 requests, or 98 percent of the time.

Journalists and others who need information quickly to report breaking news fared worse than ever last year.

Blocking news organizations from urgently obtaining records about a government scandal or crisis — such as the NSA’s phone-records collection, Boston bombings, trouble with its health care website, the deadly shootings at the Washington Navy Yard or the attack on the diplomatic mission in Benghazi — can delay uncovering significant developments until after decisions are made and the public’s interest has waned.

TELEVISION

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WIS News 10 at Entertainment The Voice: The Battles Premiere, (:01) About a Boy: (:31) Growing Up 7:00pm Local Tonight (N) (HD) Part 2 The battle between the teams About a Girl (N) Fisher: Trust Fall news update. continues. (N) (HD) (HD) (N) (HD) News 19 @ 7pm Inside Edition (N) NCIS: Rock and a Hard Place Bomb at NCIS: Los Angeles: Between the Evening news up- (HD) military charity event. (N) (HD) Lines Local gang executes underdate. cover agent. (N) (HD) Wheel of Fortune Jeopardy! (N) Marvel Studios: Assembling a Uni- The Goldbergs: (:31) Trophy Wife (N) (HD) (HD) verse Marvel Cinematic Universe For Your own Family gets news. documentary. (N) (HD) Good (N) (HD) (N) (HD) Making It Grow (N) American Experience: 1964 In 1964, the United States embarked on a new and different course following the actions of frustrated and ambitious ordinary citizens and prominent figures. (HD) The Big Bang The Big Bang Glee: 100 Past and present members New Girl: Prince A Brooklyn Theory To the Theory North of New Directions revamp their best party with Prince. Nine-Nine: Unnext level. (HD) Pole. (HD) performances. (N) (HD) (HD) solvable (N) (HD) Family Feud Family Feud The Originals: Moon Over Bourbon Supernatural: Blade Runners Sam Street Elijah takes control of the and Dean search for The First Blade.

Quarter. (N) (HD) (N) (HD)

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TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014 11 PM

11:30

12 AM

(:35) The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Actress Lena Dunham from “Girls.” (N) (HD) (:35) Late Show with David Letterman Matt Damon; Lenny Kravitz.

(HD) (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live Ashley Judd; Howie Mandel; Sam Smith. (N) (HD) Tavis Smiley BBC World News Charlie Rose (N) (HD) International (HD) news.

WACH FOX News at 10 Local news Two and a Half Two and a Half The Middle: report and weather forecast.

Men Alan’s re- Men (HD) Hecking Order venge. (HD) (HD) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: The Arsenio Hall Birthright Erroneous kidnapping plot. Pixies Suspects are abound in gym- Show (HD) (HD) nast’s murder. (HD) Chicago Fire: When Things Got Rough Severide assists car crash victim. (N) (HD) (:01) Person of Interest: / Root given number of mysterious janitor.

(N) (HD) Mind Games: Apophenia The campaign promise of a congressman. (N) (HD) Frontline: Rape in the Fields Sexual assault in U.S. fields exposed. (HD)

WIS News 10 at 11:00pm News and weather.

News 19 @ 11pm The news of the day.

ABC Columbia News at 11 (HD)

CABLE CHANNELS Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars (N) Storage Wars (N) Barry’d Treasure Storage Wars (:01) Storage (:31) Storage (:01) Storage (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (N) (HD) (HD) Wars (HD) Wars (HD) Wars (HD) Die Hard: With a Vengeance (‘95, Action) aaa Bruce Willis. A cop and a reluctant civilian race against time to Game of Arms: Bloodlines A man Game of Arms: Bloodlines A man Machete (‘10) stop a bomber’s attack. (HD) wrestles with doubt. (N) (HD) wrestles with doubt. (HD) aaa (HD) Savage Alaska (HD) Naked Castaway: Stranded (HD) Naked Castaway (HD) Naked Castaway (HD) Naked Castaway: Stranded (HD) Naked (HD) Why Did I Get Married? (‘07, Comedy) ac Tyler Perry. A reunion turns somber as one of the The Game (HD) The Game (N) Let’s Stay To- The Game (HD) Let’s Stay To- Wendy Williams couples attending confronts infidelity.

(HD) gether (N) (HD) gether (HD) Show (HD) The Real Housewives of Atlanta: Real Housewives of New York City: The Real Housewives of New York The Real Housewives of Atlanta: What Happens Menounos Con- Housewives Flirting with Disaster If You Can Make It Here City Aviva’s memoir. (N) Flirting with Disaster (N) sidering kids.

Aviva’s memoir.

The Kudlow Report (N) Shark Tank Feline fever. (HD) Shark Tank (HD) The Profit (N) Shark Tank Feline fever. (HD) Shark (HD) Erin Burnett OutFront (N) Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) Piers Morgan LIVE (N) (HD) CNN Special Report (N) Anderson Cooper 360° (HD) P. Morgan The Colbert Re- Daily Show (HD) Kroll Show: Tosh.0 (HD) Tosh.0 Tosh.0 Ratings Tosh.0 (N) (HD) Kroll Show (N) Daily Show (HD) (:31) The Colbert (:01) @midnight port (HD) Bounce (HD) Lohanthony. (HD) boost. (HD) (HD) Report (HD) (HD) Jessie Doorman A.N.T. Farm (HD) Girl vs. Monster (‘12, Family) aa Olivia Holt. A teen (:40) Jessie: 101 (:05) Austin & Good Luck Char- Jessie Girl scouts. A.N.T. Farm (HD) Good Luck Chartraining. (HD) girl hunts a dangerous monster.

Lizards (HD) Ally (HD) lie (HD) (HD) lie (HD) Clash of the Ozarks (HD) Amish Mafia: The Devil’s (N) Amish Mafia (N) (HD) Clash of the Ozarks (N) (HD) Amish Mafia (HD) Clash (HD) 2014 NIT Basketball Tournament: First Round z{| (HD) 2014 NIT Basketball Tournament: First Round z{| (HD) SportsCenter (HD) SportsCenter 2014 NIT Basketball Tournament: First Round z{| (HD) 2014 NIT Basketball Tournament: First Round z{| (HD) 2014 NIT Basketball Tournament z{| (HD) Pretty Little Liars: Unbridled Fashion Pretty Little Liars: A is for Answers (:01) Twisted: You’re a Good Man, Pretty Little Liars: A is for Answers The 700 Club Twisted Bond show. (HD) Answers are found. (N) (HD) Charlie McBride (N) Answers are found. (HD) hurts couple.

Chopped: Viewers’ Choice! (HD) Chopped: Orzo It Seemed (HD) Chopped Coffee cake. (N) (HD) Chopped Beef tongue. (HD) Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Chopped (HD) On the Record with Greta (N) The O’Reilly Factor (N) (HD) The Kelly File News updates.

Hannity Conservative news. (HD) The O’Reilly Factor (HD) The Kelly File NHL Hockey: Carolina Hurricanes at Columbus Blue Jackets z{| (HD) Postgame Insider (HD) Cutting World Poker Tour no} (HD) NHL Hockey The Waltons: The Tailspin Jim-Bob The Waltons: Founder’s Day New The Middle: Sig- The Middle (HD) Frasier: Cheerful Frasier: Frasier Frasier: The Guilt Frasier: Moons Golden: Hey Look can’t join the Air Corps. composition. nals (HD) Goodbyes Has Spokane Trippers Over Seattle Me Over Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Life Life Hunt Hunt Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Flip It To Win It (N) Hunt Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Counting (HD) Counting (HD) Counting (HD) Counting (HD) American (HD) American (HD) American (HD) American (HD) Counting (HD) Criminal Minds: The Uncanny Valley Criminal Minds: #6 BAU tracks an Criminal Minds: Brothers Hotchner Criminal Minds: The Replicator Flashpoint: Wild Card Debt to the ca- Flashpoint: A sino. (HD) New Life (HD) Bizarre obsession. (HD) UnSub in Detroit. (HD) Hotch’s brother. (HD) Replicator’s target. (HD) Dance Moms: No Solo for You Kalani Dance Moms: Blame It on the New Dance Moms: Sister Showdown Kim of Queens: Allisyn’s Big Bet (:01) To Be Announced Pro(:02) Dance seeks solo. (HD) Girl New girl tries out. (HD) Payton’s membership. (N) (HD) Racetrack trip. (N) (HD) gramming information unavailable. Moms (HD) Sponge Sam & Cat Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Friends (:36) Friends (:12) Friends Ink Master: Earn It! (HD) Ink Master: Bug Out (HD) Ink Master: Tatt Ganged (HD) Ink Master (N) (HD) Nightmares Nightmares Nightmares Face Off: Ego Trip Abroad Ancient Ja- Face Off: Mad Science Inspired by bi- Face Off: What a Dahl (N) (HD) Foxy and Co.: Foxy and Co. (N) Face Off: What a Dahl (HD) Foxy and Co.: pan. (HD) zarre medical devices. (HD) Foxy and Co. Seinfeld: The Pool Family Guy Peter The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Cougar Town (N) The Big Bang Conan Jesse Tyler Ferguson; The The Pete Holmes Guy (HD) buys a tank.

Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) (HD) Theory (HD) Head and the Heart. (HD) Show (6:00) On an Island with You (‘48, (:12) Carson on (:48) Carson on (:15) Whistling in the Dark (‘41, Comedy) aaa Red (:45) The Show-Off (‘46, Comedy) aa Red Skelton. (:15) A Southern Musical) aac Esther Williams.

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Yankee (‘48) LI Medium LI Medium The Little Couple (HD) The Little Couple (N) (HD) The Little Couple (N) (HD) (:02) The Little Couple (HD) (:01) Little (HD) Rizzoli & Isles: Just Push Play Chef Rizzoli & Isles: Food for Thought Rizzoli & Isles: You’re Gonna Miss (:01) Perception: Obsession Search (:02) Rizzoli & Isles: You’re Gonna Perception: Obpoisoned. (HD) Chef poisoned. (HD) Me When I’m Gone (N) (HD) for stalker. (N) (HD) Miss Me When I’m Gone (HD) session (HD) 2014 NCAA Basketball Tournament: First Four: Game #1 z{| 2014 NCAA Basketball Tournament: First Four: Game #2 z{| Inside March Madness Griffith (HD) Gilligan’s (HD) Gilligan’s (HD) Gilligan’s (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Raymond (HD) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Modern Family Modern Family Chrisley Knows Modern Family Modern Family Sirens Lightening Chrisley Knows Retro AIDS patients. (HD) Wildlife (HD) (HD) (HD) Best (N) (HD) (HD) strike. (HD) Best (HD) Law & Order: Atonement (HD) Law & Order: Standoff (HD) Law & Order: Return (HD) Law & Order (HD) Law & Order: Amends (HD) Law (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) A Few Good Men (‘92, Drama) aaac Tom Cruise. Military lawyers defend two soldiers.

Parks (HD)

‘Celebrities Undercover’ is pointless, witless

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH We are living in a golden era of really smart TV. “Mad Men,” “True Detective,” “The Returned” and “The Americans” come to mind. But that doesn’t mean there’s not a lot of dumb stuff still getting made. I mean really dumb.

“What were they thinking?” dumb.

“Celebrities Undercover” (10:30 p.m., Oxygen, TV-PG) serves as Exhibit A. Don’t confuse this show with “I Get That A Lot,” the obnoxious CBS candidcamera reality series where boldfaced names pretended to be “normal” people so they could lord their celebrity over us in a big “reveal.”

Believe it or not, “Undercover” is much more strenuously inane. On “Undercover,” celebrities will disguise themselves as regular people, not to fool them, but to hear what their fans “really think” about them. Living with this level of vanity and insecurity must be exhausting.

In the first segment, syndicated talk show host Wendy Williams is entombed in fat-lady prosthetics, covered in a white wig and plopped into a wheelchair to blend into her own studio audience as a elderly “fan” — of herself.

Then her producer comes out and cajoles the audience to share their true feelings about Wendy Williams. Some people think that the talk show host “talks too much.” Others have doubts about her singing talent. It doesn’t get much harsher than that.

Real hilarity ensues when the producer inquires how many bought Williams’ new book. Somehow I never confused the freebie-grabbing studio audiences for afternoon talk and game shows with what we used to call “book buyers.”

Afternoon TV shows are a corner of the media that has grown increasingly juvenile, even infantile, in recent years.

I recently caught a glimpse of “The Chew” in my doctor’s waiting room and it had all of the intellectual heft of “PeeWee’s Playhouse,” with none of the inventive wit.

But book sales are the least of the show’s problems. Apparently, Wendy Williams (not to mention the makers of “Undercover”) is just too darn busy hosting her talk show, writing “books” and preparing for her Broadway debut to

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AROUND TOWN In recognition of March being Credit Education Month, the Sumter County Library will host free programs at the main branch, 111 N. Harvin St., as follows: 6 p.m. today, “Managing Your Finances” with Donna Holmes from SAFE Federal Credit Union; 1 p.m.

Wednesday, March 19, the documentary “Why Smart People Do Stupid Things with Money” will be presented; and 1 p.m.

Wednesday, March 26, “Lunch and Learn: Smart Investing and Banking Tips” with a representative from Wells Fargo, bring your lunch and enjoy this presentation while you eat.

The Carolina Coin Club will meet at 7 p.m. today at the Parks & Recreation Department, 155 Haynsworth St. Visitors welcome. Call (803) 775-8840.

The Pinedale Neighborhood Association will meet at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at the South HOPE Center, 1125 S. Lafayette Drive.

Call Ferdinand Burns at (803) 968-4464.

The General George L. Mabry Jr. Chapter 817 Military Order of the Purple Heart will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at the Elks Lodge, 1100 W. Liberty St. All Purple Heart recipients and those interested in associate membership are invited.

Call (803) 506-3120.

The Clarendon County Democratic Party County Convention will be held Thursday, March 20, at Weldon Auditorium, 7 Maple St., Manning. Registration for convention delegates begins at 6:30 p.m. with the meeting at 7 p.m. Call Glenn Ardis at (803) 452-6013.

The Sumter Combat Veterans Group will meet at 10 a.m.

Friday, March 21, at the South HOPE Center, 1125 S. Lafayette Drive. All area veterans are invited.

The Lincoln High School Preservation Alumni Association will sponsor a dinner fundraiser 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, March 21, at the Lincoln High School gymnasium, 26 Council St. Cost is $7 per plate and dinners include fish, red rice, sweet peas and drink. Dine in or take out. Call James Green at (803) 968-4173.

The Lincoln High School Class of 1960 will hold its quarterly meeting at 10 a.m.

Saturday, March 22, at the alumni building on Council Street. All classmates are invited. Call Lucile Davis at (803) 775-6253.

The Sumter Branch NAACP will hold its annual WIN (Women in the NAACP) Program at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 23, at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 325 Fulton St. The Rev. Debbie Bowens-Davis will speak.

OXYGEN MEDIA LLC / NBCUNIVERSAL MEDIA LLC

Syndicated talk show host Wendy Williams is covered in prosthetics to appear in disguise as a member of her own studio audience on “Celebrities Undercover” airing at 10:30 p.m. on Oxygen. have ever heard of something called Twitter, or the Internet, or a million and one sites dedicated to fans “sharing” thoughts about celebrities.

“Undercover” is as pointless as it is witless.

And if Wendy Williams’ subterfuge isn’t enough for you, Kim Kardashian follows.

• A corporate merger gets its own product placement special with “Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • Past and present members reflect on how New Direction changed their life on “Glee” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14).

• Party planning on “About a Boy” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-PG).

• Todd tries to develop a coffee-infused rum on the season finale of “Dangerous Grounds” (9 p.m., Travel).

• Kate runs wild on “Growing Up Fisher” (9:30 p.m., NBC, TVPG).

• A janitor reveals hidden depths on “Person of Interest” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

• Severide feels responsible on “Chicago Fire” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

• A politician’s son thinks Dad needs some handling on “Mind Games” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

• Crowe family tumult on “Justified” (10 p.m., FX, TVMA).

• A “Face Off” alumnus gets his own series, “Foxy & Co.” (10 p.m., Syfy).

SERIES NOTES An explosion rocks a military charity event on “NCIS” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) * Party time on “The Originals” (8 p.m., CW, TV-PG) * Mole hunting on “NCIS: Los Angeles” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * When Doves Cry Under a Cherry Moon on “New Girl” (9 p.m., Fox, r, TV-14) * Moving the furniture on “The Goldbergs” (9 p.m., ABC, TVPG) * Blade runners on “Supernatural” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14) * Jake revisits a very old case on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (9:30 p.m., Fox, TV-14) * Wedding jitters on “Trophy Wife” (9:30 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).

