May 1, 2014

IN LOCAL NEWS: Lawmakers get behind military retiree bill

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Monarchs reign Manning sweeps Region VI track meet

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Tuomey preps for bankruptcy

BY BRADEN BUNCH bbunch@theitem.com (803) 774-1201 Tuomey Healthcare System could file for bankruptcy as soon as this month, as the local hospital’s board of trustees granted authority to its chief executive officer and its legal team to pursue the option.

At their board meeting Monday, Tuomey’s trustees told CEO Michael Schwartz

Black Baptists to gather at Morris

he could pursue Chapter 11 bankruptcy, should a series of upcoming court decisions

place them in a position the trustees think will place the hospital in a dire financial position. Following this, Tuomey officials then informed bond holders Wednesday the details of what could force the bankruptcy.

In its release to inform bond holders, Tuomey said it would pursue the debt protection “in the event that the Fourth Circuit (i) denies Tuomey’s Motion for Stay; (ii) grants a stay on conditions which are more

burdensome than the Requested Security; or (iii) otherwise conditions a stay on security of more than $10 million but does not limit the Government’s alleged recoupment and/or setoff rights against future Medicare payments.”

Tuomey officials have said for several months that bankruptcy was a potential option for the hospital. With this week’s actions, that possibility appears, in the eyes of hos-

pital officials, to be one of their few remaining choices.

“Tuomey Healthcare System’s first priority is taking care of the people in our community. We are committed to our mission and equally committed to reaching a settlement with the government,” Schwartz said. “However, if we fail to reach an agreement or if we have an unfavorable court ruling on the bond issue

SEE TUOMEY, PAGE A8

140th KENTUCKY DERBY

Uncle Sigh has local ties

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com (803) 774-1250 Morris College will be busier than usual next week as the 137th annual session of the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina comes to town.

“We’ll have a high time in Sumter,” said the Rev. James Blassingame, president of the convention and pastor of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

“The whole INSIDE community is invited.

Check out Come, let’s more events worship tohappening gether in felin the local lowship and religious praising community God. We on pages A6 and A7. want people to see firsthand what we’re doing and the outstanding progress made on the campus.”

Morris is operated by the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina and is often referred to as “the pride of black Baptists,” he said. Blassingame is a 1981 graduate of the private college and serves as president of the college’s board of trustees. He’s also a former employee.

With more than 700 churches throughout the state, this is South Carolina’s largest black religious body assembly, he said.

“We certainly appreciate the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention for having its session here,” said Grier Blackwelder, president of the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce. “We hope everything goes well, they enjoy their time here and hopefully will return at some point.”

Whenever a large group holds an event like this one in Sumter, it’s a boost to the economy, as they stay in hotel rooms, eat in local restaurants and possibly shop in Sumter stores, he said.

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Uncle Sigh gets a bath after a morning workout at Churchill Downs on Wednesday in Louisville, Kentucky. Uncle Sigh, owned by Sumter native and Wilson Hall graduate Chip McEwen III, will be racing in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.

Wilson Hall grad’s horse racing for wounded war vets

BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com (803) 774-1211

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race horse with Sumter connections could end up being a fan favorite in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.

Uncle Sigh, owned by Sumter native and Wilson Hall graduate Chip McEwen III, will be running for the roses, and a portion of his winnings will go to the Wounded Warrior Project and other causes related to the nation’s veterans.

McEwen said his association with veterans’ causes began at a stopover in Charlotte when he was fly-

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Find out where Uncle Sigh will post in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby on page B4.

ing back from a trade show in Fort Myers, Florida, to his current home in New York state.

“They kept everybody in their seats as they brought a wounded war veteran from the back,” McEwen said. “He was a 25- or 26-year-old kid. His dad was behind him walking him down the plane. He had been wounded by an IED (improvised explosive device) in Afghani-

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stan. Behind him was his wife carrying an 18-month-old kid, and behind her was his mother with a 5-year-old.”

McEwen said that while the wounded veteran was not an amputee, he had lost control of his limbs.

“I turned to my girlfriend and said, ‘We have to do more to help people like this. It totally changes the dynamics of the whole family.’”

McEwen, who owns a pharmaceutical company, began looking for a way to support wounded veterans and asked the jockey club if he could change the name of his

SEE UNCLE SIGH, PAGE A3

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Parents charged in infant boy’s death

BY ROB COTTINGHAM rcottingham@theitem.com (803) 774-1225 The parents of an infant who died in early April are now facing time in prison.

