IN RELIGION: No easy solution to the question of voting
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12-year-old recants accusation Charges dropped against man accused of providing weed to middle school student FROM STAFF REPORTS Charges against Kenneth Blake Clark, the 20-year-old man who was accused of sup-
plying marijuana to a sixthgrade student at Furman Middle School, were dropped during a preliminary hearing earlier this month.
In the hearing on May 3, presided over by Sumter County Chief Magistrate Kristi Curtis, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office announced
the 12-year-old student recanted her accusations against Clark. Clark was arrested March 31 and charged with distribution of a controlled substance to a person under the age of 18 and contributing to the delinquency of a minor for the alleged incident. According to initial reports from the sheriff’s office, the
middle school student, 12, implicated Clark in a written statement to a Furman Middle School resource officer accusing Clark of giving her the drug to distribute at school. On March 22, the 12-yearold was seen by another student giving the marijuana to
SEE CHARGES, PAGE A9
Celebrating with sales event Farm bill veto likely BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com Gov. Nikki Haley says she is sticking to her guns when it comes to vetoing the Farm Aid Bill, passed overwhelmingly in the General Assembly. Haley said it is a fairness issue, and the state should not give money to farmers when it can’t do the same for small business owners, homeowners and property owners.
SEE VETO, PAGE A9
Ex-cop to remain free on bail after federal indictment
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Dexter Blanding, manager of Habitat for Humanity ReStore, loads a door into the truck for a client on Wednesday afternoon. The store will be having a sale and celebration on Saturday to honor its 16th anniversary.
CHARLESTON (AP) — As federal charges were filed against a white former South Carolina police officer who already faced a state murder charge in the shooting death of unarmed black motorist Walter Scott, Scott’s lawyer and family praised the federal prosecutors for pressing the case. “I think the Justice Department is tired of sitting on the sidelines, and they think this is one they can definitely win and send a message to police departments around the country,” attorney Chris Stewart told The Associated Press.
SEE EX-COP, PAGE A9
Habitat ReStore marks 16 years with specials Saturday BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com Sumter Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 30 Bridge Court, will have sales specials from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in celebration of the store’s 16th anniversary. Community members can purchase new and gently used household items including furniture, appliances, windows and doors. ReStore Manager Dexter Blanding said this weekend’s sale event is the first celebration of the store’s anniversary since he started work-
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ing there nine years ago. Throughout the day door prizes will be given out every hour, and discounts of more than 50 percent will be applied to different items, he said. Customers can also purchase a hot dog and soda for $2 and make donations to have their vehicles washed. Habitat ReStore will also accept donations on Saturday as long as items are in good, working condition, Blanding said. Theresa White, executive director of Habitat, said the ReStore is the nonprofit organization’s longest
running fundraiser. Donating items keeps them out of the landfill and the sales of those items help build homes, she said. If you are interested in supporting the Sumter community and providing resources to help local families find homes, visit the Habitat ReStore on Saturday. Habitat Restore is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about Habitat ReStore or donation pick up, call (803) 934-9749.
AP FILE PHOTO
Former North Charleston police officer Michael Slager, center, is led into court on September 10. A federal judge decided Wednesday that Slager, charged with murder in the shooting death of an unarmed black motorist, can remain free on bond.
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