LATE NIGHT Tom Hanks and The Head and the Heart appear on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS, r) * Theo James, Margaret Cho, Jen Kirkman and Ross Mathews are booked on “Chelsea Lately” (11 p.m., E!) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Lena Dunham, Hugh Dancy and Foster the People on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Ashley Judd, Howie Mandel and Sam Smith appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Kathryn Hahn and David Remnick visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Lewis Black and Dawn Olivieri

appear on “The Late Late Show” (12:35 a.m., CBS).

Copyright 2014, United Feature Syndicate

The Sumter County Educators Association-Retired will meet at noon Wednesday, March 26, at the North HOPE Center, 904 N. Main St. New members are encouraged to join. Call Brenda Bethune at (803) 469-6588.

The Sumter Chapter of POMC (Parents of Murdered Children) will hold its first meeting 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, March 28, at the Birnie HOPE Center. Call Maggie Richardson at (803) 2369086 for details.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014

JOBLESS FROM PAGE A1

LOCAL | STATE

CLUB MIAMI FROM PAGE A1

Carolina unemployment rate was below the national average for two straight months.

“Today’s news is a real testament to the hardworking people of South Carolina and another sign that we are continuing to move in the right direction,” Haley said.

Clarendon and Lee counties also saw their unemployment rates rise as their labor force totals jumped as well. The Clarendon County unemployment rate climbed to 9.9 percent, up from 9.1 percent the month before. Lee County’s unemployment rate

jumped a half point, to 8.3 percent. Unlike Sumter, however, job numbers in both counties remained static.

Every year, data analysts with the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics revise the previous year’s numbers before issuing their January report. The new figures indicate that Sumter County saw about 450 more people become employed during the past year while its total labor force dropped by more than 600 people, forcing the unemployment rate down from 9.8 percent in January 2013.

Chesnee man sentenced to die for child’s killing SPARTANBURG (AP) — A Spartanburg County jury has sentenced a Chesnee man to death for shooting and killing an 8-year-old girl nearly five years ago.

The jury deliberated about five hours before returning the death sentence on Sunday for Ricky Lee Blackwell Sr. in the death of Brooke Center. The same jury had convicted Blackwell of kidnapping and murder after just 20 minutes of deliberation.

Prosecutors said that Blackwell, 55, placed the girl in a chokehold and shot her four times in an act of revenge as his former wife

watched. Brooke was the daughter of Bobby Center, the boyfriend of Blackwell’s estranged wife.

Blackwell shot himself in the stomach after officers arrived. Defense attorney Bill McGuire told jurors that Blackwell was a “tender, gentle, good person,” asking them to consider whether six seconds of Blackwell’s life overrode the rest of his life.

“They’ll never see her go on her first date. They won’t see her go to her first prom. They won’t see her graduate from high school,” prosecutor Barry Barnette said, of the girl’s parents.

incidents and other criminal activity connected to the club but accuses the owner only did the absolute minimum in complying with his suggestions.

Club management had reportedly told investigators that Green, a convicted drug dealer, had been banned from the establishment before Sunday’s incident.

“It’s not the club, but it’s the clientele,” Dennis said.

“We’ve discussed in the past with the owner about allowing these convicted felons — drug dealers and gang members — to patronize his business. It seems to have continued.”

Since 2006, the sheriff’s office has responded to 416 calls at the nightclub, Dennis said, ranging from loud music to civil disturbances, fights, gunshots fired and homicide.

The sheriff said his office will go after Club Miami’s business license, as well as its alcohol license, adding they have already scheduled a meeting with the S.C. Department of Revenue for today to discuss the alcohol license.

Dennis said he hopes action can be taken fast enough to prevent the club from opening again this weekend.

“This is an eyesore in our community,” Dennis said.

“This is certainly a nuisance in our community and county, and we’re just not going to tolerate this kind of activity in Sumter County.”

When reached for comment Monday, club owner Warren said the nightclub can’t be

THE SUMTER ITEM

‘This is certainly a nuisance in our community and county, and we’re just not going to tolerate this kind of activity in Sumter County.’

ANTHONY DENNIS Sumter County sheriff

held responsible for actions of patrons outside the club, and if Club Miami is closed, Warren thinks incidents such as Archie’s killing will only occur somewhere else.

“You can’t prevent violence; you can only minimize it,” said Warren, who has operated the Broad Street club under various names since 2002.

Club Miami has “excellent security,” he said, including a security camera system and multiple security personnel inside and outside the nightclub. Warren even credited club security with helping to apprehend Green after the shooting.

If the club is closed, 21 employees will lose their jobs.

The owner thinks Club Miami is being used as a scapegoat.

“When that little girl was killed in a car wreck outside the club, they didn’t close the highway down,” he said.

“When that fellow was shot and killed in the trailer park behind us, they didn’t close the trailer park down. Why do they want me to close down?”

But neighbors do blame the nightclub for bringing crime into the area. Even before Dennis announced his intent to have the club closed, Cherryvale resident Calvin Bennett started a petition drive to have Club Miami declared a public nuisance.

“This has been going on there for several years,” Bennett said. “Something has to be done, and it’s up to us, the citizens, to make sure it does.”

Not only does he want to see Club Miami shuttered, but he’d also like action to be taken to prevent any new nightclub from opening in that location and bringing the same problems back to the area under a different name.

“I want to have it demolished, like a crack house,” Bennett said.

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

H.D. Osteen 1904-1987 The Item

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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 Braden Bunch Senior News Editor

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

COMMENTARY

Let the sun shine on our government

BY BILL ROGERS

I

t is Sunshine Week.

No, don’t break out the SPF 70 sunscreen. ... This week is about shining light on government activities.

Lest we forget, letting the sun shine on government actions and records is vital to our free democratic system of government.

While efforts to improve government transparency in our Legislature have stalled for the last two years, there are those in the Palmetto State still fighting the good fight for more sunshine.

First let’s recognize the journalists.

They ply their craft at 16 daily newspapers and 93 weekly newspapers across our state, covering school boards, election commissions, police agencies, city and county councils, state government and public agencies on the public’s behalf. They work at broadcast and digital media outlets.

Take, for instance, two competing weeklies in Walterboro working toBill gether with a citizen group to get answers to Rogers questions from their local school board about policy matters and expenditures using credit cards.

Take the daily newspaper in Sumter stepping up to challenge a coroner who refused to release his report of the shooting of an innocent man by police. That case is now before the Supreme Court, and its ruling will impact whether police misconduct can be covered up under the guise of protecting health information.

Take a weekly newspaper in Camden that filed a Freedom of Information request when the town clerk in Bethune refused to show them a copy of the town budget. Their persistence found the town had hired the mayor’s son as its new police chief.

The daily newspaper in Greenwood used the FOI to ferret out abuse of “fixed reimbursements” to county council members. Five members of council had accepted more than $147,000 in payments during a three year period. That is taxpayers’ money, by the way.

When a College of Charleston co-ed accused four Cougar athletes of rape, and the case was closed quietly after a sixmonth investigation, reporters for the daily newspaper in Charleston filed numerous FOI requests. The paper’s stories showed that campus police didn’t seek outside help in the investigation and that 18 reported assaults led to only one arrest. The reporting also led to a change in state law on how campus sex crimes are handled.

Then let’s thank the citizens who believe they have a right to know how their money is being spent and how decisions that impact them are being made.

Take citizens who come to the Legislature to testify for FOIA reform and who try to find out how their money is being spent and how decisions are being made.

In Fairfield County, efforts by a citizens group were instrumental in the ousting of the county manager and improving accountability.

And last but not least, let’s thank those public officials who believe in open government and have open meetings, release public documents and understand that openness builds public trust. These include city council members who walk out of an illegal executive session, school boards that routinely post their expenses to the Web and the Municipal Association of South Carolina for offering ongoing FOI training to new public officials.

And legislators, including Rep. Bill Taylor of Aiken, who have championed FOIA reform to make it cheaper and quicker for citizens to find out information about government.

Sunshine. It is good for us all, so demand it in government and thank those who fight for it. And don’t forget to wear sunscreen.

Rogers is executive director of the S.C. Press Association and an advocate for open government in our state.

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE The changing needs of modern education

inspiring.” Read it online at www. washingtonpost.com:

In “Technical college’s new programs in the spotlight,” Sumter Item reporter Raytevia Evans discusses a range of issues with Tim Hardee, president of Sumter’s Central Carolina Technical. Read it online at www.theitem.com:

You can feel elements of all three descending around President Obama as he fends off attack after attack from his conservative foes, who vary the subject depending on the day, the circumstance and the opportunity. This sense of drift inspired an explosion over the weekend of disparaging commentary (some of it coming, usually anonymously, from Democrats) about the president’s political infirmities.

Obama and his party are in danger of allowing the Republicans to set the terms of the 2014 elections, just as they did four years ago. The fog of nasty and depressing advertising threatens to reduce the electorate to a hard core of older, conservative voters eager to hand the president a blistering defeat.

The most telling fact about the Democrats’ defeat in Florida’s special House election last week was the party’s failure to get its voters to the polls. This owed to many factors, but one of them is disaffection in Democratic ranks.

I think there’s a little bit of a disconnect with the public in that the only way to a successful career is a four-year degree. And the technical college is really based on the idea of someone getting into the job market in a short period of time and, using the Continental Tire example, those are jobs where we can take a student who graduates from one of the local high schools who enters into our two-year degree mechatronics program, and those who successfully complete the program have a starting salary at Continental Tire or a similar place about $50,000 a year.

I think the general public doesn’t realize that’s one career path.

There’s always going to be a need for teachers and four-year degrees.

But I think, say, a parent of a 10thgrader at Crestwood High School doesn’t realize that there’s a very good-paying job available here in the Sumter community for their 16-year-old.

With manufacturing, there’s still a mentality in the community that it’s a dirty job or it’s unsafe and it’s manual labor, which is a concept of what manufacturing looked like 20 years ago. Now, manufacturing of today is fewer people with higher skills, and it’s high-tech.

The other piece is that with fouryear institutions, their prices have risen so fast that you reach a breaking point there of — “If I’m $35,000 in debt and I get a job that pays X amount of dollars, was that a good return on my investment?” In some ways, I think the technical college is designed as more affordable, takes a shorter amount of time to receiving the training you need, and you don’t graduate with as much student debt.

President Obama’s political infirmities In “The politics of hopelessness,” The Washington Post’s E.J. Dionne writes, “Listlessness is bad politics. Defensiveness is poor strategy. And resignation is never

Many Russians will suffer from isolation From a March 15 Facebook post

by Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia, who left his position last month: I am very depressed today. For those of us, Russians and Americans alike, who have believed in the possibility of a strong, prosperous, democratic Russia fully integrated into the international system and as a close partner of the U.S., Putin’s recent decisions represent a giant step backwards. Tragically, we are entering a new period with some important differences, but many similarities to the Cold War. The ideological struggle between autocracy and democracy is resurgent. Protection of European countries from Russian aggression is paramount again. Shoring up vulnerable states, including first and foremost Ukraine, must become a top priority again for the US and Europe. And doing business with Russian companies will once again become politicized. Most tragically, in (the West’s) seeking to isolate the Russian regime, many Russians with no connection to the government will also suffer the effects of isolation. My only hope is that this

dark period will not last as long as the last Cold War.

Scientific advances depend on private sector The New York Times reports that “Billionaires With Big Ideas Are Privatizing American Science.” Read it online at www.nytimes.com: Last April, President Obama assembled some of the nation’s most august scientific dignitaries in the East Room of the White House. Joking that his grades in physics made him a dubious candidate for “scientist in chief,” he spoke of using technological innovation “to grow our economy” and unveiled “the next great American project”: a $100 million initiative to probe the mysteries of the human brain.

Along the way, he invoked the government’s leading role in a history of scientific glories, from putting a man on the moon to creating the Internet. The Brain initiative, as he described it, would be a continuation of that grand tradition, an ambitious rebuttal to deep cuts in federal financing for scientific research.

American science, long a source of national power and pride, is increasingly becoming a private enterprise.

In Washington, budget cuts have left the nation’s research complex reeling. Labs are closing. Scientists are being laid off. Projects are being put on the shelf, especially in the risky, freewheeling realm of basic research. Yet from Silicon Valley to Wall Street, science philanthropy is hot, as many of the richest Americans seek to reinvent themselves as patrons of social progress through science research.

The result is a new calculus of influence and priorities that the scientific community views with a mix of gratitude and trepidation.

“For better or worse,” said Steven A. Edwards, a policy analyst at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, “the practice of science in the 21st century is becoming shaped less by national priorities or by peer-review groups and more by the particular preferences of individuals with huge amounts of money.”

Notable & Quotable is compiled

by Graham Osteen, who can be reached at graham@theitem.com.

EDITORIAL PAGE POLICIES EDITORIALS represent the views of the owners of this newspaper.

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 them 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 email 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.

A10

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TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014

STEM FROM PAGE A1 would ultimately lead to employment with local employers. Through the partnership, students and parents will be made aware of area mechatronics career opportunities.

Students interested in participating will start in introductory mechatronics classes at Sumter County Career and Technology Center, according to Central Carolina Technical College. The process will then culminate with graduation with an associate degree from the institution as well as potential employment with one of the local businesses.

Hardee previously said there is a disconnect with the public, and they often see four-year degrees as one of the most successful opportunities after graduating high school.

However, a student who completes CCTC’s two-year mechatronics program can graduate and have a starting salary at Continental Tire or a similar company of about $50,000 a year.

The proposed $1 million budget for STEM before the Senate Finance Committee includes $100,000 renovations to existing facilities at the technical college and

LOCAL BRIEF FROM STAFF REPORTS

Gas station fire burns tanker driver A flash fire at a Broad Street gas station burned a man standing at a fuel tank early Sunday.

At 3:39 a.m., the driver of a tanker truck was reportedly pumping gas into an underground fuel tank at the El Cheapo gas station on Broad Street Extension when a spark apparently ignited the gas fumes in the air and burned the driver’s face.

$100,000 renovations at the Sumter County Career and Technology Center to accommodate the requirements to offer the necessary courses.

The allotted money will also go toward equipment at both facilities, tuition, books and supplies for students and supplies for the mechatronics labs.

Looking further in the future of development in Sumter, a program that trains professionals in this field can ultimately bring in companies similar to those that have recently started calling Sumter home.

“I think a lot of these industries, they want to see a ready workforce, and this will certainly help us to attract more industry and more huge announcements in local development, and the other thing is we’re not maximizing our opportunities if we bring these huge announcements in but we can’t fill the jobs with local people,” McElveen said.

“We want to make sure we maximize those opportunities and not only bring them in, but also make sure they’re being staffed with people here who work, live and pay taxes in Sumter County,” he said.

The man then walked down Broad Street and made contact with medical personnel attending the scene of a shooting at Club Miami and was transported to Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

A fire engine on stand-by at the nightclub responded to the gas station upon seeing the flames and extinguished the fire coming out of the tank opening using a fire extinguisher. No damage was assessed to either the gas station or the truck.

A Sumter Fire Department report attributed the flash fire to the driver lighting a cigarette.

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2014

AccuWeather® five-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

A shower in the morning; cloudy

Overcast

Warmer; a p.m. shower possible

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Abundant sunshine Nice with a full day Chance for a couple of sunshine of showers

54°

41°

65° / 50°

70° / 43°

74° / 49°

70° / 50°

Chance of rain: 55%

Chance of rain: 25%

Chance of rain: 45%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 30%

Winds: NNE 10-20 mph

Winds: NE 4-8 mph

Winds: S 4-8 mph

Winds: NNW 4-8 mph

Winds: SSW 6-12 mph

Winds: SW 8-16 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaffney 48/39 Spartanburg 49/41

Greenville 53/41

Columbia 55/41

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 54/41

Aiken 54/42

ON THE COAST

Charleston 58/48

Today: Rain and drizzle, but showers around in southern parts. High 54 to 60.

Wednesday: Clouds and sun with a shower; warmer. High 61 to 69.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Today Hi/Lo/W 55/44/pc 52/38/c 79/43/s 43/36/c 76/52/s 78/54/pc 66/52/s 43/31/pc 78/60/pc 43/30/pc 80/55/s 68/48/s 41/34/c

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest.

358.16 75.75 74.42 97.63

24-hr chg +0.21 -0.06 +0.30 -0.02

Sunrise 7:29 a.m.

Moonrise 9:41 p.m.

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

0.05" 3.11" 2.22" 8.90" 6.46" 9.64"

NATIONAL CITIES City Atlanta Chicago Dallas Detroit Houston Los Angeles New Orleans New York Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix San Francisco Wash., DC

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

56° 39° 67° 41° 84° in 2002 26° in 1970

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

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 65/44/pc 43/28/c 68/42/pc 45/27/c 73/50/pc 80/56/s 72/52/s 44/38/r 82/60/pc 48/37/r 81/57/s 66/49/pc 48/40/r

Myrtle Beach 55/47

Manning 54/41

Today: A passing shower. Winds eastnortheast 7-14 mph.