According to reports, Erica Sharice Bell, 22, of 611 E. Liberty St., Lot 11, and Ronnie Markice June, 23, of 27 Wilson St., were arrested on Wednesday and charged with unlawful neglect of a child following the investigation of their 9-week-old son’s death.

According to the initial reports released on April 8, Ronnie M. June Jr. was discovered unconscious in his bed by Bell on the night of April 5 after she returned from an outing.

Bell and June told officers that they left the residence a couple hours earlier to get something to eat, leaving the baby in the care of Bell’s uncle,

who was at the residence the night of the infant’s death. The uncle’s story, however, didn’t match, according to investigators.

“They told officers that BELL they left the baby in the care of the mother’s uncle,” said Lt. Robert Burnish of Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.

“However, the uncle told us he wasn’t even aware that the child was still in the house, much less in the bedroom, asleep.”

The couple was reportedly gone for more than two hours, an outing that included a trip to a restaurant and the home of the baby’s paternal grandfather.

“It was totally irresponsible on the part of the parents to leave that child unattended, then travel across

Legislators try to get military retiree bill over finish line

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com (803) 774-1272 As the end of the state legislative session fast approaches, members of the General Assembly are working to get several bills passed into law before the end of this year’s legislative session in June.

One bill local legislators hope to get through this year is a bill introduced by Rep. Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, to allow military retirees to deduct their retirement income from state income taxes, a SMITH bill that supporters hope would benefit South Carolina’s military community and boost the state’s economy.

Currently, South Carolina is at a disadvantage with attracting military retirees to the state and in keeping retirees who leave Shaw Air Force Base and other bases in the state because it’s one of the few states that counts military retirement benefits as income for tax purposes, Smith said.

“Obviously, it’s a priority of the Military Task Force (a Commerce Department body that represents the needs of military bases and surrounding communities), and also it’s a priority for Commerce to have a trained workforce,” Smith said.

The bill, H.3110, passed the House of Representatives unanimously on April 10 by a vote of 109-0 and is now in the Senate.

Any bills that do not pass both chambers and head to the governor’s desk this year will expire at the end of the Legislature’s term and will have to start the whole process over again when a new Legislature convenes in January.

“Anything we can do to help the military is great,” said Sen. Kevin Johnson, D-Manning, who is supporting the bill in the Senate. “It could help with base realignment because it shows we value the base and our active and retired military if we can do something to help military retirees.”

Passage may depend on the bill

making its way through the Senate finance committee, which is also in the process of considering the budget bill.

“I’ll do my part to talk to them and try to get it out of committee,” said Sen. Thomas McElveen.

“The only problem is time. The Senate is only going to meet for X amount of time before the end of the year.”

The only hurdle Smith thinks the bill could face is its projected effect on the state budget. A fiscal impact study done on the bill in the House predicted more than $20 million in revenue could be lost if military retirement income is exempted. But Smith argues the potential benefits to the state from growing its population and workforce.

“If you look at the dynamic scoring (of the bill), it would include more people coming to the state who are going to shop, eat and be paying taxes. That’s a benefit to the state, especially since they’re at an age when many still want to enter the workforce,” he said. “I don’t think it’s going to have that much of a fiscal impact, and it could even be a net positive.”

“From a preliminary standpoint, the exemption would have a net effect of tens of millions of dollars, but that’s a small price to pay for the investment in South Carolina they represent,” McElveen said. “I remain cautiously optimistic.”

Still, supporters are optimistic the fiscal issues can be addressed, especially after it received unanimous approval in the House.

“I don’t know what the fiscal impact will be, but I understand how important it is to our military citizens to provide these benefits,” Johnson said but added his Senate colleagues’ voting intentions “can be hard to read.”

Because of concerns about the impact of the change on next year’s budget, military retirement is likely to be phased out of the tax code over a three- to five-year period, beginning with the budget process next year. Smith is confident phasing in the change over a number of years could clear the way to the bill’s becoming law this year.

town,” Sumter County Coroner Harvin Bullock said. “They left him there for hours, driving all the way across town, without confirming who was watching the baby.

JUNE The uncle said he didn’t know if they’d taken the child or not.”

The infant was found with blood coming from his nose and mouth and was later pronounced dead after being transported to Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Autopsy reports have not indicated foul play, according to Bullock, who said in mid-April that there were no physical signs of trauma or abuse. Officials were awaiting the results of a toxicology analysis to help determine a cause of death.

“The toxicology report came back

clean, as well,” Bullock said. “Nothing sinister was indicated, at all, so the cause of death is unknown.”

Burnish said law enforcement treats child neglect with the utmost seriousness and investigates each case fully.

“We look for any indication of abuse,” he said. “That includes malnourishment, trauma or any other sign of abuse. We weren’t aware of any previous neglect in this case, however.”

Burnish said the child’s death is the standalone evidence in this investigation. He further explained that child neglect is treated as a felony in South Carolina, and the state code of laws indicates that each of the parents is facing up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Individual $10,000 surety bonds were set for Bell and June on Wednesday afternoon.

At the Shrimp Feast

PHOTOS BY MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

A Lowcountry Boil is served at Shrimp Feast at the Sumter County Museum Gardens on Tuesday night. The annual event always draws a crowd, and the Scape Ore Bluegrass Company provided the music. Also on the menu was boiled, fried and grilled shrimp and barbecue.

Aiden Griffin, 8, eats some shrimp at the event on Tuesday night.

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Sumter native George “Chip” McEwen III and Uncle Sigh are seen Tuesday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Uncle Sigh, out of Wounded Warrior Stables, will run in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.

UNCLE SIGH FROM PAGE A1 stable from George McEwen Stables to Wounded Warrior Stables. Along with the name change, he pledged 10 percent of the horse’s earnings to the Wounded Warrior Project, the SEAL Foundation and Retreating Freedom, among others.

McEwen said so far those donations have totaled more than $160,000.

He said running in the world’s most famous race “feels great.”

Uncle Sigh was not originally among the top point earners that are invited to the derby, but as other horses were scratched, McEwen’s entry moved up the list.

“We’ve known we would be in the derby since (the horse) Constitution dropped out about a week ago,” he said.

To further show his support for veterans, McEwen invited Army Chief Warrant Officer Scott Schroeder, a double amputee, and his wife, Laura, to view the race from his box, as well as Randy and Cindy Whiting of Hancock, N.Y., who lost their son, Justin, an Army sergeant, six years ago.

“Their son Nathan is a Green Beret, and he will be there, too,” McEwen said.

Also invited, of course, are McEwen’s father, George “Mac” McEwen, a retired real estate appraiser living in Sumter, and his stepmother, Gloria, who is a local real estate agent.

Gloria McEwen said she is looking forward to seeing the Kentucky Derby.

“I’ve already bought the hats,” she said.

Chip McEwen said the horse is named after Uncle Si on the network television program “Duck Dynasty.”

“My daughter is 16 years old, and my fiancee’s (daughter) is 14,” he said. “We watch the show together,” he said. “I like it because they pray at the end of the show, and it shows how a family should treat each other.”

McEwen said he expects the track at Churchill Downs to be dry by Saturday, despite the weather systems that have

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Uncle Sigh, seen with exercise rider Nick Santagata in the saddle, walks around the track at Churchill Downs on Sunday. been pummeling the South this week.

“It would suit me if it is,” he said, pointing out that his horse ran his maiden race on a muddy track and finished second.

“There is going to be some pace. A lot of people think our horse may set the pace since he is going to run in blinders.”

McEwen said he didn’t think that would happen because of Uncle Sigh’s easy-going personality.

“He’s laid back, but he loves to ham it up for the cameras.”

McEwen said he was “expecting big things,” even though his horse will be a longshot.

“When we turn 20 horses loose, anything can happen.”

McEwen said Uncle Sigh is his first horse in the derby.

“I am excited to have him in the race,” he said. “I am very humbled and blessed to be here.”

Kentucky Derby television coverage will be on NBC from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, and if the coverage Uncle Sigh and Wounded Warriors Stables have already received in publications such as USA Today and The Louisville Courier are any indication, Uncle Sigh may have plenty of opportunity to ham it up before the television cameras.

“I’m excited to have him in the race,” McEwen said. “I feel humble and blessed to have a horse like Uncle Sigh. I believe it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

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STATE BRIEFS FROM AP REPORTS

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Tribute to Women in Industry

Budget board OKs $6M loan to S.C. State COLUMBIA — The Budget and Control Board has approved a $6 million loan to keep South Carolina State University afloat.