Wednesday: A morning shower in places.

Winds west-southwest 6-12 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 53/41

Bishopville 54/41

Sunset Moonset

7:32 p.m.

8:24 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Mar. 23

Mar. 30

Apr. 7

Apr. 15

TIDES

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 10.49 -0.19 19 5.46 +0.14 14 12.02 -0.88 14 8.24 +4.27 80 79.95 -0.38 24 12.60 +4.90

AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Wed.

High 10:52 a.m.

11:17 p.m.

11:28 a.m.

11:53 p.m.

Ht. 3.0 3.2 2.9 3.2

Low 5:34 a.m.

5:40 p.m.

6:15 a.m.

6:18 p.m.

Ht. -0.2 -0.2 -0.2 -0.2

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 53/40/c 54/40/c 57/43/c 59/50/sh 55/49/r 58/48/sh 49/39/c 55/44/c 55/41/c 50/42/sh 46/42/r 50/43/sh 49/44/sh

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 60/34/c 67/43/pc 68/43/pc 69/55/pc 54/52/r 68/55/pc 60/43/r 65/45/pc 67/48/pc 64/48/r 55/46/r 63/51/r 63/50/r

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 53/41/sh Gainesville 73/55/pc Gastonia 49/39/c Goldsboro 46/42/sh Goose Creek 57/48/sh Greensboro 41/36/i Greenville 53/41/c Hickory 45/38/c Hilton Head 57/51/sh Jacksonville, FL 69/56/pc La Grange 60/44/pc Macon 60/48/pc Marietta 57/44/pc

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 65/50/r 78/54/pc 60/44/r 59/50/r 68/55/pc 54/42/r 63/44/pc 58/41/r 64/53/pc 76/54/pc 69/38/pc 70/44/pc 66/41/pc

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 47/39/c 58/48/sh 55/47/r 54/43/sh 58/50/sh 41/36/i 49/39/c 48/40/sh 62/48/sh 49/41/c 58/48/sh 54/45/r 40/36/i

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 60/41/c 67/55/pc 63/55/r 68/50/pc 67/55/pc 55/43/r 61/43/r 62/49/r 73/54/pc 63/43/pc 65/51/pc 62/54/r 55/43/r

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

PUBLIC AGENDA TAX ACCOMMODATIONS ADVISORY BOARD Today, 3 p.m., Swan Lake Visitors Center SUMTER COUNTY DISABILITIES & SPECIAL NEEDS BOARD INC. CREATIVE ENVIRONMENTS INC. INDEPENDENT LIVING INC. ABILITIES UNLIMITED INC. ADAPTIVE LIFESTYLES INC. MAGNOLIA MANOR INC. FIRST FLIGHT INC. Today, 5 p.m., 750 Electric Drive.

Call 778-1669, Ext. 119.

SUMTER CITY COUNCIL Today, 5:30 p.m., Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St.

The last word ARIES (March 21-April 19): in astrology Keep your EUGENIA LAST plans a secret until you’re ready to present and promote. A partnership will hit an emotional wall that will require patience. A presumptuous notion will not bode well at home.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Be prepared and willing to lend a helping hand. Your gesture won’t go unnoticed. Look for unusual solutions and you will be considered for upcoming projects that can turn out to be prosperous.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Let things fall into place naturally. The less you use and the more direct you are, the better the results. A trendy, upbeat approach to the way you do things will gain interest and momentum.

CLARENDON COUNTY PLANNING & PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION Today, 6 p.m., planning commission office, Manning PINEWOOD TOWN COUNCIL Today, 6:30 p.m., town hall CLARENDON SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 Today, 6:30 p.m., district office SUMTER COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION / ELECTION COMMISSION Thursday, 5:30 p.m., registration / election office, 141 N. Main St. CLARENDON SCHOOL DISTRICT 3 Thursday, 7 p.m., district office, Turbeville

investment.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You can charm your way into any conversation. Your versatility and knowledge is the best way to promote what you have to offer.

Apply what you know to everyday dealings and you’ll get ahead.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Focus on ways to make your surroundings more comfortable and your investments more solid and secure.

Don’t neglect your health when you should be going out of your way to be fit.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Your ability to jump from one thing to another will be attractive to some but unnerving to others. Try not to confuse someone who can influence the outcome of a situation that can determine your success.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Taking on too much will lead to shortcomings.

Gauge your time wisely and set your priorities carefully. Competition is fine, but only if the job you do is top-rate.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Slow down and observe. Stay as objective as possible and reassess your options.

Back away from unpredictable individuals trying to include you in something that appears to be risky.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Business and personal partnerships will lead to good fortune. Contribute what you can and be as agreeable as possible.

The ability to work alongside someone will bring you the highest response and remuneration.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take care of settlements that have been lingering for too long. Enforce your position and make the necessary changes to ensure that you’re safe and secure, physically, emotionally and financially.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It may be difficult to choose which route to take, but if you stick to tried-and-true methods, you won’t lose time or be disappointed. Don’t feel the need to make a hasty decision regarding an

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A past partnership will impact the way an investment or money situation pans out. Honesty will be vital if you wish to maintain integrity and continue to move forward without interference.

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 MONDAY

POWERBALL SATURDAY

MEGAMILLIONS FRIDAY

5-9-13-19-33 PowerUp: 3

2-5-34-51-58 Powerball: 9 Powerplay: 4

7-20-40-54-69 Megaball: 12 Megaplier: 3

PICK 3 MONDAY

PICK 4 MONDAY

2-9-6 and 4-0-7

7-0-3-3 and 9-0-4-2

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC OCCASION: Father Tom Burke, pastor of St. Anne Catholic Church, took this picture of Father Peter Sousa trying to ice skate in the parking lot of St. Jude Catholic Church on Feb. 13. Father Sousa heard a radio announcer that morning say, “The parking lots were like ice rinks.

The problem is that no one had skates.”

Having played hockey in his younger days, Father Sousa had his old ice skates in the basement and thought he would give it a try.

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

Check out who is in the NIT field along with Clemson

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

B

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014

B3

USC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

USC women earn historic first top seed

BY WILLIE T. SMITH III GREENVILLE NEWS

COLUMBIA--There was fun and games at the Colonial Life Arena prior to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Selection Show Monday night.

Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley and her team not only signed autographs and posed for pictures prior to the show, but also danced the “Wobble” with a crowd estimated at about 400 before the event began.

When the show started, however, it was all business.

When South Carolina’s name popped up on the board as a No. 1 seed, it was mass hysteria.

“I just saw our name on the screen and I went kind of crazy,” said Staley. “I didn’t know what seed we were.

Then someone told me we had a No. 1 seed and that made things even better.”

The Gamecocks joined Connecticut, Notre Dame and Tennessee as top seeds. Unlike the other three, USC is unable to host the first two rounds due to the NCAA ban because the Confederate Flag is flying in the front of the State House grounds.

That was not a part of the conversation Monday, however, as the squad was just happy to have the opportunity to fly to Seattle where it will play 16th-seeded Cal State-Northridge. The game will be played Sunday at 5:30 p.m. EST. “This is a tribute to what we have been able to accomplish this year,” said Staley.

“Now we’re in a situation where it is win or go home.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley has led the program to its first ever No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. The Gamecocks are the No. 1 seed in the Stanford Regional according to brackets released on Monday and will face No. 16 seed Cal StateNorthridge on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. in Seattle in the first round.

It’s time to rock and roll.”

This marks the third straight season the Game-

cocks have participated in the NCAA Tournament under the Staley and the 11th time

PREP GOLF

in school history. USC advanced to the Sweet 16 two years ago, but were defeated in the second round last season.

If the Gamecocks win in round one, it will face either Middle Tennessee State or Oregon State on March 25.

South Carolina (27-4) appeared a lock to earn a No. 1 seed for a majority of the season. It dropped two of its last three games, however, to Tennessee in its final regular season game and Kentucky in the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament.

The Selection committed apparently valued the Gamecocks regular season accomplishments of winning the SEC Title, which included

SEE USC, PAGE B2

NASCAR

Edwards wins Food City 500

BY JENNA FRYER The Associated Press

ing 36 holes. So all of the coaches think it’s good to give the players a taste of that.”

SHS comes into the tournament on something of a roll. It won the Panther Invitational held at the Hackler Course in Conway over the weekend after finishing second to defending 3A state champion A.C. Flora in the Battle of the Dam in Lexington County the weekend before.

“We’ve been playing pretty good golf, consistent golf,” said Love, who returns the entire team that finished tied for 11th in last year’s 4A state tournament. “We’ve only had one bad round, that coming (in the second round of the Battle of the Dam) when A.C. Flora just smoked us (when the teams were tied after one round).

“Still, we’ve been playing pretty well.”

BRISTOL, Tenn. — If two rain delays totaling more than five hours weren’t enough, the water-logged race at Bristol Motor Speedway had a battery fly out of a car and spread a toilet paper-looking substance all over the track.

And that wasn’t even the strangest occurrence Sunday.

Moments before Carl Edwards closed in on what should have been the white flag lap, the caution lights were accidentally turned on from the flag stand. As NASCAR tried to figure out what was going on, the sky opened up and prevented the race from resuming.

Edwards was awarded the win under caution — a victory he was headed to before the mishap — and celebrated his third career win at Bristol with his trademark backflip on the slick concrete.

“Oh, man, I thought, ‘This is stupid. I shouldn’t do this ... It’s awfully glossy. It might be slick,’” EDWARDS he said. “I didn’t want to stick it perfectly and have my feet go that way and break my arm on the concrete. That would have been terrible. I was actually really nervous about that.”

NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said a person in the flag stand leaned on the manual override switch and that turned on the caution lights. Six seconds after the lights were turned on, the flag man waved the yellow flag.

Pemberton said that the flag man can wave the caution flag without a call from series officials in the tower if they see a proper reason.

“We were scanning cars and spotters, and there’s some of us in the tower that only heard it after the teams were talking about it because we were looking at other things around the racetrack,” Pemberton said.

Said Edwards: “No harm, no foul, let’s act like it just didn’t happen.”

The victory makes Edwards the fourth winner in four races this season and, under NASCAR’s new rules, is supposed to get him into the 16-driver Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.

“Just to have a win this early, man, it is a huge relief,” he said.

Five other things from water-logged Bristol:

SEE GOLF, PAGE B3

SEE NASCAR, PAGE B3

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Sumter High School junior Charlie Dallery and the rest of the Gamecocks will be one of 18 teams playing 36 holes in the Magnolia Invitational at Beech Creek Golf Club. SHS comes into the tournament off a victory in the Panther Invitational in Conway on Saturday.

Magnolia makeover 18 teams to play 36 holes today at Beech Creek course

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennisb@theitem.com The Sumter High School varsity boys golf team, along with 17 other teams, was supposed to be teeing off for the final 18 holes of the 36-hole Magnolia Invitational this morning at Beech Creek Golf Club.

The teams are indeed scheduled to start the tournament today at 8 a.m., LOVE but will be playing 36 holes after Monday’s first round was postponed due to rain. Gamecock head coach Matt Love said all of the coaches were excited about the idea.

“Everybody wants to play, wants to get the holes in,” Love said. “In the (4A) state tournament or on the first day of a college tournament, they’re play-

CLEMSON MEN’S BASKETBALL

Tigers open NIT with Georgia State

BY MANDRALLIUS ROBINSON GREENVILLE NEWS CLEMSON— Dating experts and basketball coaches may agree that a 48-hour window is not long enough to really get to know someone.

Thus, Clemson coach Brad Brownell must commit on his first impres-

sions.

Clemson’s staff has had merely two days to prepare for its date tonight with Georgia State in the opening round of the National Invitation Tournament.

Two-day turnarounds are never favored, but during conference play, they are more manageable. Coaches

MEN’S NIT TOURNAMENT WHAT: 1st round of the National Invitation Tournament WHO: Clemson (20-12) vs. Georgia State (25-8) TV/RADIO: ESPNU, WBBD-FM 94.7

Clemson’s K.J. McDaniels, left, and Duke’s Tyler Thornton, right, battle for a loose ball in last week’s ACC tournament.

The Tigers will open their bid for a National Invitation Tournament title against Georgia State today THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SEE CLEMSON, PAGE B3

B2

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SPORTS

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014

GIRLS AREA ROUNDUP

LMA wins softball tourney Laurence Manning Academy’s varsity softball team went undefeated in five games to win the SCISA tournament on Saturday at Patriot Park SportsPlex.

The Lady Swampcats’ Courtney Beatson was named the tournament’s most valuable player.

LMA defeated Marantha Christian 15-0 in four innings in its opener. Hannah Hodge was 3-for-4 with a double, two runs scored and two runs batted in to lead the offense.

Dakota Jackson had two hits and two RBI, while Brooke Ward had two hits and two runs. Beatson had two RBI, while Maggie Eppley, Maddie Cantley, Grace Briggs and Evelyn Edwards each scored two runs.

Beatson pitched four innings and had seven strikeouts.

LMA followed that with a 4-2 win over Holly Hill. Beatson picked up the win and went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI. Hodge was 3-for-3, while Briggs and Ward both had two hits.

In a 5-2 win over Marlboro Academy, Hodge had three more hits, while Ward had a double and two runs and Mary Margaret Windham had two hits, including a double.

LMA defeated Carolina 5-1. Hodge had a hit, including a double, and scored two runs, while Eppley had a triple. Beatson had two hits while picking up the win.

The Lady Swampcats defeated defending 3A state champion Wilson Hall 12-4 in the title game. Beatson was 3-for-3 with a double and two RBI, while getting her fifth victory. Ward had a triple and scored twice, while Cantley and Windham had two hits and two runs.

LADY BARONS FINISH AS RUNNER-UP

Wilson Hall went 5-2 and finished second in the SCISA tournament on Saturday at Patriot Park SportsPlex.

The Lady Barons, who are 8-2 overall, beat St. John’s Christian 7-2 in their opener.

Catherine Kelley had two hits, including a double, while Haley Hawkins had a runscoring double and Hannah Jordan had a triple. Amelia Weston picked up the win in the circle.

Wilson Hall followed that with a 5-1 victory over Pee Dee. Holly Scott picked up the win and had two hits and a run batted in.

Baiolly Scott picked up 5-1 win over Pee Dee Academy. Bailey Connor also had two hits and an RBI, while Hawkins scored two runs.

Wilson Hall lost to Carolina Academy 4-3.

Jordan had an RBI triple and Drake Ives had a double.

Wilson Hall rebounded with a 3-1 victory over Thomas Sumter Academy. Connor had two hits and an RBI, while Hawkins had an RBI triple. Scott got the win.

Weston picked up a 7-6 win over Marlboro Academy. Ives had two hits with an RBI double and Kelley had two RBI. Scott was the winner in a 4-3 win over Carolina Academy. Betsy Cunningham had two RBI and Ives scored two runs.

In the championship game, WH lost to LMA 12-4. Cunningham had two hits, including a double, while Hawkins also had two hits and an RBI and Ives scores two runs.

JUNIOR VARSITY SOFTBALL LMA WINS SCISA TOURNAMENT

Laurence Manning Academy went undefeated in winning the SCISA tournament on Saturday at Patriot Park Sportsplex.

Lundee Olsen was the winning pitcher in all four games for the Lady Swampcats, who improved to 11-0 on the season.

LMA defeated Thomas Sumter Academy 3-0 in the first game. Ellen Dinkins had a hit and two runs batted, while Taylor Lea had a double. Olsen had seven strikeouts.

LMA then defeated Robert E. Lee Academy 7-4. Sara Herbert had two hits and three RBI while Baylee Elms had a hit and two RBI. Olsen also had a double.

LMA edged Pee Dee 4-3 in the third game.

Ashton Rogers and Elms both had two hits and an RBI, while Sara Knight Nalley had a hit and two RBI. LMA topped REL 12-5 in the championship game. Elms had a 2-run home run, while Marina Tsukalas was 3-for-3.

THE SUMTER ITEM

SCOREBOARD

State (25-6), 7:27 p.m.

San Diego State (29-4) vs. New Mexico State (26-9), 30 minutes following

TV, RADIO

WOMEN’S NCAA TOURNAMENT

TODAY

7 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Milwaukee vs. Chicago White Sox from Phoenix (MLB NETWORK).

10 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Los Angeles Angels vs. San Francisco from Tempe, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK).

1 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Boston vs. New York Yankees from Tampa, Fla. (ESPN).

3:30 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Champions League Match – Chelsea vs. Galatasaray SK (FOX SPORTS 1).