President Thomas Elzey called Wednesday’s 3-1 vote a lifeline that will help the state’s only public historically black university continue to tread water. He had requested nearly $14 million to pay bills that began piling up in October.

The loan allows the university to pay its oldest bills while others continue to go unpaid as school officials seek money from the Legislature.

State agency makes early debt payment COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s unemployment agency is making a $60 million early payment toward its debt to the federal government.

The Department of Employment and Workforce announced Wednesday it is making a payment more than six months ahead of schedule. Agency officials said it saves $1.4 million in interest and helps reduce business insurance taxes.

The agency has paid early for the past several years.

The payment leaves a balance of $396 million on the state’s original debt of nearly $1 billion.

Man shoots, kills wife near shelter SPARTANBURG — Authorities said a man shot and killed his 55-year-old estranged wife just outside the Spartanburg domestic violence shelter where she was staying.

The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office said 52-year-old Robert O’Shields Sr. pulled up beside his wife about 7 a.m.

Tuesday and fired several shots before driving away.

Investigators said Mariann O’Shields had lived at the Safe Homes Crisis Center for six weeks with her daughter and went to the sheriff’s office the day before her death to say her husband violated a restraining order by talking to her as they exchanged custody of their child.

JADE REYNOLDS / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis, right, snaps a shot of some of the TWINs as they stand during the YWCA of the Upper Lowlands Inc.’s Annual Banquet and Tribute to Women in Industry reunion on Friday. TWINs were awarded between 1980 and 2010, and Yolanda Debra Wilson, executive director of the YWCA of the Upper Lowlands Inc., invited them to once again get involved with the Sumter-based nonprofit.

Economy’s growth rate slows in 1st quarter

BY MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy slowed sharply in the first three months of the year as a harsh winter exacted a toll on business activity.

The slowdown, while worse than expected, is likely to be temporary as growth rebounds with warmer weather.

Growth slowed to a barely discernible 0.1 percent annual rate in the January-March quarter, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.

That was the weakest pace since the end of 2012 and was down from a 2.6 percent rate in the previous quarter.

Many economists said the government’s first estimate of growth in the JanuaryMarch quarter was skewed by weak figures early in the quarter. They noted that several sectors — from retail sales to manufacturing output — rebounded in March. That strength should provide momentum for the rest of the year.

And on Friday, economists expect the government to report a solid 200,000-plus job gain for April.

“While quarter one was weak, many measures of sentiment and output improved in March and April, suggesting that the quarter ended better than it began,” said Dan Greenhaus, chief investment strategist at global financial services firm BTIG. Still, the anemic growth last quarter is surely a topic for discussion at the Federal Reserve’s latest policy meeting, which ends Wednesday afternoon.

In its report, the government said consumer spending grew at a 3 percent annual rate last quarter. But that gain was dominated by a 4.4 percent rise in spending on services, reflecting higher utility bills and an expansion in health care spending from provisions of the Affordable Care Act. Spending on goods barely rose. Also dampening growth were a drop in busi-

ness investment, a rise in the trade deficit and a fall in housing construction.

The scant 0.1 percent growth rate in the gross domestic product, the country’s total output of goods and ser-

vices, was well below the 1.1 percent rise economists had predicted. The last time a quarterly growth rate was so slow was in the final three months of 2012, when it was also 0.1 percent.

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Mars fights to survive against all odds. (HD) Eric Balfour. Alien lights invade.

Seinfeld: The Family Guy (HD) Family Guy (HD) Family Guy Lost The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Conan Actor Martin Short; music art- The Pete Holmes Maid (HD) shirt. (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) ist Kelis performs. (N) (HD) Show (6:00) Dear Heart (‘64, Romance) Imitation of Life (‘59, Drama) aaac Lana Turner. A struggling actress (:15) White Heat (‘49, Crime) aaac James Cagney. A psychotic crimi- (:15) Bachelor Glenn Ford. Delegates find love. allows a homeless woman to become her maid. nal plots a big heist while the FBI plants a man in his gang.

Mother (‘39) American Gypsy Wedding (HD) American Gypsy Wedding (HD) American Gypsy Wedding (N) Gypsy Sisters (HD) American Gypsy Wedding (HD) Sisters (HD) Castle: The Final Frontier Body at a 2014 NBA Playoffs 2014 NBA Playoffs sci-fi convention. (HD) Dumbest Sport & film fans. truTV Top Funniest Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers (:01) truTV Top: Wrong Turns truTV Top (:54) Golden Golden Charity Golden Golden Brady Brady Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Fast Five (‘11, Action) aaa Vin Diesel. A former cop and an ex-con team up on the wrong side of the law and Sirens (N) (HD) (:32) Fast Five (‘11, Action) aaa Vin Diesel. Former cop and ex-con team assemble their team of racers in Rio de Janeiro for one final job to gain their freedom. up on the wrong side of the law for one last job.

Mary Mary (HD) Mary Mary: The Last Chord (HD) Mary Mary (N) (HD) Mary Mary: Tragedy Strikes (HD) Mary Mary: Tragedy Strikes (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met Parks (HD)

‘Vikings’ finale sure to feature heart-pounding drama

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH May sweeps aren’t what they used to be, but signs of hoopla linger. Cristina mulls her future on two successive episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m., r, and 9 p.m., ABC, TV-14), setting up that character’s departure from the series.

Actress Sandra Oh has been nominated for five Emmys for her role as Cristina Yang. She will appear on tonight’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:35 p.m., ABC), along with “Science Bob” Pflugfelder and Boy George.

Not that long ago, May sweeps used to bring the final few hours of “24” on Fox. The network is rebooting the ticking-clock nail-biter in a 12-part miniseries, which kicks off next Monday with the twohour premiere of “24: Live Another Day.” When “24” debuted, Jack Bauer seemed like a 21st-century revival of James Bond. The title of this series has 007 written all over it.

There’s even a Union Jack in the show’s poster. Can martinis and atrocious puns be far behind?

Look for Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) on “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC), along with Rose Byrne and Richard Ayoade. Mary Lynn Rajskub, the comic actress who plays Bauer’s sidekick, Chloe, sits down with Jimmy Fallon on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC), along with Andrew Garfield and Chvrches.

Fans of FX’s “Louie” are in luck. The series returns next Monday. Some may remember that his fictional character auditioned to replace a retiring David Letterman. We all know that didn’t work out. The real Louis C.K. appears on “Late Show With David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS), where he will be subjected to a performance from the Broadway cast of “Rocky.”

• A series that features the epic storylines, dramatic in-

trigue and special effects magic that were once the hallmarks of sweeps specials, “Vikings” (10 p.m., History, TV-14) ends its second season tonight.

Not to give too much away, but I’ve long thought of this season as “The Godfather, Part II” of Norse sagas. As things began, we saw that, like Michael Corleone, Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) had alienated his wife, Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), and his brother, Rollo (Clive Standen).

Now the eccentric Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard), part mystic ship-builder and part court jester, has grown disenchanted with Ragnar. Like Fredo Corleone, he feels overlooked and disrespected, and he’s ripe for exploitation by the cunning King Horik (Donal Logue). I guess that makes Horik the Hyman Roth character here.

Except Horik’s impetuous anger almost got everybody killed. So that makes him a little like Sonny Corleone as well.

OK, “Vikings” is ridiculously violent. And some of the dialogue is a little too on the nose: (“I hope our God and your God can be friends ...”) But any show or saga that could inspire so many “Godfather” comparisons bears watching. And rewatching.

• Toni and Candace attend a feminist retreat on the season finale of “Portlandia” (10 p.m., IFC, TV-14).

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • Professor Proton mentors Sheldon on “The Big Bang Theory” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG).

• Pop performances on the “iHeartRadio Music Awards” (8 p.m., NBC), presented live.

• A baker’s dozen tackles Southern cuisine to win a trip to Las Vegas on “Hell’s Kitchen” (8 p.m. Fox, TV-14).

• Jack suggests that Rachel take up wrestling on “Surviving Jack” (9:30 p.m., Fox, TV-14).

A&E TELEVISION NETWORKS

The epic drama series “Vikings” airs its season two finale at 10 p.m. on History.

• A crisis inspires collaboration with Mycroft on “Elementary” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

• A nanny hallucinates on “Black Box” (10 p.m., ABC, TV14).

p.m., CBS, TV-14) * Mary sheds blood for Scotland on “Reign” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14) * A student recoils when Meredith sets her eyes on her father on “Bad Teacher” (9:30 p.m., CBS, TVPG).