4 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Oakland vs. Chicago White Sox from Glendale, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK).

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

6:30 p.m. – College Basketball: NCAA Tournament First Four Game from Dayton, Ohio – Albany vs. Mount St. Mary’s (TRU TV).

7 p.m. – College Basketball: National Invitation Tournament First-Round Game – West Virginia at Georgetown (ESPN).

7 p.m. – College Basketball: National Invitation Tournament First-Round Game – Florida Gulf Coast at Florida State (ESPN2).

7 p.m. – College Basketball: National Invitation Tournament First-Round Game – Robert Morris at St. John’s (ESPNU).

7 p.m. – NHL Hockey: Carolina at Columbus (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

7 p.m. – College Baseball: South Carolina at The Citadel (WNKT-FM 107.5).

7:30 p.m. – NHL Hockey: Chicago at Philadelphia (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

9 p.m. – College Basketball: National Invitation Tournament First-Round Game – Indiana State at Arkansas (ESPN).

9 p.m. – College Basketball: National Invitation Tournament First-Round Game – Davidson at Missouri (ESPN2).

9 p.m. – College Basketball: National Invitation Tournament First-Round Game – Georgia State at Clemson (ESPNU, WBBD-FM 94.7).

9 p.m. – College Basketball: NCAA Tournament First Four Game from Dayton, Ohio – North Carolina State vs. Xavier (TRU TV).

10 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Chicago Cubs vs. Texas from Surprise, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK).

11 p.m. – College Basketball: National Invitation Tournament First-Round Game – Utah at St. Mary’s (Calif.)

(ESPN2).

1 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Milwaukee vs. Texas from Phoenix (MLB NETWORK).

2 a.m. – NHL Hockey: Nashville at Edmonton (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

4 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Seattle vs. San Diego from Peoria, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK).

MEN’S NCAA TOURNAMENT

By The Associated Press FIRST ROUND At UD Arena Dayton, Ohio

SPORTS ITEMS

TODAY

Colts owner Irsay jailed, could face felonies INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay was released from jail Monday after being held overnight following a traffic stop in which police said he failed sobriety tests and had multiple prescription drugs inside his vehicle.

Irsay was pulled over late Sunday after he was spotted driving slowly near his home in suburban Carmel, stopping in the roadway and failing to use a IRSAY turn signal. Police say the 54-year-old Irsay failed several roadside field sobriety tests before he was arrested, though details were not released.

Carmel police said the drugs found in Irsay’s vehicle weren’t associated with any of the prescription bottles found inside.

Irsay faces a preliminary misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated and four felony counts of possession of a controlled substance, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Bryant Orem said. A

hearing is scheduled for March 26.

If convicted on the felony charges, Irsay could face six months to three years in prison on each count. Socalled Schedule IV drugs such as those with which Irsay was allegedly caught include Xanax, Darvocet and Ambien, with a low risk for abuse or dependency, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Irsay was released from the Hamilton County Jail after posting $22,500 bond.

NCAA WOMEN’S SEEDS SET

Geno Auriemma and his UConn Huskies hope to achieve history by the end of this NCAA tournament.

The top-seeded Huskies (34-0) are trying for a record ninth NCAA title, which would break a tie with Tennessee for most all-time.

Standing in the way of undefeated Connecticut’s run could be Notre Dame. The Irish were also unbeaten this season and earned the top seed in their own region. It’s only the second time that two teams entered the tournament undefeated.

Tennessee and South Caro-

lina also earned No. 1 seeds.

While it’s the 22nd time that the Lady Vols have earned a top spot, it’s the first for the Gamecocks. The Huskies, Lady Vols and Gamecocks all could have to play on an opponent’s home court with a trip to Nashville on the line.

Stanford, Notre Dame, Louisville and Nebraska, who are all hosting regionals, were a combined 52-3 at home this season.

PANTHERS RE-SIGN 2

CHARLOTTE — The Carolina Panthers have announced they’ve re-signed linebacker Jason Williams and cornerback James Dockery. Terms of the deal were not released Monday.

RAIDERS SIGN WR JONES

ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Oakland Raiders added a veteran presence to their young receiving group by signing free agent James Jones to a three-year contract Monday.

Oakland also signed former New York Giants offensive lineman Kevin Boothe to a two-year deal.

From wire reports

Albany (N.Y.) (18-14) vs. Mount St. Mary’s (16-16), 6:40 p.m.

N.C. State (21-13) vs. Xavier (21-12), 30 minutes following

WEDNESDAY

Cal Poly (13-19) vs. Texas Southern (19-14), 6:40 p.m.

Iowa (20-12) vs. Tennessee (21-12), 30 minutes following

EAST REGIONAL SECOND ROUND

THURSDAY

At First Niagara Center Buffalo, N.Y. UConn (26-8) vs. Saint Joseph’s (249), 6:55 p.m.

Villanova (28-4) vs. Milwaukee (2113), 30 minutes following At Spokane Arena Spokane, Wash.

Cincinnati (27-6) vs. Harvard (26-4), 2:10 p.m.

Michigan State (26-8) vs. Delaware (25-9), 30 minutes following

SOUTH REGIONAL SECOND ROUND

THURSDAY

At First Niagara Center Buffalo, N.Y. Ohio State (25-9) vs. Dayton (23-10), 12:15 p.m.

Syracuse (27-5) vs. Western Michigan (23-9), 30 minutes following At The Amway Center Orlando, Fla. Colorado (23-11) vs. Pittsburgh (259), 1:40 p.m.

Florida (32-2) vs. Albany-Mount St. Mary’s winner, 30 minutes following

MIDWEST REGIONAL SECOND ROUND

THURSDAY

At The Amway Center Orlando, Fla. Saint Louis (26-6) vs. N.C. State-Xavier winner, 7:20 p.m Louisville (29-5) vs. Manhattan (25-7), 30 minutes following At BMO Harris Bradley Center Milwaukee Michigan (25-8) vs. Wofford (20-12), 7:10 p.m.

Texas (23-10) vs. Arizona State (2111), 30 minutes following

WEST REGIONAL SECOND ROUND

Look no further than your local newspaper for

USC FROM PAGE B1 coming out on top in several key road games over highly regarded opponents.

“It was kind of surprising that we got a No. 1 seed,” said sophomore Tiffany Mitchell, the SEC Player of the Year.

“We thought the losses to Tennessee and Kentucky might have knocked us out of the one-seed position. We’re just thankful to get it.”

If South Carolina manages to win its first two games, it will advance to Stanford, Cal. for the Sweet 16.

One of the teams it could potentially face there is No. 4-seed North Carolina, which was the first team to defeat the Gamecocks this season.

“Right now we’re just excited about the moment,” said junior forward Aleighsa Welch, an All-SEC first team selection. “We have to make sure we handle our business to make sure our return to this position is not shortlived.”

The right advertising opportunity!

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THURSDAY

At BMO Harris Bradley Center Milwaukee Wisconsin (26-7) vs. American (2012), 12:40 p.m.

Oregon (23-9) vs. BYU (23-11), 30 minutes following At Spokane Arena Spokane, Wash.

Oklahoma (23-9) vs. North Dakota

The Associated Press

LINCOLN REGIONAL SATURDAY, MARCH 22

At Durham, N.C. Duke (27-6) vs. Winthrop (24-8), 11 a.m.

DePaul (27-6) vs. Oklahoma (18-14), 1:30 p.m.

At Los Angeles Nebraska (25-6) vs. Fresno State (2210), 4 p.m.

N.C. State (25-7) vs. BYU (26-6), 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 23

At Storrs, Conn.

Georgia (20-11) vs. Saint Joseph’s (22-9), 5:30 p.m.

UConn (34-0) vs. Prairie View (14-17), 8 p.m.

At College Station Gonzaga (29-4) vs. James Madison (28-5), 5:30 p.m.

Texas A&M (24-8) vs. North Dakota (22-9), 8 p.m.

STANFORD REGIONAL

First Round

SATURDAY, MARCH 22

At Ames, Iowa Iowa State (20-10) vs. Florida State (20-11), 4 p.m.

Stanford (28-3) vs. South Dakota (1913), 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 23

At Seattle South Carolina (27-4) vs. Cal State Northridge (18-14), 5:30 p.m.

Middle Tennessee (29-4) vs. Oregon State (23-10), 8 p.m.

At Chapel Hill, N.C. Michigan State (22-9) vs. Hampton (28-4), 12:30 p.m.

North Carolina (24-9) vs. UT-Martin (24-7), 3 p.m.

At Univeristy Park, Pa. Penn State (22-7) vs. Wichita State (26-6), 12:30 p.m.

Dayton (23-7) vs. Florida (19-12), 3 p.m.

NOTRE DAME REGIONAL

First Round

SATURDAY, MARCH 22

At Toledo, Ohio Vanderbilt (18-12) vs. Arizona State (22-9), 11 a.m.

Notre Dame (32-0) vs. Robert Morris (21-11), 1:30 p.m.

At West Lafayette, Ind. Oklahoma State (23-8) vs. Florida Gulf Coast (26-7), 11 a.m.

Purdue (21-8) vs. Akron (23-9), 1:30 p.m.

At Lexington, Ky. Kentucky (24-8) vs. Wright State (268), 11 a.m.

Syracuse (22-9) vs. Chattanooga (293), 1:30 p.m.

At Waco, Texas California (21-9) vs. Fordham (25-7), 4 p.m.

Baylor (29-4) vs. Western Kentucky (24-8), 6:30 p.m.

LOUISVILLE REGIONAL

First Round

SATURDAY, MARCH 22

At Knoxville, Tenn.

Tennessee (26-5) vs. Northwestern State (21-12), 4 p.m.

St. John’s (22-10) vs. Southern Cal (22-12), 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 23

At College Park, Md. Maryland (24-6) vs. Army (25-7), 12:30 p.m.

Texas (21-11) vs. Penn (22-6), 3 p.m.

At Iowa City Louisville (30-4) vs. Idaho (25-8), 5:30 p.m.

Iowa (26-8) vs. Marist (27-6), 8 p.m.

At Baton Rouge, La. LSU (19-12) vs. Georgia Tech (20-11), 12:30 p.m.

West Virginia (29-4) vs. Albany (N.Y.) (28-4), 3 p.m.

GOLF Valspar Championship Par Scores

The Associated Press Sunday At Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, Copperhead Course Palm Harbor, Fla. Purse: $5.7 million Yardage: 7,340; Par: 71 Final John Senden (500), $1,026,000 72-71-64-70—277 -7 Kevin Na (300), $615,600 70-68-68-72—278 -6 Scott Langley (190), $387,600 71-69-69-70—279 -5 Luke Donald (115), $235,600 71-72-67-70—280 -4 Robert Garrigus (115), $235,600 69-66-70-75—280 -4 Will MacKenzie (115), $235,600 73-70-68-69—280 -4 George McNeill (90), $190,950 73-71-67-70—281 -3 Graham DeLaet (73), $148,200 75-68-71-68—282 -2 Matt Every (73), $148,200 68-71-72-71—282 -2 David Hearn (73), $148,200 71-70-70-71—282 -2 Matteo Manassero, $148,200 69-70-71-72—282 -2 Justin Rose (73), $148,200 71-68-69-74—282 -2 Gary Woodland (73), $148,200 72-71-70-69—282 -2 Sang-Moon Bae (55), $94,050 72-73-71-67—283 -1 Jason Dufner (55), $94,050 72-73-68-70—283 -1 Bill Haas (55), $94,050 69-73-72-69—283 -1 Chesson Hadley (55), $94,050 75-70-67-71—283 -1 Charles Howell III (55), $94,050 71-70-74-68—283 -1 Jason Kokrak (55), $94,050 74-68-68-73—283 -1 Jim Furyk (49), $64,068 71-69-71-73—284 E Freddie Jacobson (49), $64,068 70-71-70-73—284 E ALSO: Tommy Gainey (23), $15,892 69-72-72-75—288 +4

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

13. (3) Matt Kenseth, Toyota, 503, 120.4, 33, $153,826.

14. (2) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 503, 104, 31, $139,398.

15. (15) Clint Bowyer, Toyota, 503, 67.5, 30, $133,531.

16. (9) Ryan Newman, Chevrolet, 503, 76.6, 28, $104,865.

17. (30) Justin Allgaier, Chevrolet, 502, 62.7, 27, $123,273.

18. (36) Danica Patrick, Chevrolet, 502, 55.6, 26, $104,340.

19. (11) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 501, 87.4, 26, $146,551.

20. (4) Joey Logano, Ford, 500, 92.3, 25, $138,231.

21. (28) Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 500, 66.9, 23, $123,629.

22. (16) David Gilliland, Ford, 500, 65.6, 22, $119,598.

23. (32) Josh Wise, Chevrolet, 499, 48.4, 21, $91,865.

24. (14) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 499, 74.8, 20, $102,990.

25. (22) A J Allmendinger, Chevrolet, 498, 62.2, 19, $109,448.

26. (34) Michael Annett, Chevrolet, 497, 44.3, 18, $106,123.

27. (25) Casey Mears, Chevrolet, 497, 53.6, 17, $111,762.

28. (35) Reed Sorenson, Chevrolet,

497, 44.9, 16, $94,065.

29. (7) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 496, 99.7, 16, $138,806.

30. (31) Landon Cassill, Chevrolet, 496, 34.5, 0, $92,115.

31. (19) David Ragan, Ford, 495, 43.6, 13, $100,315.

32. (33) Alex Bowman, Toyota, 493, 41.4, 12, $89,740.

33. (39) Travis Kvapil, Ford, 491, 35.2, 11, $89,690.

34. (41) Parker Kligerman, Toyota, 487, 31.8, 10, $89,640.

35. (13) Kurt Busch, Chevrolet, 473, 68.8, 10, $89,590.

36. (29) Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet, 471, 52.2, 8, $117,448.

37. (24) Michael McDowell, Ford, 469, 40.8, 7, $89,479.

38. (17) Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet, accident, 453, 84.5, 7, $121,894.

39. (27) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, accident, 450, 99.2, 6, $121,713.

40. (18) Cole Whitt, Toyota, 430, 39, 4, $76,680.

41. (42) Joe Nemechek, Toyota, rear gear, 322, 27.6, 0, $80,680.

42. (40) Ryan Truex, Toyota, accident, 271, 30.4, 2, $68,680.

43. (43) Timmy Hill, Chevrolet, accident, 160, 23.9, 1, $65,180.

NASCAR FROM PAGE B1

and it’s that close, you wonder what could have went different.”

BUMP-AND-RUN

SMOKE RISES

With Chase berths conceivably on the line with a win, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was salivating at a shot at teammate Edwards when the final caution came out at Bristol. But he knew if the race went green again, his only chance would be the old Bristol bump-and-run, which hasn’t been used in years. It’s a risky move to do to a teammate, but owner Jack Roush said he expected nothing less from Stenhouse.

“When it comes time to really charge for the checkered flag, there are no team orders, there are no rules,” Roush said. “I expect them to race one another as they expect to be raced, not only with one another, but with everybody in the garage. I expect Ricky is as fierce a competitor as there is out there, and if his car has the speed in it and he can get to the car in front of him, particularly the short track, you’d bump-and-run and take the prize if you could. I’d be disappointed if he didn’t have that in his mind.”

Tony Stewart salvaged what looked like it was going to be an awful weekend with a season-best fourth-place finish. It came after he qualified 37th, needed two Saturday practice sessions with crew chief Chad Johnston to make significant improvements to the car and needed the entire race to work his way into the top-10. “It’s a step in the right direction for sure. This is a big one. If you come out of this place with a top-five you’ve had a good day,” he said.

AWESOME ARIC

Aric Almirola finished a career-best third — and Richard Petty Motorsports teammate Marcos Ambrose was fifth as four Ford drivers placed in the top-five — but Ambrose felt he could have gotten more. He restarted second behind Carl Edwards with 70 laps to go and had one solid chance to take the lead. If he’d gotten past Edwards, he just might have grabbed his first career victory. “These races are so hard to win, and it was a great day for us,” he said. “I’m not disappointed at all with third, but when you see it and you can taste it

CLEMSON FROM PAGE B1 simply can recall their previous games with familiar opponents.

However, Clemson’s staff has no history with Georgia State. This prep work was like speed dating.

Immediately after Clemson’s one-point loss to Duke on Friday night in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, Clemson video coordinator Lucas McKay began compiling video of several possible opponents the Tigers could face in the NIT. “We had been projecting it for the last couple of days,” Brownell said. “As soon as we found all that out (Sunday night), we started calling people in the business we know to get some general information about their team, maybe some guys that have played them this year.

“So, we’ve been on the phone with a couple of coaches that have played them and talked about them a little bit, as well as getting more film.