SERIES NOTES Marcos has a plan on “The Vampire Diaries” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14) * Nathan suspects Tom’s date’s motives on “The Millers” (8:30 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) * Gretchen insists on Alan’s honesty on “Two and a Half Men” (9

LATE NIGHT David Spade is booked on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Martin Short and Kelis are on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) * Tyler Glenn, Ben Gleib, Arden Myrin

and Tone Bell are booked on “Chelsea Lately” (11 p.m., E!) * Saul Williams is on “The Colbert Report” (11:30 p.m., Comedy Central) * Katt Williams, Amy Purdy, Derek Hough and Hezekiah Walker are booked on “The Arsenio Hall Show” (syndicated, check local listings) * Craig Ferguson hosts Cheryl Hines and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson on “The Late Late Show” (12:35 a.m., CBS).

Copyright 2014, United Feature Syndicate

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RELIGION

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

Take time to renew your prayer life

D

ear God, Help me out today.

Wait, that’s not how I’m supposed to start. How did the official prayer formula go again? ACTS — Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving … something else? I can’t remember. I’ll just go with what I know.

God, That sounds too plain — I should call God something better than just ‘God.’ What did Deacon Smith call him during Sunday prayer? Oh yeah …

‘Our Most Gracious Heavenly Father, who reigns over the hearts of man, gives strength to the weary and courage to the’ … uh … what was it? Ugh, I can’t remember what he said. To the uncourageous.

Help me … no, wait, Adoration first … You are good God, I mean, a really great God. You are in control of everything, including my presentation today.

Speaking of which, is my laptop charged up? The kids have probably lost the power cord again.

At least it keeps them from downloading a dozen games on my iPad. Why do they need four games that center on the process of making digital cupcakes?

Now, where was I. Power cord?

No. Praying.

God, I’m sorry for the wrong things I’ve done recently. I won’t go through the list, but you know what they are. I did what I had to do when I had to Faith Matters do it. I guess that’s not the best JAMIE H. WILSON attitude …

Anyway, keep everyone safe and bless everyone. Well, I have to answer my phone, so bye. I mean, Amen.

If you are like me, the mock prayer above rings familiar to you. I’ve been drawn to prayer out of a sense of good Christian duty, not because I wanted to have an honest conversation with my God. I have “prayed” because it is what you are supposed to do.

When I have been asked to pray in public, I have composed flowery prose that has won compliments from my peers, but my heart was more in the performance than the prayer.

When I was to be pouring out my heart to my Heavenly Father, I was creating the day’s to-do list or creating a mental note about some menial logistic of my day. So easily distracted

am I that I frequently pause mid-prayer to indulge every distraction in my peripheral. In short, my prayer life has, at times, been no more meaningful an exercise than throwing requests at the ceiling.

Why this confession? Because I think a lot of believers, whether they admit it, have withdrawn from an active prayer life. Scripture tells that we are to “pray without ceasing …” (I Thess. 5:17, NKJV), which is a command that seems all together impossible. Can one person be in a constant state of prayer?

Evangelist Oswald Chambers explains the concept: “The blood flows ceaselessly, and breathing continues ceaselessly; we are not conscious of it, but it is always going on.”

It means your prayers don’t have to follow an official formula but can pour out of your heart in praise or petition to God. However you pray, get it done today and every day. Today is the National Day of Prayer, which should be a call for all believers to pray intentionally and personally about their lives as well as our country. My hope is that it will be a time to renew your own personal prayer life.

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

THE SUMTER ITEM

RELIGION BRIEFS FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS

Religious leaders appeal for higher minimum wage WASHINGTON — Hundreds of religious leaders are urging Congress to raise the federal minimum wage.

The Senate is preparing to vote on the measure, which would gradually raise the current $7.25 hourly minimum to $10.10 over 30 months.

In a telephone news conference, the group Interfaith Worker Justice announced that a letter calling for passage of the legislation was signed by 350 religious leaders and more than 5,000 supporters and is being sent to members of Congress.

The Rev. James Perkins, vice president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, said the minimum wage should be increased because “the Bible commands us to treat the poor fairly, to not oppress the poor.”

Pastor from embattled Baghdad travels to U.S. to receive award WHEATON, Ill. — As violence spreads in advance of this week’s election in Iraq, the vicar of Baghdad’s St. George’s Anglican Church is in the U.S. to receive the annual William Wilberforce Award presented by the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview.

But Canon Andrew White said his heart is with the Iraqi people he’s come to love. White said Baghdad is one of the most dangerous places on Earth, but “perfect love casts out fear.”

The Wilberforce Award is named for the 19th Century British statesman whose Christian commitment led to abolition of the slave trade.

RELIGION

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

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Operation Inasmuch returns to Sumter on Saturday

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com (803) 774-1250 A virtual army of red shirts will infiltrate Sumter to do good deeds Saturday.

Ten churches with Inasmuch United Sumter will be sending out groups of volunteers to minister to community needs.

“The idea is to get people out of the pews, out of church programs, reaching out and being the hands and feet of Jesus,” said Chuck Porter, coordinator for Inasmuch United Sumter. “It’s about showing love and meeting the needs of our community. We need some love in our world.”

Also called “a Compassion Revolution,” Operation Inasmuch takes its name from Matthew 25:40, which says, “Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as you have done unto the least of these my brethren, you have done unto me.”

It’s a North Carolina-based national nonprofit that trains churches to go out and serve their communities for one day to open their eyes to greater

viduals signed up to needs that can lead to participate in 20 projyearlong projects.

SUMTER CHURCHES ects Saturday. They That’s what happened PARTICIPATING range from clothing with Jehovah Mission• Aldersgate United Methodist and food giveaways to ary Baptist Church.

Church free cookouts and They helped some sehealth screenings. Volnior citizens around • Alice Drive Baptist Church unteers from his contheir homes during an • Bethel Baptist Church gregation will again do Operation Inasmuch • Christ Community Church some yard work and Day, and then the • First Baptist Church home repairs. church’s Girl Scouts ad• First Church of God “This is an opportuniopted the seniors to ty to aid those in need continue to take food to • First Presbyterian Church and express Christian them and keep up their • Immanuel Lutheran Church beliefs,” said Herb yards.

• Jehovah Missionary Baptist Keefe, coordinator for “If they couldn’t do it Church Immanuel Lutheran the first time, they can’t • Northside Baptist Church Church. “I always think do it now either,” said of 1 John 3:17, and I see Napoleon Bradford, a it in the King James coordinator for JehoVersion. ‘But whoso hath this world’s vah. “It’s about the relationships that good, and seeth his brother have need, were built, so they just check on them. and shutteth up his bowels of compasThe church was initially the center of sion from him, how dwelleth the love the community. We were commisof God in him?’ What we’re saying is sioned to feed the hungry, clothe the we just need to show God’s love to naked, bring water to the thirsty and heal the broken. We as a united church those that are in need.”

About half of Keefe’s 55-member need to be meeting those needs.” congregation has committed to parHis church has more than 330 indi-

Sacred music program offers praise, comfort

BY IVY MOORE ivym@theitem.com (803) 774-1221 The First Presbyterian Church choir will present An Evening of Sacred Music at 6 p.m. Sunday in the church sanctuary. In addition to the choir, several instrumentalists will play in the program titled Sustaining Love: Songs of Praise, Comfort and Celebration. The program is presented as a gift to the public, offering a time for prayer, meditation and celebration.

Music selections will alternate with Scripture readings by members of the congregation.

First Presbyterian Director of Music Ministry Joni Brown has selected a variety of music, all with uplifting messages, beginning with the prelude, “All Glory Be to God on High,” played by organist Hamilton Stoddard, and Corelli’s Concertino for Two Trumpets and Organ, with trumpet players Jon Hopkins and Evan Thompson joining Stoddard.

The choir will announce “God Is Here,” singing John Ferguson’s setting of the hymn “Abbot’s Leigh,” composed by Cyril Vincent Taylor. They will be accompanied by a brass ensemble comprising John Wates on

tuba, Jessica Bettinger, Joseph Bettinger and Ray Graham on trombones, and Jon Hopkins and Evan Thompson on trumpet, and the congregation will be invited to sing along on the final stanza.

The hymn “opens the program with a strong statement of faith and purpose,” Brown said.

Dan Forrest’s “Lord of the Small,” she said, “was commissioned by the Choirs of A&M United Methodist Church in Texas (and) is dedicated to the memory of Erin Beunger, who died of neuroblastoma at the age of 12.”

Brown said, “Denise Lynch will play a lovely piano solo titled ‘I Have Found a Hiding Place,’” with words that include “Jesus, Rock of Ages, strong and true; In a weary land I in His shadow rest.”