We’ve been watching film all night and all day to try to formulate somewhat of a game plan.”

Through that swift background check, Brownell and his staff got to know Georgia State guards R.J. Hunter and Ryan Harrow, who average 18.4 and 17.9 points per game, respectively.

“They’ve got a couple of pro prospects on their roster,” Brownell said of the duo.

Clemson’s staff also got to know the Panthers’ prolific and protective offense. Georgia State is ranked among the Top 30 Division I teams in scoring with an average of 78 points per game. The Panthers are ranked second in turnovers, averaging 8.2 per game.

Georgia State earned a 25-8 overall record and won the Sun Belt Conference regularseason championship with a 17-1 league record.

“Probably should be playing in the NCAA Tournament,” Brownell said. “This is not your typical mid-major talentwise. They’ve got some highly talented, highly skilled basketball players.”

Clemson’s staff also got to know Georgia State’s unpre-

DISSAPOINTED WITH THE FINISH

Kyle Larson flirted with the lead and was in position to race for the win until the racechanging caution with 77 laps remaining. He went to pit road third, took four tires and restarted ninth. So even though he finished a career-best 10th, the rookie wasn’t thrilled.

“It’s crazy to think it’s kind of a disappointing finish for the way we ran for most of the race, but all in all it was a good race,” Larson said.

DALE’S BAD DAY

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s strong start to the season finally came to an end at Bristol, where he finished 24th after opening with a win and two second-places. Although his Chevrolet wasn’t great all weekend, his trouble Sunday was compounded by two left-front tire issues.

Once he was out of contention, he was basically just making laps for the bulk of the race.

It cost Earnhardt the points lead, which went to Brad Keselowski. Earnhardt now trails Keselowski by 10 points.

NIT TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE The Associated Press First Round Today Robert Morris (21-13) at St. John’s (20-12), 7 p.m.

Florida Gulf Coast (22-12) at Florida State (19-13), 7 p.m.

West Virginia (17-15) at Georgetown (17-14), 7 p.m.

Belmont (24-9) at Wisconsin-Green Bay (24-6), 8:15 p.m.

High Point (16-14) at Minnesota (2013), 8:15 p.m.

Georgia State (25-8) at Clemson (2012), 9 p.m.

Indiana State (23-10) at Arkansas (21-11), 9 p.m.

Davidson (20-12) at Missouri (2211), 9 p.m.

Utah (21-11) at St. Mary’s (CA), 11 p.m.

Wednesday Illinois (19-14) at Boston U. (24-10), 7 p.m.

Iona (22-10) at Louisiana Tech (277), 7:30 p.m.

Vermont (22-10) at Georgia (19-13), 8 p.m.

Toledo (27-6) at Southern Miss (276), 8:30 p.m.

UC Irvine (23-11) at SMU (23-9), 9 p.m.

LSU (19-13) at San Francisco (21-11), 10 p.m.

Utah Valley (20-11) at California (19-

dictable zone defense.

Clemson has faced various zones this season, from Syracuse’s match-up 2-3 to North Carolina State’s box-and-one.

Brownell said Georgia State

|

B3

PREP SCHEDULE

FOOD CITY 500 RESULTS The Associated Press Sunday At Bristol Motor Speedway Bristol, Tenn.

Lap length: .533 miles (Start position in parentheses) 1. (12) Carl Edwards, Ford, 503 laps, 119.2 rating, 47 points, $234,225.

2. (21) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ford, 503, 98.9, 42, $166,400.

3. (23) Aric Almirola, Ford, 503, 101.9, 41, $160,161.

4. (37) Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, 503, 87.1, 40, $148,083.

5. (5) Marcos Ambrose, Ford, 503, 89, 39, $131,145.

6. (1) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 503, 97.8, 39, $116,865.

7. (6) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 503, 88.6, 37, $143,051.

8. (10) Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet, 503, 106.3, 37, $114,965.

9. (38) Brian Vickers, Toyota, 503, 83.3, 35, $131,440.

10. (20) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 503, 104.5, 34, $128,160.

11. (26) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 503, 67.4, 33, $143,176.

12. (8) Greg Biffle, Ford, 503, 74, 32, $139,240.

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014

13), 10:30 p.m.

Second Round Thursday, March 20-Monday, March 24 Robert Morris-St. John’s winner vs.

Belmont-Wisconsin-Green Bay winner Florida Gulf Coast-Florida State winner vs. West Virginia-Georgetown winner High Point-Minnesota winner vs.

Utah-St. Mary’s (CA) winner Georgia State-Clemson winner vs.

Illinois-Boston U. winner Indiana State-Arkansas winner vs.

Utah Valley-California winner Davidson-Missouri winner vs. Toledo-Southern Miss winner Iona-Louisiana Tech winner vs. Vermont-Georgia winner UC Irvine-SMU winner vs. LSU-San Francisco winner Quarterfinals Tuesday, March 25-Wednesday, March 26 TBD At Madison Square Garden New York Semifinals Tuesday, April 1 Semifinal, 7 p.m.

Semifinal, 9:30 p.m.

Championship Thursday, April 3 Semifinal winners, 7 p.m.

can execute them all interchangeably and without warning.

“They’re changing in the middle of the possession sometimes,” Brownell said.

Today Varsity Baseball Crestwood at Manning, 7:30 p.m.

Hartsville at Lakewood, 6:30 p.m.

C.E. Murray at East Clarendon (DH), 5:30 p.m.

Florence Christian at Wilson Hall, 7 p.m.

Thomas Sumter at Calhoun Academy, 6:30 p.m.

Robert E. Lee at Williamsburg, 6:30 p.m.

Emmanuel Christian at Sumter Christian (DH), 2 p.m.

Junior Varsity Baseball Camden at Sumter, 6 p.m.

Crestwood at Manning, 5 p.m.

Florence Christian at Wilson Hall, 4 p.m.

Thomas Sumter at Calhoun Academy, 4 p.m.

Robert E. Lee at Williamsburg, 4 p.m.

Varsity Boys Golf Sumter in Magnolia Invitational (at Beech Creek Golf Club), TBA Manning at Marlboro County, 4 p.m.

Wilson Hall at Heathwood Hall, 4 p.m.

Thomas Sumter in SCISA Region I-2A Match (at Calhoun Country Club in St. Matthews), 3:30 p.m.

Varsity Boys Soccer South Florence at Sumter, 7:30 p.m.

Governor’s School at Crestwood, 7:30 p.m.

Lakewood at Eau Claire, 7:30 p.m.

GOLF FROM PAGE B1 Junior Charlie Dallery has been leading Sumter, posting an average score of between 73 and 74 per 18 holes. In the individual portion of the three tournaments in which the Gamecocks have played, Dallery has finished fourth, second and third, respectively.

John Keffer is the only senior on the team, while the rest of the team is junior Austin Baker, sophomore Daniel Spencer and eighth-grader Dixon Flowers.

“A good team score is 315 (for four players per round); sometimes you’re a little below that, sometimes you’re a little above it,”

Wilson Hall at Ben Lippen, 6 p.m.

Junior Varsity Boys Soccer Sumter at South Florence, 6 p.m.

Wilson Hall at Ben Lippen, 4 p.m.

Thomas Sumter at St. Francis Xavier, 6 p.m.

Varsity Girls Soccer South Florence at Sumter, 6 p.m.

Governor’s School at Crestwood, 6 p.m.

Lakewood at Eau Claire, 6 p.m.

Varsity Softball Sumter at South Florence, 6 p.m.

Crestwood at Manning, 6:30 p.m.

Lakewood at Hartsville, 7:30 p.m.

C.E. Murray at East Clarendon (DH), 5 p.m.

Wilson Hall at Florence Christian, 5 p.m.

Laurence Manning at Pee Dee, 4 p.m.

Thomas Sumter at Calhoun Academy, 4 p.m.

First Baptist at Clarendon Hall, 6 p.m.

Emmanuel Christian at Sumter Christian (DH), 2 p.m.

Junior Varsity Softball Lakewood at Hartsville, 5:30 p.m.

Wilson Hall at Florence Christian, 3:30 p.m.

Calhoun Academy at Thomas Sumter, 4 p.m.

B Team Softball Orangeburg Prep at Laurence Manning, 4 p.m.

Varsity Boys Tennis South Florence at Sumter, 4:30 p.m.

Darlington at Manning, 5 p.m.

Love said. “Usually you need to be closer to 300 if you’re wanting to win, but you know if you’re around 315 you’re putting yourself in position to win.”

The remainder of the field includes defending Magnolia and SCISA 2A state champion Oakbrook Prep along with 4A fifthplace finisher Ashley Ridge and sixth-place finisher Lexington. The rest of the field includes 4A schools Hilton Head, Aiken, Fort Mill, Northwestern, Clover, Carolina Forest, Irmo, Spring Valley, Conway and West Florence, 3A schools Lugoff Elgin and Camden as well as second teams from Sumter and L-E. Second-round tee times are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

B4

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TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014

ROLLY WELLS LYNCHBURG — Rolly Wells, of 3590 Old CC Road, Lynchburg, died Sunday, March 16, 2014, at his residence.

The family is receiving friends at the home.

Final arrangements will be announced by Jefferson Funeral Home, 130 McIntosh St., Lynchburg.

ANN T. REYNOLDS Ann Thayer Reynolds, 79, died in the early morning hours of Saturday, March 15, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center, after a brief illness.

Born in Columbia, she was a daughter of the late James and Annie Thayer Reynolds.

She is survived by two nieces, Julia Reynolds Weber of Palo Alto, Calif., and Alison Reynolds Trezise of Santa Rosa, Calif.; as well as numerous great-nieces and greatnephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, James Reynolds and Robert Reynolds; and one niece, Katherine Reynolds Bruner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ann’s honor to the Sumter SPCA, 1140 S. Guignard Drive, Sumter, SC 29150.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals. com.

Elmore-Hill-McCreight Funeral Home and Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.

OBITUARIES

Andrews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday at The Church of the Holy Cross in Stateburg, where Mr. and Mrs. Lee were married in 1948. The Very Rev. Dr. John MacReadie Barr III, the Rev. Marcus Kaiser and the Rev. Michael Ridgill will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Church of the Holy Comforter Building Fund, P.O. Box 338, Sumter, SC 29151; to The Church of the Holy Cross, 335 N. Kings Highway, Sumter, SC 29154; or to United Ministries, P.O. Box 1017, Sumter, SC 29151.

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 7759386.

at 2 p.m. today at Pisgah Church in Pinewood with the Rev. Robert Ward and D.L. Barwick officiating. Burial will follow in Elliott Cemetery.

The family received friends Monday at Elmore-Hill-McCreight Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to World Missions Ministries for Robert Daniel Murmu, Account No. 23000P, P.O. Box 12609, Oklahoma City, OK 73157 missionary to India, or to the Elliott Cemetery Fund, 2430 Tearcoat Road, Alcolu, SC 29001.

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) 7759386.

DOROTHY L. WILSON

YONWAN L. HARRIS

Dorothy L. Wilson, 60, died Friday, March 14, 2014, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital in Manning.

She born July 7, 1953, in Clarendon County, to the late Judge and Jannie Bell Wilson.

The family will receive friends at the home or her sister, Catherine W. Jackson, 2226 Bud Ross Road, Summerton.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Summerton Funeral Home LLC, (803) 4853755.

Yonwan Lenyou Harris, 37, husband of Ursula Robert Harris, departed this life on Friday, March 14, 2014, at his residence.

Born July 10, 1976, in Sumter, he was a son of Wadell Hunter and Rose Harris Cato.

The family will be receiving friends at the home of his mother, 1872 River Burch Road, Sumter.

Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced later by Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter.

DeLEON HOLLAND CHARLES C. COULLIETTE

VIRGINIA LEE Virginia Reynolds Hodges Lee, beloved wife of 65 years of Ralph Edwin Lee Jr., died March 16, 2014, at her home.

Born Dec. 21, 1919, in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Benjamin Deland Hodges and Virginia Reynolds Hodges.

Mrs. Lee was a member of The Church of the Holy Comforter.

She attended Converse College and was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of South Carolina. She was a member of the Episcopal Church Women, the Stateburg Literary Society and many other community organizations. Upon graduating from college, she taught high school English and Latin in St. Matthews. She became the assistant to the dean of the Law School at the University of South Carolina before serving in the United States Navy WAVES during World War II. Upon her marriage to Ralph, she devoted herself to her family and volunteered her time and talent in many ways, including being a Sunday school teacher and Girl Scout troop leader.

Surviving are her husband of Sumter; two daughters, Maria Lee Pollak and husband, Abraham Alex, of Columbia and Elizabeth Lee Lanz and husband, John, of Lake Chautauqua, N.Y.; two grandchildren, Benjamin Deland Pollak of New York, N.Y., and Leah Pollak Galdo and husband, Nils, of Santiago, Chile; and a great-granddaughter, Philippa Elizabeth Galdo.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Marie Hodges Bald and Elizabeth Hodges

PINEWOOD — Charles C. Coulliette, 90, husband of 53 years to Faye Elliott Coulliette, received his final promotion on Saturday, March 15, 2014, at his home.

Born Oct. 21, 1923, in Clarendon County, he was a son of the late George H. and Ethel Richburg Coulliette. Rather than play football at Clemson College, he joined the U.S. Navy after high school. “Cannonball” proudly served his country in the Pacific during World War II. He returned to his family farm to grow high quality cotton, corn and soybeans. The same determination Charles put into his crops made him a great sportsman known as “Reb.” Dove, quail and deer were sought with strategic measures that tired out many teenage boys. His nickname “Dead Eye” meant he did not miss a shot and you’d better not either. Since he was fishing the Santee swamp before Lake Marion was formed, he knew every part of the swamp landscape after it was flooded. He always came back with “a mess of fish” from his favorite fishing holes. Mr. Charles’ and Miss Faye’s kitchen was a busy place, cooking the prize of whatever season it was along with any number of vegetables from their large garden. The generations of people who had the privilege of being a part of their lives all have stories to retell and mannerisms of “CC’s” to imitate for years to come, but “I tell you what’s the truth about it, there won’t be another CC.” In addition to his wife of Pinewood, he is survived by a sister, Mary Sue Blackwood of Corpus Christi, Texas; and several coveys of nieces, nephews and hunting buddies.

Funeral services will be held

DeLeon Holland, 81, departed this life on Monday, March 10, 2014, at his residence.

He was born Sept. 10, 1932, in Sumter.

Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced later by Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter.

DOROTHY B. LEWIN CENTRAL — Dorothy Boney Lewin, 94, widow of Walter W. Lewin Sr., died Saturday, March 15, 2014, at Sterling House of Central.

Born in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Ephrain and Juanita Davis Boney. Mrs. Lewin graduated from Sumter High School and attended Flora McDonald College in Red Springs, N.C. She worked at the radio station WFIG until her marriage in 1945 to Col. Walter W. Lewin, who was stationed at Shaw Air Force Base. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, the Sumter Junior Welfare League, the Sumter Art Association, and the Officer’s Wives Club of Shaw AFB. She was active as a Sunday school teacher, Brownie leader, Boy Scouts, PTA at numerous schools, and a teacher at the Korean Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by a son, Walter W. Lewin Jr. and his partner, Wanda Rogers; a daughter, Dorothy Janus Walter and her husband, Brad; numerous nieces and nephews; and an extended family at Sterling House of Central.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Esther Boney Shaw and Edna Boney.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Sumter Cemetery with the Rev. Ray officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 9

THE SUMTER ITEM W. Calhoun St., Sumter, SC 29150, or to Thornwell Home for Children, 302 S. Broad St., Clinton, SC 29325.

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) 7759386.

DOROTHY PARROTT Dorothy Parrott, 73, died Sunday, March 16, 2014, at Brian Center Nursing Care, St. Andrews.

Born April 23, 1940, she was a daughter of Tony and Mary Henry.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the home, 346 Seminole Road, Sumter.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter.

ANNIE LEE T. JOHNSON Annie Lee Thomas Johnson, 87, widow of Leroy Johnson, died Monday, March 17, 2014, at her home.

Born July 18, 1926, in Lee County, she was a daughter of the late Charlie Lee and Leola Boykin Thomas.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the home, 850 Lightwood Knott Road, Bishopville.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter.

TYRUS ARCHIE Tyrus Archie, 33, husband of Tiffany L. Archie, departed this life on Sunday, March 16, 2014.

Born July 15, 1980, in Sumter County, he was a son of Mattie A. Wright and the late Albert Brooks Jr. The family will be receiving friends at the home, 17 Sandra Court, Wedgefield.

Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced later by Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter.

MAMIE D. WITHERSPOON Mamie Davis Witherspoon, 93, widow of Isell Witherspoon Sr., former mayor of Spoonville, died Monday, March 17, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born in Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late Isaiah and Nancy Taylor Davis.

The family will receive friends at her residence, 580 Old Manning Road, Sumter.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by Palmer Memorial Chapel.

J. CALVIN HODGE John Calvin Hodge, 87, husband of Rosa Way Hodge,

passed away Sunday, March 16, 2014, at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

Born Nov. 5, 1926, in Sumter County, he was the younger son of the late Elisha and Mildred Stone Hodge. He was a graduate of Edmunds High School. Shortly after graduation, he entered the U.S. Navy as a seaman second class and served during World War II in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he worked as a sales representative for Gulf Oil Corp.

In 1960, he opened his own business, Hodge’s Gulf Service Center on the corner of Liberty and Washington streets in Sumter. Years later, he opened Hodge’s Exxon on Broad Street at Wesmark Boulevard in Sumter. He retired in 1999 to spend more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He loved his Lord Jesus Christ, the church, and music.

He served as music director at New Salem Baptist Church for 47 years. He also served the church as a Sunday school teacher, a deacon and trustee.

He was a Mason, former Omar Shriner, a member of the American Legion and the VFW. He also loved playing racquetball at the Sumter YMCA as long as his health allowed.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years; two daughters, LaVonne Hodge Bailey (Tommy) of Greenwood and Connie Hodge Cuthbertson (DeWayne) of Rutherfordton, N.C.; three grandchildren, Michael Thomas Bailey (Lauren), Alicia Bailey Keely (Nick) and Caely Elizabeth Cuthbertson; one brother, Dargan A. Hodge of Manning; a niece, Marlene Hodge of Manning; and a nephew, Keith L. Hodge of Manning.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at New Salem Baptist Church with the Rev. Kevin Massey and the Rev. Dr. Tony Gould officiating.

Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Michael Bailey, Keith Hodge, Roy Alsbrooks, Chuck Mangham, Leon Stone and Alan Pinkerton.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday at Elmore-CannonStephens Funeral Home and other times at the home.

Memorials may be made to New Salem Baptist Church, 2500 W. Oakland Ave., Sumter, SC 29154.

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

TARA D. GRAHAM OLANTA — Tara Demetria Graham, 38, died Monday, March 17, 2014, at her residence, 12910 Truluck Road, Olanta.

She was born Feb. 12, 1976, in Florence, a daughter of the late Cleo Graham and Annie Ruth Anderson Graham Jackson.

The family is receiving friends at the residence.

These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

B5

|

COMICS

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Pregnant sister facing jail arouses response DEAR ABBY — Your answer to “Heartbroken in Alabama” (Jan. 2) did not go deep enough. The pregnant Dear Abby sister, “Nicole,” who is ABIGAIL facing prisVAN BUREN on time, needs to contact the Department of Children’s Services in her county/state as soon as possible. They will oversee the placement of her child if said child is born in jail or prison.

A child born in custody becomes a ward of the state, and if arrangements can be made prior to birth for a foster family, it could benefit

the child and “Heartbroken.”

Obstetrical RN in Michigan DEAR RN — Thank you for writing. Readers’ views were emotionally charged about this subject, as you will see: DEAR ABBY — “Heartbroken” is upset because her parents want to raise her sister’s child while her sister serves a prison sentence. It should be the sister’s decision who will raise the child, no one else’s.

It sounds like the parents intend to maintain the family ties and make sure the child knows his/her birth mother, regardless of the circumstances. This is especially important, since the birth father is married and probably unavailable. It’s unlikely the birth mother would be

released from prison ready and able, emotionally and financially, to care for her child. But if the parents have custody, a relationship can still be formed and the child won’t be cast to the wind.

If I were the birth mother, I wouldn’t want my child raised by a sister who has no compassion or empathy for me. “Heartbroken” is behaving like the child is a commodity with no rights or needs of his/her own. That child needs to view the birth mother as someone of value (as everyone is) in order to develop a healthy sense of self. I urge “Heartbroken” and her husband to educate themselves about the emotional needs of adopted children before they take ANY child into their home.

Adoptive Mother in California

SUDOKU HOW TO PLAY: Each row, column and set of 3-by-3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 through 9 without repetition.

Unscramble these four Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form four ordinary words.

TIRLF ©2014 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.

SUSIE

KACTJE

DONLEO

Jumble puzzle magazines available at pennydellpuzzles.com/jumblemags

JUMBLE THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

Now arrange the circled letters to form the surprise answer, as suggested by the above cartoon.

Print answer here: AN Yesterday’s

THE SUMTER ITEM

(Answers tomorrow) Jumbles: BLURT PERCH NOVICE BLOTCH Answer: The St. Patrick’s Day scam artist was attempting a — “LEPRE-CON”

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 Uncertainty 6 Bit of gel 9 Classroom supply 14 Media mogul Winfrey 15 Old studio letters 16 Google rival 17 ÒThe Cloister and the HearthÓ author Charles 18 Smart remark 20 Bowling building 21 YearÕs record 22 Word from a heckler 23 Firmness of spirit 25 Makes furious 27 Crisp cookie 31 Ditty 35 Old vitamin bottle no.

36 Melville novel that continued the story from ÒTypeeÓ 37 Betray like a stoolie 38 Country musicÕs __ Ridge Boys 39 Team supporters, collectively 42 ÒAs I see it,Ó in texts 43 ReaperÕs bundle 45 LAX predictions 46 Windy City hrs.

47 Can in a cooler 48 Super-popular 51 Jessica of ÒSin CityÓ 53 Voice below soprano 54 Unit of resistance 57 Desktop computer that inspired clones 59 Rainy-day covers 63 Compulsive cleaner 65 Ò__ you to try it!Ó 66 Fad 67 Place for pampering 68 Israeli desert 69 Voice an objection 70 Skosh 71 Lose it, and a hint to the last words of 18-, 27-, 48and 63-Across DOWN 1 Cartoon explorer with a cousin named Diego 2 German automaker 3 Eurasian border river 4 Rotten apple 5 Race track cry after ÒAndÓ 6 HolmesÕ confidant 7 Similar 8 Region bordering Croatia 9 Rinse or spin,

e.g.

10 Guffaw syllable 11 Obsessed fictional captain 12 Bonkers 13 Early cartoon clown 19 Lawman Wyatt 24 Culinary author Rombauer 26 RR stop 27 ÒThatÕs disgusting!Ó 28 Montana neighbor 29 Ready to skinny-dip 30 Prestigious prize 32 City in upstate New York 33 Asian menu assurance 34 Cyberjotting 37 Turning back to zero, as an

odometer 40 Smear campaign commercial 41 Satirist Mort 44 Duracell size 48 Shortened wd.

49 Least plausible 50 TruckersÕ competition 52 Career soldier 54 One way to store pics 55 ÒGrab thisÓ 56 Title of respect 58 MamaÕs mate 60 Sitar music 61 Get ready for the OR 62 Golfer Ballesteros 64 Shih __: Tibetan dog

B6

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014

803-774-1234

OR TO PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE GO TO WWW.THE ITEM.COM/PLACEMYAD

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.

CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL NOTICES Estate Notice Sumter County

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES Persons having claim against the following estates are required to deliver or mail their claims to the indicated Personal Representatives, appointed to administer these estates, and to file their claims on Form #371PC with the Probate Court of Sumter County Courthouse, N. Main Street, Sumter, SC, 29150, on or before the date that is eight months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors, (unless previously barred by operation of Section 62-3-803), or such persons shall be forever barred as to heir claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements, indicating the name and the address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the amount claimed and the date when due, and a description of any security as to the claim.

Estate:

Viola Neal #2014ES4300131

Personal Representative

Ronald Washington 1055 Morris Way Sumter, SC 29154 Estate:

Melvin Vassar #2014ES4300145

Personal Representative Nancy Vassar 453 Heartwood Drive Lexington, SC 29073

Estate:

Catherine Bethea Campbell #2014ES4300112

Personal Representative Edwin Campbell 627 Henderson Street Sumter, SC 29150

Estate:

Charlie Davis #2014ES4300161

Personal Representative Betty Mouzon 4351 Granada Drive Sumter, SC 29154

Estate:

Lillian F. Choice #2014ES4300148

Personal Representative Roberta C. June 3984 McCrays Mill Road Sumter, SC 29154

Estate:

Estate:

Hazel Herbert Willis #2014ES4300109

Personal Representative Noel Patel 2291 Founders Hill Court Midlothian, VA 23113

Estate:

Richard Wilson #2014ES4300142

Personal Representative Ann Wilson Floyd C/O Kenneth Hamilton Attorney At Law PO Box 52359 Sumter, SC 29152

Estate:

Estate Notice Sumter County

Estate Notice Sumter County

Estate Notice Sumter County

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES

Persons having claim against the following estates are required to deliver or mail their claims to the indicated Personal Representatives, appointed to administer these estates, and to file their claims on Form #371PC with the Probate Court of Sumter County Courthouse, N. Main Street, Sumter, SC, 29150, on or before the date that is eight months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors, (unless previously barred by operation of Section 62-3-803), or such persons shall be forever barred as to heir claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements, indicating the name and the address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the amount claimed and the date when due, and a description of any security as to the claim.

Persons having claim against the following estates are required to deliver or mail their claims to the indicated Personal Representatives, appointed to administer these estates, and to file their claims on Form #371PC with the Probate Court of Sumter County Courthouse, N. Main Street, Sumter, SC, 29150, on or before the date that is eight months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors, (unless previously barred by operation of Section 62-3-803), or such persons shall be forever barred as to heir claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements, indicating the name and the address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the amount claimed and the date when due, and a description of any security as to the claim.

Persons having claim against the following estates are required to deliver or mail their claims to the indicated Personal Representatives, appointed to administer these estates, and to file their claims on Form #371PC with the Probate Court of Sumter County Courthouse, N. Main Street, Sumter, SC, 29150, on or before the date that is eight months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors, (unless previously barred by operation of Section 62-3-803), or such persons shall be forever barred as to heir claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements, indicating the name and the address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the amount claimed and the date when due, and a description of any security as to the claim.

Estate:

Leon Coulter #2014ES4300140

Personal Representative Melvin Coulter 1790 Campbell Court Sumter, SC 29154

Estate:

Gertrude Snow #2014ES4300128

Personal Representative

Charles Tolbert 7355 Coon Ridge Road Rembert, SC 29128 Estate:

Lawrence E. Gross #2014ES4300149

Personal Representative Sandra J. Gross 5865 Wessex Drive Wedgefield, SC 29168

Estate:

Lillian Munoz #2014ES4300125

Personal Representative

Connie Warner PO Box 255 Dalzell, SC 29040

Estate:

Personal Representative

Daniel McGhaney, Jr PO Box 241 Mayesville, SC 29104 Estate:

Vincent Anthony Jackson #2014ES4300147

Linda S. Hawkins C/O Thomas E. Player, Jr. Attorney At Law PO Box 3690 Sumter, SC 29151 Estate:

Carla Hinson 2033 Cains Mill Road Sumter, SC 29154 Estate:

Benny Benenhaley #2014ES4300139

Mary S. Jones #2014ES4300156

Personal Representative Samuel Jenkins C/O Larry Weston Attorney At Law 201 N. Main Street Sumter, SC 29150

Estate:

Robert Jack Burleson #2014ES4300122

Personal Representative

James D. Burleson PO Box 3734 Sumter, SC 29150 Estate:

Helen Askins Pack #2014ES4300146

Personal Representative Richard E. McLawhorn Jr. 115 Cargill Way, Suite B Hartsville, SC 29550

Estate:

Richard D. Lawrence #2014ES4300137

Personal Representative Willie B. Lawrence 640 Rainbow Dr. Sumter, SC 29154

Estate: Estate:

Louie C. Hinson #2014ES4300160

Personal Representative

Personal Representative

Barbara P. Jackson C/O Calvin Hastie Attorney At Law 7 East Hampton Avenue Sumter, SC 29150

Glenn H. Stokes #2014ES4300126

Personal Representative

Estate: Daniel E. McGhaney, Sr #2014ES4300132

Robert H. Hammond #2014ES4300120

Personal Representative Jane C. Hammond 113 Salem Street Mayesville, SC 29104

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.

Lohman Dale Reiter #2014ES4300152

Personal Representative April Benenhaley 3060 Gainous Road Dalzell, SC 29040

Personal Representative Adele C. Reiter C/O Kenneth Young Jr. Attorney At Law 23 West Calhoun Street Sumter, SC 29150

Estate:

Estate:

Victoria Livingston Shaw #2014ES4300117

Personal Representative Bartow S. Shaw Jr C/O Jack W. Erter 126 North Main Street Sumter, SC 29150

Adele Corbett #2014ES4300151

Personal Representative Adele C. Reiter C/O Kenneth Young Jr. Attorney At Law 23 West Calhoun Street Sumter, SC 29150

Joreatha Burgess Fullard #2014ES4300129

Personal Representative

Leon Earl Fullard 2835 Mount Zion Road Olanta, SC 29114 Estate:

J.D. Caples #2014ES4300143

Personal Representative Kitty L. Caples C/O Kenneth Hamilton Attorney At Law PO Box 52359 Sumter, SC 29152

Estate:

Marion English #2014ES4300136

Personal Representative Sophia C. English 6460 Nakia Drive Rembert, SC 29128

Estate:

Daniel Lee Bonnette #2014ES4300107

Personal Representative Rhonda Bonnette 2830 September Drive Sumter, SC 29154

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Estate:

Thomas R. Olsen #2014ES4300155

Personal Representative Jacquelyn K. Olsen 3030 Lowfalls Lane Sumter, SC 29150

Estate:

below named occupant(s); 1143 N. Guignard Dr, Sumter, SC 29150 209 - McLeod Jr, Donnie 402 - Bieger, Joanna 404 - Gripper, Adrian 427 - Bracey, Tiffany

Hilton Davis C/O Garryl Davis Attorney At Law PO Box 1211 Sumter, SC 29151

Legal Notice Public Storage/ PS Orangeco, Inc. LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell to satisfy the lien of owner at public sale by competitive bidding on March 27th, 2014 personal and/or business property including but not limited to furniture, clothing, tools and other household/business items located at the properties listed.

The sale will begin at 2:00 pm at 1277 Camden Hwy, Sumter, SC 29153.

The personal goods stored therein by

county where the proposed place of business is located or within five miles of the business; and (5) the name of the applicant and the address of the premises to be licensed. Protests must be mailed to: S.C. Department of Revenue, ATTN: ABL, P.O. Box 125, Columbia, South Carolina 29214; or Faxed to: (803) 896-0110.

Summons & Notice

1277 Camden Hwy, Sumter, SC 29153 A013 - Biggs, Zina C047 - Taylor, Whitney E012 - Davis, Lakeyshia F024 - Mullins, Roger I005 - Davis, Lorenzo 3785 Broad St, Sumter, SC 29154 0102 - Benjamin, Fredrick 0129 - Dozier, Gloria 0311 - Burroughs, Tanisha 0316 - Cruz, Allen 0752 - Johnson, Timothy Purchase must be made with cash only and paid for at the time of sale.

All goods are sold as is and must be removed at the time of the sale. Sale is subject to adjournment.

Janet M. Davis #2014ES4300121

Personal Representative

Beer & Wine License

Legal Notice

Beer & Wine License

SUMMONS AND NOTICES IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS C/A NO: 14-CP-43-0169 (NON-JURY MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE) STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER U.S. Bank National Association, PLAINTIFF, vs.

Jonathan E. Higgins; and Anna Lee Higgins, DEFENDANT(S).

TO THE NAMED:

Notice Of Application Notice is hereby given that Main Street Tavern, LLC intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license permit that will allow the sale ON premises consumption of Beer, Wine and Liquor at 24 N. Main Street, Sumter, SC 29150. To object to the issuance of this permit / license, written protest must be postmarked no later than March 20, 2014. For a protest to be valid, it must be in writing, and should include the following information: (1) the name, address and telephone number of the person filing the protest; (2) the specific reasons why the application should be denied; (3) that the person protesting is willing to attend a hearing (if one is requested by the applicant); (4) that the person protesting resides in the same

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

CLASSIFIEDS

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014

Summons & Notice default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

In Memory

Tree Service

In Loving Memory Of

NEWMAN'S TREE SERVICE Tree removal , trimming & stump grinding. Lic & Ins.

803-316-0128

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:

Ricky's Tree Service Tree removal, stump grinding, Lic & ins, free quote, 803-435-2223 or cell 803-460-8747.

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.

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 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 January 27, 2014 at 1:26 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. ยง 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

MERCHANDISE Farm Products

J.B.McLeod, Sr. 10/30/1948 - 3/17/2013 The Lord called you home a year ago today. We treasure your memories, and miss your kind gentle way.

Rest In Peace Sadly Missed, Your Loving Family

BUSINESS SERVICES

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales

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

LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $1 & Up FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend.

905-4242

Lawn Service Four Seasons Lawn Care Serving Sumter for almost 20 yrs!

Free est. 494-9169/468-4008 Kaz's Lawn Care Spring Cleanup Specials. Free Est. & Military Disc .803-565-1910

For Sale or Trade Martin's Used Appliance Washers, Dryers, Refrig., Stoves.

Special front end load washer $399 Guarantee 464-5439/469-7311

Cash for Junk Cars, used Cars, junk Batteries & unwanted gift cards. Call Gene 803-934-6734

Daniel's Lawn Care โ ข Tree removal โ ข Lawn Service โ ข Mulch / Pine straw โ ข Debris removal 803-968-4185 Oxendine & Son Lawn Care All your lawn care needs & pressure washing. Call Jonathan 803-565-2160 or Kerry 316-8726.

Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364

Finance trainees No experience needed. Applicants must have a sales personality and enjoy working with our customers auto required. Good starting salary and good benefits. We will train you on the job. Apply in person 304 Broad St Sumter SC. ROSE'S SUMTER MALL SUMTER, SC We have an immediate opening for Retail Assistant Store Manager. 1yr Retail Management experience req'd. F/T position with benefits. (Major medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401k, paid vacation).

Submit resume to Jerry Kotula District Manager, KotulaJerry@gmail.com

Lawn Spraying Technician, needed for local landscape company. Must be able to lift 50lbs on regular basis and have a good driving record. Call 499-9312

Help Wanted Part-Time

STATE TREE SERVICE Worker's Comp & General liability insurance. Top quality service, lowest prices. 803-494-5175 or 803-491-5154 www.statetree.net

Trucking Opportunities

Local Baptist Church seeking Mature Christian for Church Secretary position. Applicant should possess excellent communication skills and Word Processing ability.

Current hours 9-3 M-Thur. 9-1 Friday. Send resumes to P- Box 354 c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151

Trucking Opportunities

Best Logistics Group is seeking local 1st & 2nd shift class A CDL drivers in the Bishopville, SC area.

You must have 2 years' experience with 53' dry van within the past 5 years to qualify. Drivers will average between 2000-2300 miles per week at .40 cpm. Medical, dental, vision, long/short term disability, life and 401K. Apply online at www.shipwithbest.com or call 800-849-1818 ext. 1400 or 1460

Work Wanted Truck Driver Trainees Needed Now at H.O. Wolding Earn $800/wk Local CDL Training NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Be trained & based locally!

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I will sit with elderly or sick. Will provide ref/exp. Call 803-236-3603 for more info.

Make Extra $$$ Selling Home/Body Fragrances Kits are $45, $100 or $135 You Buy & We Supply Call 775-7823

call us Sell More TODAY PLACE AN AD

Help Wanted Part-Time Psychotherapist-responsible for individual, group, family therapy, psychosocial assessments and case management. Masters in social work, psychology, or counseling required with current LISW, PC, or LPC. Fax resume to 803-774-2633 or email : lefford.fate@tuomey.com Chauffeurs needed for Limousine Co. Must have excellent people skills. Schedule includes days, nights & weekends. Exc wages. Fax resume & 10 year driving record to 803-494-5779 or Call 803-983-5247. $$$ AVON $$$ FREE TRAINING! 803-422-5555

A Notch Above Tree Care Full quality service low rates, lic./ins., free est BBB accredited 983-9721

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time F/T cashier & P/T cook needed.

Apply at J & L Stop & Go, 2114 Hwy. 521 S. or email at jlstopgo@yahoo.com

I Found it in the

CLASSIFIEDS

JOBS HOMES APARTMENTS CARS BOATS MOTORCYCLES BIKES FURNITURE PETS GARAGE SALES & MORE

Lost & Found Found med. size female brown dog on Hilliard Dr. & Wise Dr. Please call 720-394-8016 or the SPCA 773-9292 to identify.

You have a choice!

2014 FORD EDGE SE

GET THE CLASSIFIEDS DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR. 803-774-1258

MSRP $28,350 FACTORY SALE PRICE $26,447 FACTORY REBATE $4000

Your price

$22,447

ASK US ABOUT OUR MILITARY REBATE

Stokes Craven WAC. All rebates and incentives go to dealer.

See dealer for details. Plus tax tag.

Price includes trade in and $287 admin fee.

B7

Tree Service

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New!

Help Wanted Full-Time

F/T & P/T Class-A CDL Drivers needed in Sumter, SC to haul poultry. Night Shift! Must have 2-yrs verifiable experience and good MVR. Danny 803-236-0682 HAY for your special animal.

Approx 40 Round bales.

775-4391, 464-5960

THE ITEM

2601 Paxville Hwy., Manning, SC

(803) 433-5400

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B8

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

RENTALS Unfurnished Apartments

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

775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

HOLLY COURT APARTMENTS located in Manning, currently have spacious two bedroom apartments for rent. Fully carpeted with central air and heat, water and sewer included. Please call to inquire about our Move in Special.

Ph:( 803) 435-8786 107 N. Salem Ave. 1Br, pvt. patio, full kitchen, C/H/A, $435/mo. Prudential 774-7368.

Unfurnished Homes

Resort Rentals

Brick 3BR 1BA Recently renovated. Mayesville Area $450 Mo. +Dep Call 843-374-3555

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

Country Home 3BR/2BA C/H/A. $745/mo+$500/dep. No Pets!

App't only 9AM-6PM. 406-6159, 481-4469.

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

RV parking avail. Call 494-8350 American MHP, 2 & 3/BRs, lot rentals, water/sewer/garbage pkup inc'd. Sec. 8 ok. 803-494-4300.

STATEBURG COURTYARD 2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

Resort Rentals 2Br, 2Ba Condo, full kitchen, The Links Golf and Racquet Club, N. Myrtle Beach. March 23-30 2014, $400. Call 803-469-9092

TRANSPORTATION

Homes for Sale INVESTORS DREAM DEAL Buy three houses get one free.

Anxious to sell. 803-773-4391, 803-464-5960

Manufactured Housing

Autos For Sale

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Mopeds / ATVs / Motorcycles

REAL ESTATE

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014

2001 Kawasaki Bayou 220, like new. Less than 30hrs. $1500 FIRM. Call 803-260-9866

We will arrange financing even if you have been turned down before.

Loans available for no credit, bad credit, 1st Time Buyers & Bankruptcy buyers. No co-signers needed. Call Mr. Ashley Brown at 803-926-3235

Autos For Sale

OPEN Ernest Baker Auto Sales & Equip. Located 3349 N. Main St 5.5 miles from 378 overpass at N. Main., on Hwy 15 N. next to Baker Mini Warehouse. Remember Cars are like Eggs, Cheaper in the Country!!! 803-469-9294

Auto Choice Sales & Rentals Buy Here, Pay Here. No Credit, No Problem. Cash Rentals. 494-8827

ne STOP SHOPPING You can find everything you need for the new house or the new spouse in one convenient placeOUR CLASSIFIEDS! Sporting Goods • Electronics Appliances • Furniture • Cameras Jewelry • Dishes • Books PLUS A WHOLE LOT MORE!

Tax Time is Here... Low Credit Score? Been turned down for bad credit? Come try us, we do our own financing. We have 3-4-5 bedroom homes. Layaway program available. For more information, call 843-389-4215.

Land & Lots for Sale 3 Lots in City limits (Bishopville).

Asking $20,000 or possible trade.

Call 803-459-4773

REDUCED $2,900. 1983 Pontiac Bonneville, 78,000 original miles.

Excellent condition.

803-968-1004 or 803-983-9599

774-1234

Nancy Harrison: What’s a quick pick-up?

C2 SECTION

C

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014 Online: www.theitem.com/clarendon_sun | Call: (803) 435-4716 | E-mail: jim@theitem.com

Candidates prepare to file for elections

BY ROB COTTINGHAM rcottingham@theitem.com (803) 774-1225 Numerous local seats are up for grabs this year as candidates begin filing with their respective parties for the elections this week.

Filing ends at noon March 30, after having allowed candidates two weeks to notify their respective election commissions.

While midterm elections aren’t as highly profiled as the presidential race, several crucial state and local seats expire at the end of the year.

On the state level, every

Constitutional office is up for contention. These include the positions of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, attorney general, comptroller general, state superintendent of education, commissioner RICHARDSON of agriculture and comptroller general. Both U.S. Senate seats and all U.S. Representative seats for our state are up this year, too.

Then there are the local races in Clarendon.

Three seats on Clarendon County Council — districts 1, 2 and 3 — are due to expire Dec. 31. The incumbents, Billy G. Richardson, William J. Frierson and Benton Blakely, all belong to the Democratic Party, and according to ClarFRIERSON endon County Council Chairman Dwight L. Stewart Jr., all three plan to run again for their seats.

“Anything else would be contrary to what I know,” Stewart said. “There aren’t

any challengers so far, either.”

Frierson, who’s completing his fifth term in the District 2 seat, said he’s eager to continue serving his constituency.

“I’m very thankful for all the support I’ve had in the past BLAKELY 20 years,” he said. “I hope they’ll elect me to another term so I can continue serving them as I have.”

Blakely felt much the same about his district, whose voters have sup-

ported him for a number of years, as well. Like Frierson and Richardson, he plans on filing this week. Addressing the lack of industry in his district is at the top of his agenda.

“We just don’t have any industry out here,” he STEWART said of the Turbeville area. “We need to get more companies into the industrial park on (S.C.) 527. That would do more than help; it’d be a lifeline for

SEE ELECTIONS, PAGE C2

Thanks for the memories As we all know, times change, and all things do pass. We did a story a couple of weeks ago on the closing of B-Mart. It will be a very sad day for a lot of people when Travis Brown Jr. shuts his doors for good.

Especially for me.

When I was 18, I went to work for the Browns. I was there for nine years. I met so many wonderful people who have remained a part of my life.

Mr. Brown Sr. and Mr. Brown Jr. were my bosses. Like any job, there were good days and bad days, but mostly good. The Browns were mostly like all bosses, but with one extraordinary quality: They cared about their workers. I still go in just to reminisce.

B-Mart was Walmart of that time. Manning had a TGY variety store, but it closed. There was not a Gail Mathis Walmart, Dollar General or THE Maxway.

At that time we were the CLARENDON only store in town that SUN made milkshakes. You would put the ice cream and milk in the cup and hold it against the milkshake machine with the beater mechanism inside it. If everything turned out right, you would not cut the cup and have milkshake flying everywhere!

We also made our Easter baskets. You would pick out the toys, candy and grass and make the baskets. They were made out of baseball gloves, cowboy hats, dump trucks. We used any- and everything. And they had so much more stuff than the ones you buy today. A customer could come in and tell us what they wanted in it, and the Easter Bunny would make sure that it was perfect.

Christmas at B-Mart was always exciting.

That is where my boys and many other children first met Santa. He would come in and let all the children tell him their wishes while sitting on his lap. So many good memories.

The friends I made are so dear to my heart. Ms. LaVerne Morris will always hold a very special place in my heart. She was our bookkeeper. She brought our payroll to us. I could tell her anything. She was always friendly and smiling when she came in.

Mr. Bill Perry always had a joke and made our days brighter when he came to bring us our merchandise. I saw Mr. Bill just last week and we had another laugh about the old days at B-Mart.

Miriam White Carnell, Patricia Hutson, Pinky Justice, Barbara McDuffie, Sharron Green, Beverly Lynch Hawkins and Mary Ann Morris are just a few of the ladies who have remained in my memory and heart.

Why, Miriam and Mary Ann even met their husbands at B-Mart! There are many more ladies that worked with me, and I am sure the last day will be a tug at their heart also.

Later in life, I even found out that my preacher at Second Baptist Church in Manning, Phares Chatham, worked at one of the Sumter B-Marts. Pec, I hope your memories are as fond as mine.

B-Mart is a Manning icon. Everyone always says when they can’t find what they want anywhere else, they can always find it at B-Mart. I just wonder, if maybe we all shouldn’t have gone there first?

Good luck to the Brown family. Thank you for the memories.

PHOTOS BY MATT WALSH

A Bowdoin College novice rowing team from Maine practices on the Santee during a two-week camp. Rowers from all classes come down from northern states to take advantage of the warmer weather, while bodies of water up north are still frozen.

Frozen Northeast brings rowers south College teams take advantage of warm waters

BY ROB COTTINGHAM rcottingham@theitem.com (803) 774-1225 For most South Carolinians, the only sports that matter are the typical big three: football, basketball and baseball.

Sure, you’ll find your occasional niches here and there for certain athletic realms such as equestrian, lacrosse and polo, but for the most part, the big three reign supreme.

Hockey’s popularity largely depends on proximity to a team, and soccer will typically only last into high school for most.

Though many in the area have only seen it live during the Olympics, one sport brings in quite a bit of traffic for Camp Bob Cooper in Summerton during spring.

That sport is rowing.

Kwesi Lee, rental coordinator at the camp, said hundreds of rowing teams from all over the country flock to Camp Bob Cooper during the weeks following winter.

“I’d say we’ve hosted at least 2,000 people so far this season,” he said. “We have more than 300 from nine different schools this week, alone.”

Lee said the bulk of the teams come from high schools and universities from the Northeast during their spring breaks. While local weather has been unpredictable lately, conditions in the state are much more feasible for the sport than up north, where things are still mostly frozen.

“Where we’re from, they got two

Practice for the Bowdoin College rowers lasted two weeks. The team from Maine enjoyed the much warmer weather of S.C. while their water remained mostly frozen. Practicing at Summerton has become a tradition for many northern rowing teams. feet of snow last night,” said Gill Birney, one of the coaches present Thursday.

Birney has been a rowing coach for nearly 20 years. His teams, hailing from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, came down to the camp for a two-week visit to take advantage of the warmer weather and get in some early training time. Thursday’s winds made things less than favorable for the group of novice rowers he had on hand.

“The wind’s blowing at about 15 knots from the north right now,” he said. “It’s a little dicey out there to take the less experienced rowers too far out in the open water. When I train with my more

experienced groups later, we might go further out.”

Instead of putting the beginners at risk, Birney took his teams into the cove alongside the camp, where a thick treeline curbs the strength of the wind, which can be a huge factor, he said.

“The hulls are really narrow,” Birney said. “If these guys were more experienced, I’d have no problems taking them out in the open water.”

Don’t take the term “guys” literally, though. Two of the four teams training Thursday afternoon comprise women, a growing trend Birney attributes to the1972

SEE ROWERS, PAGE C4

The Clarendon Sun is now Clarendon County’s most social newspaper! Check out our Facebook page or follow us at @clarendonsun on Twitter for stories, local links and more.

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CLARENDON SUN

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014

What’s a quick pick-up?

A

mericans drink about 500 million cups of coffee a day and consume more coffee than any other country in the world.

Four out of five Americans have two to four cups every day, while 25 percent qualify as true caffeine addicts by drinking more than five cups in a Nancy 24-hour periHarrison od. Coffee, of CLEMSON course, isn’t the only EXTENSION source of caffeine; caffeine also occurs naturally in non-herb teas, in cocoa and chocolate and is an additive in certain kinds of aspirin, cold remedies, diet aids and colas.

Cutting down on caffeine makes sense for a number of reasons, but perhaps the most important is that caffeine is medically classified as a poison. Around 10 grams of caffeine — as much as might be found in 70 to 100 cups of coffee — can be fatal.

Caffeine, an alkaloid that exists naturally in tea, kola nuts and chocolate as well as in coffee is toxic. It can cause heart palpitation, high blood pressure and other health problems. Used in moderation, caffeine is a mild stimulant. According to some stud-

ies, pregnant women who drink about 1 ½ cups of coffee a day (or 5 cups of tea or 4 of cola) may double their risk of miscarriage (more studies are being conducted in relations to coffee drinking). The average caffeine of some beverages is as follows: 1 cup (5 fluid ounces) standard-brewed coffee = 80 mg; 1 cup (5 ounces) instant coffee= 60 mg; 1 cup (5 ounces) decaf = 3 mg; 1 glass (12 ounces) iced tea = 70 mg; 1 can (12 ounces) cola =38 mg.

To help limit the caffeine in tea or coffee — lower the brewing time to reduce the amount of caffeine released.

Effects of Caffeine: Caffeine has some beneficial effects. It stimulates the central nervous system to help keep people alert and increase their stamina. It can relieve certain types of headaches by constricting blood vessels in the brain and can reduce muscle tension by increasing blood flow to the muscle cells.

Adverse effects can include the inability to fall asleep, interrupted wakeful sleep, mood changes (anxiety, depression and irritability), heartburn, stomach upsets, increased headaches and irregular heartbeats. Heavy coffee drinkers often become desensitized to some of the adverse effects but they also become dependent on its stimulant effects. For them

Casey Amato, a physical therapist at Clarendon Memorial Hospital in Manning, is going on a medical mission trip to Nicaragua, May 10-18.

She is asking the community to donate tennis shoes, walkers, canes, crutches, braces, slings and eyeglasses, so that she can help those less fortunate in Nicaragua. If you’d like to help, you can drop off your items at the Zone or at Clarendon Rehabilitation Services, both in the Cypress Center. For more information, call (540) 746-1115.

CLARENDON SCHOOL DISTRICT TWO BOARD MEETS TONIGHT A full agenda awaits the Clarendon School District 2 Board of Trustees when they meet tonight, including the potential approval of some

textbooks.

Up for the trustees’ consideration are textbooks teachers will use for U.S. History and English classes.

The recent school days lost to the recent inclement weather are also on the agenda, as the trustees will discuss a potential waiver request to avoid having to make up the lost days.

The board is also scheduled to receive its monthly financial report from the administration, and the trustees will discuss potential proposals and delegates to nominate for the South Carolina School Board Association’s assembly.

A draft of the potential 2014-15 academic year calendar will be before the board tonight.

Toward the end of the meeting, trustees are scheduled to go into executive ses-

ELECTIONS, FROM PAGE C1 us, relieving the heavy tax burden we have out here.”

Blakely used his own vehicle taxes as an example for the higher taxes paid by his constituency, saying it cost him $722 to pay the taxes on a 2013 truck. In District 2, it would cost roughly $490, a 32 percent change.

Richardson, also running for a sixth term, said he is focused on keeping the tax rates for his district as low as possible and wants to continue taking the county forward. He said he’s only heard about possible competitors through the grapevine.

“I’ve only heard rumors,” he said. “I’ve not seen or heard anything concrete yet.”

The county’s auditor and treasurer, both Democrats, will have to vie for their seats again this year if they wish to retain them. Treasurer Matt Evans said he plans on running again and hasn’t heard about any contenders, yet. He expressed his gratitude Friday for the support he and his office have received during his tenure.

“I enjoy serving the citizens of Clarendon County and will continue to serve in the professional, friendly and accountable manner that the public expects from my office,” Evans said. “I appreciate the continued support and

confidence of our voters.”

Efforts to reach Patricia Pringle, the county auditor, were unsuccessful.

Clarendon’s representation in the state House of Representatives is presently in the hands of Dist. 64 Rep. Robert L. Ridgeway, (D-Manning), and Dist. 101 Rep. Ronnie A. Sabb, (D-Kingstree). Ridgeway, whose district includes all but the southeast corner of Clarendon County, said he hopes to recapture his seat for another term.

“I plan on filing sometime (this) week,” he said. “I definitely want another term.”

Efforts to reach Rep. Sabb were unsuccessful.

Candidates filing for local offices must do so by registering with the Clarendon County Election Commission, located at the County Administration Building, 411 Sunset Drive, Manning, (803) 435-8215. Those choosing to run for state offices must register with the State Election Commission, 2221 Devine St., Suite 105, Columbia.

The Statement of Intention of Candidacy & Party Pledge form is available online at scVOTES.org and at the election commission office. Candidates are also required to fill out an Economic Interest and a Campaign Disclosure form, which can be done online at http://ethics.sc.gov.

PETS OF THE WEEK

caffeine reduction often brings headaches and withdrawal symptoms.

Remember, cardiac disturbances which include irregular heartbeats and temporarily increased blood pressure have been documented with caffeine consumption. So, whether caffeine can actually cause heart disease and/or heart attacks is a debate issue with no conclusive evidence.

Here is your recipe to try:

VEGETABLE CASSEROLE 1 cup each peas, green beans, carrots and mushrooms 1 egg 1 teaspoon margarine (melted) ½ cup milk Salt and pepper to taste, vegetable cooking spray Cook vegetables in small amount of boiling salted water until crisp-tender; drain. Chop vegetables fine. Whip egg until lemon colored; add margarine and milk. Blend well. Add chopped vegetables, salt and pepper. Pour into baking dish coated with vegetable cooking spray.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Serves 8).

Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.

BRIEF ENCOUNTERS THERAPIST GOES ON MEDICAL MISSION TRIP

THE SUMTER ITEM

sion to hear staff reports and recommendations on a student matter. The board will come back to open session to render its decision on the student.

The board of trustees will meet in its district office boardroom at 15 Major Drive in Manning at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.

ALANA

ARISTA

Alana is a quiet, beagle mix girl with a cautious mind, in high hopes for a family with plenty of patience and time to spare to give her the kind of attention she deserves. If you think that may be you, then come on down and meet her.

Arista is Alana’s sister. She’s a lot like Alana, but more confident. Both girls are healthy, spayed, vaccinated and heartworm negative.

As a breed, beagles are loving, sweet and gentle, happy to see everyone, brave and intelligent. The beagle is also excellent with children and generally good with other dogs.

They do have minds of their own, and they like to play tracking games.

If you’d like a loyal companion, come meet Alana and Arista and their friends at A Second Chance Animal Shelter, 5079 Alex Harvin Highway (U.S. 301), which has numerous pets available for adoption. Adoption hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. To drop off an animal, call (803) 473-7075 for an appointment. If you’ve lost a pet, check www.ccanimalcontrol.webs.com and www.ASecondChanceAnimalShelter.com.

CLARENDON SUN

THE SUMTER ITEM

COMMUNITY CALENDAR CLARENDON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES Clarendon Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees meets at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month (excluding July and December) in the hospital board room.

HEALTHY EATING AND WELLNESS Come and find out more at Healthy Eating and Wellness classes on Saturday, March 22, April 5 and April 19. The classes will begin at 9:30 a.m. and are held at the Manning Restaurant, 476 N. Brooks Street in Manning. For more information, contact Karl Miller at (803) 473-5757 or kfmiller@ftc-i.net.

JORDAN CROSSROADS MINISTRY CENTER - HAVEN OF REST Jordan Crossroads Ministry Center - Haven of Rest will hold its public monthly meeting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2, at New Covenant Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. Parking is available in the parking area nearest the entrance to the Fellowship Hall. For more information call Ann Driggers at (803) 309-8085.

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014

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Social Security seeks public comments on disability benefits The Social Security Administration (SSA) is asking for public comments on a new proposal that would change the rules for submitting medical and other evidence for disability applications. SSA plans to require that people applying for Social Security disability benefits submit all evidence that relates to their disability claims, including documents that may not actually support their claim of being disabled. A claimant’s representative would also be re-

quired to help the applicant submit all necessary evidence for the disability application.

Feedback on these proposed changes can be sent in online at http://www.regulations.gov, by fax to (410) 966-2830 or by mail to: Office of Regulations and Reports Clearance Social Security Administration 3100 West High Rise Building 6401 Security Boulevard Baltimore, MD 21235-6401

The deadline for submissions is April 21, 2014.

POLICE BLOTTER CHARGES: 7:35 a.m. Feb. 24: Andrew Jamal Blanding, 24, of 310 Hartwell St., Manning, was arrested and charged with intimidation and disorderly conduct. According to reports, officers responded to a business in the first block of Sunset Drive about 7:30 a.m. in reference to a fight in progress. When officers arrived, a man, later identified as Blanding, was shouting obscenities at the business’ employees, then threw a plastic bottle at them. As officers attempted to calm Blanding, he reportedly fled on foot. As officers pursued him, the manager informed law enforcement that Blanding threatened to murder him and several other employees. Blanding was apprehended and transported to Clarendon County Detention Center.

6:05 p.m. Feb. 24: Phyllis M. Logan, 70, of 215 N. Boundary St., Manning, was arrested and charged with shoplifting. According to reports, officers responded to a business in the 2000 block of Paxville Highway about 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 24 in reference to a possible shoplifting in progress.

A loss prevention officer at the facility said she watched a woman, later identified as Logan, walk into the store and take 31 various compact discs and art supplies. Logan was reportedly in the store for three hours before purchasing several other items, but not the CDs or art supplies. Logan was arrested and taken to Clarendon County Detention Center.

11:58 a.m. Feb. 25: Joseph McFaddin, 57, of 1758 Coventry Trail, Manning, was arrested and charged with counterfeiting. According to reports, officers responded to a business in the 100 block of Capital Way shortly before noon on Feb. 25 in reference to a man selling counterfeit purses and wallets out of the

back of a blue Dodge truck.

When officers arrived, the man, later identified as McFaddin, was reportedly asked if he had a permit to sell the items within city limits, to which he admitted he did not. An officer then asked about the authenticity of the items, and McFaddin reportedly admitted the items were “knock-offs.” An officer specializing in counterfeit goods was requested, and when he arrived, he deemed the items counterfeit. The purses and wallets were valued at $20,000. McFaddin was taken to Clarendon County Detention Center, and the counterfeit goods were placed into evidence.

1:33 a.m. Feb. 25: Datoine Cochran, 26, of 2161 Alex Harvin Highway, Manning, was arrested and charged with not having a license and simple possession of marijuana. According to reports, officers were conducting a safety checkpoint in the 300 block of East Boyce Street about 1:30 a.m. when an officer noticed a white vehicle turn around and leave the area, traveling down Dickson Street. One of the officers pursued the vehicle, which made a left turn onto Reardon Street, then a right onto Church Street, where it came to a stop in the 200 block of Church Street.

Once backup arrived, the officer approached the vehicle and spoke to the driver, who identified himself as Cochran. When asked why he turned around near the checkpoint, Cochran reportedly admitted to officers that he did not have a driver’s license. Cochran then reportedly admitted to possibly having marijuana in the vehicle when officers asked him if there was anything illegal in the car. Beneath the passenger’s seat, an officer found a plastic bag with six smaller bags inside, each filled with a green leafy substance thought to be marijuana. Co-

chran was arrested and taken to Clarendon County Detention Center.

11 p.m. Feb. 24: Richard Allen Gamble, 62, of 8166 Black River Road in New Zion was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. According to reports, officers responded to a home in the 300 block of Alfred Henry Street in Manning about 10:30 p.m. Feb. 24.

When they arrived, a relative of Gamble’s told officers that when she arrived at the home about 9 p.m., Gamble was on the porch, yelling and having a conversation with himself. The woman left, only to return and see Gamble acting very much in the same manner as he was when she left him. Fearing for her own safety, the woman contacted law enforcement. Gamble reportedly walked into the house and locked the door once officers arrived, continuing to yell and talk to himself. Using the keys of the relative, officers made entry into the home and found Gamble in the hallway with both hands behind his back. After several commands, Gamble pulled out his right hand, which held a cell phone, but refused to show his left hand. Gamble reportedly ignored several other commands from law enforcement before he was

Tased. As he fell, a small metal shovel dropped from his left hand. Gamble was then transported to Clarendon County Detention Center.

ARMED ROBBERY: 10 p.m. March 12: According to reports, officers were dispatched to a business on Paxville Highway in reference to an armed robbery. When officers arrived, the victims said they’d been robbed at gunpoint of an undetermined amount of money. The victims stated they were traveling toward Manning on S.C. 261 when a small, silver 4-door vehicle pulled out directly in front of them. Two tall, skinny- to average-sized black males reportedly then approached either side of the victims’ vehicle with their weapons drawn. The suspects then reportedly demanded the money, as the victims said they pleaded with the men to not shoot.

The victims said they then handed over the money, and the suspects ran away in the opposite direction. Both suspects were reportedly wearing dark hooded sweatshirts or jackets, and the victims said they were unable to gain a visual on their faces. According to the victims, the suspects made off with a plastic bag containing $2,000 to $3,000.

ROBBERY: 3:40 p.m. Feb. 27: According to reports, officers responded to Commerce Street in Manning in reference to a fight in progress. When officers arrived, a 16-year-old juvenile said he was walking home when four juveniles approached him from behind.

The largest of the group reportedly asked the victim to stop and talk. When the victim refused, the boy grabbed him by his book bag, dragged him to the ground, then reportedly began hitting him about the face and head. During the altercation, another juvenile reportedly reached into the victim’s pants and took his phone.

The phone is valued at $400.

Officers documented redness in the victim’s head and face.

VANDALISM: 11:30 to 12:07 p.m. March 8: A locking mechanism for a hotel door in the 1000 block of Crossroads Church Road in Manning reportedly sustained $1,000 in damages on March 8 when a tree service employee staying at the hotel reportedly beat the device with an unknown metal object while intoxicated.

9 to 10:30 p.m. March 9: A silver 2003 Honda Accord parked at a grocery store in Summerton reportedly sustained $1,000 in damage when an unknown vehicle backed into it.

THE

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LEGAL NOTICES Estate Notice Clarendon County

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES All persons having claims against the following estates MUST file their claims on FORM #371ES with the Probate Court of Clarendon County, the address of which is 411 Sunset Dr. Manning, SC 29102, within eight (8) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors or within one (1) year from date of death, whichever is earlier (SCPC 62-3-801, et seq.), or such persons shall be forever barred as to their claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements on the prescribed form (FORM #371ES) indicating the name and address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the claim, and a description of any security as to the claim.

Estate: Verdie Farrow Young #2014ES1400025 Personal Representative: Robert W. Honeycutt 71 Midden Lane Pawleys Island, SC 29585 03/04/14-03/18/14 Estate: Adrian Spencer McLaughlin #2014ES1400055 Personal Representative: Deborah S. McLaughlin 1474 Hoffman Drive Manning, SC 29102 03/18/14 - 04/01/14 Estate: Billie Jennings Hawkes Nalley #2014ES1400033 Personal Representative: Eugene E. Nalley, Jr. 13499 N. Brewington Rd. Gable, SC 29051 03/04/14-03/18/14 Estate: Nelson R. Greene #2014ES1400040 Personal Representative: Eleanor C. Greene 2171 Spring Hill Road Summerton, SC 29148 03/11/14-03/25/14

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TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014

CLARENDON SUN

THE SUMTER ITEM

PHOTOS BY MATT WALSH/THE SUMTER ITEM

A Bowdoin College rower gathers oars for the team as they prepare for practice on the Santee.

ROWERS, FROM PAGE C1

Bowdoin College’s team loads their boat into the Santee during a two week practice at Camp Bob Cooper.

Rowers from all classes come down from northern states to take advantage of S.C.’s warmer weather.

passing of Title IX, which requires colleges to provide an equal number of athletic programs for women and men.

“Ever since Title IX came into effect, there’s been a surge in female competitors in this sport,” Birney said. “There are more women competing in it than men now.”

While there were many opponents for Title IX when it was passed — some still beat the war drum today — Birney said he appreciates what it’s done for the sport.

“I think it’s great,” he said. “It reaches more people and exposes them to this sport.”

Most of Birney’s recruits are athletic transplants, or men and women who competed in other sports prior to joining the rowing team. He said very few have experience coming into his program.

Though Birney’s teams also compete in a fall season, the traditional season is spring, and the weeks leading up to competition are crucial.

“The season runs from April to early May,” he said. “We have to get as much time in on the water as possible.”

Lee said the location of Camp Bob Cooper works well for the teams. The stretch of water in front of the camp easily provides the 2,000 meters that comprise a normal rowing race, and the abundance of space on land gives them plenty of room for their boats and other equipment. According to Lee, there’s somewhat of a schedule most teams tend to follow.

Workouts begin early in the morning, followed by more training and time in the water. There are four meals planned through the day, including the normal three big meals and a snack in the mid-afternoon hours. For the rowers, it’s the early mornings

The Bowdoin College novice rowing team feels the bottom of a warm boat during a cold practice session at a two-week camp on the Santee. Though temperatures are low for South Carolina, the Bowdoin Polar Bears found the climate warm enough for practice, unlike their home state of Maine, where the water is mostly frozen. and late evenings that get rough.

“They call them the Torture Hours,” Lee said with a laugh.

“That’s when they get the hardest work done.”

If you ask third-year rower Haley Holstadt, hard work is essential for these athletes whose passion is often misunderstood.

“Whenever you tell someone you’re on a rowing team, they always say something about you having great upper body strength,” Holstadt said. “Rowing uses just about every muscle in your body.

Most of the pushing comes from the legs, then your arms and back.

While you’re rowing, your core controls your body’s position. On top of all the strength, you have to have good cardio and technique.”

Holstadt, a student at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., said the division between strength and technique in rowing is about 5050; being strong surely helps, but without the proper technique, it’s wasteful and can disrupt the team.

“Rowing is one of those sports that requires the whole team to work together at all times,” Holstadt said. “It’s a competitive, challenging sport, and I love it.”