The choir and soloist, soprano Kelsie Decker, will sing “I Believe,” Mark A. Miller’s musical setting of a text “ ... found scratched on the walls of a cellar in Cologne, Germany, where Jews hid from Nazis,” Brown said.

The words include “I believe in the sun, even when it’s not shining ... I believe in God, even when God is silent.”

The portion of the concert titled “Celebration of the resurrection and God’s sustain-

ing love” begins with “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” featuring Lauren Decker on violin and Kenny Jordan on tenor drum.

The First Presbyterian Church Low Brass Ensemble will make its debut with “On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss,” an arrangement of “It is Well with My Soul.” The musicians are Jessica Bettinger, Joseph Bettinger and Graham on trombone and Wates on tuba.

Brown describes “Brother James’s Air” as “a gentle arrangement by Gordon Jacob” of Psalm 23.

“Heaven” is John E. Coates’ arrangement of “several uplifting gospel hymns, favorites of our congregation,” Brown said. Among these hymns are “In the Sweet By and By,” “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder,” “Everybody’s Gonna Have a Great Time Up There” and others.

The program will close with the rousing “Saints Go Marchin’” accompanied by the full brass ensemble and pianists Hamilton Stoddard and Kay Rasmussen.

Admission to the 6 p.m.

Sunday concert is free, and the public is invited to attend. First Presbyterian Church is located on the northwest corner of Main and Calhoun streets.

Rev. Jason Miles; Monday, the Rev. Thad Jacobs; Tuesday, the Rev. David Carlson; and Wednesday, the Rev. Mike Bishop.

High Hills Missionary Baptist Church, 6750 Meeting House Road, Dalzell, announces:

ticipating in four projects including collecting food for local charities at an area grocery store, planting a therapy garden at an assisted living facility and picking up trash around the Crosswell community with its improvement council. They will also have a group praying for all the teams involved in Operation Inasmuch Day. Porter is also a coordinator for First Church of God, and his church has 26 projects planned. Those include taking casseroles to shut-ins, sending praise teams to assisted-living facilities and fixing up cabins at Camp Burnt Gin. More than 280 people have signed up to volunteer.

“I never realized the need that was in our community until I got involved in this,” Porter said. “It’s really opened my eyes to see the hurting people in our community. We do these things to be a blessing, and in the end, you’re the one being blessed.”

A total of 22 churches have now been trained. Some have activities planned for other days as they had scheduling conflicts for this Saturday, Porter said.

Shubach World Cathedral opens, plans celebration

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com (803) 774-1250 The ribbon cutting for Shubach World Cathedral will be held at 3 p.m. Friday.

“It feels surreal coming out of a store front and having a ribbon cutting for such a magnanimous occasion,” said senior pastor T. La’trell Penny.

“It feels like I’m still dreaming. This vision has been in my spirit and on my heart for the last 14 years. To see something manifested that you’ve prayed about for so long just feels surreal.”

Church officials purchased a five-acre tract of land at 975 Eagle Road in 2007. Then in 2010, they obtained a store on Broad Street that had previously served as a Steve and Barry’s.

But that proved too expensive to renovate. So they sold the property to Central Carolina Technical College and returned to the original plan, building the church on the Eagle Road property.

“It was a bit of a set-

back with the Walmart building, but the Lord blessed us to sell it,” Penny said. “We finally got what God called us to.

We’re just excited and want to share with everybody.”

Following the ribbon cutting, the church will hold a week of celebratory services. All are free and open to the public.

It kicks off Sunday at 11 a.m. with people marching in for the first time. Penny will be preaching at that service as well as again at 7 p.m.

The rest of the events will be held at 7:30 p.m. with the following speakers scheduled: • Monday, Apostle Sammy Smith of Grace Cathedral Ministries; • Tuesday, Bishop J. Donald Edwards from North Carolina; • Wednesday, Bishop John Guns from Jacksonville, Florida; • Thursday, Bishop Larry Trotter; and • Friday, Bishop Iona Locke of Detroit.

For more information, visit shubachministries. org or attend the ribbon cutting.

CHURCH NEWS ALIVE Praise & Worship Center, 342 W. Liberty St., announces: * Saturday, May 17 — Community outreach event featuring music, free food and free clothes 9 a.m.2 p.m.

Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina, Columbia, announces: * Sunday-Thursday, May 8 — 137th annual Session of the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina will be held at Morris College. Speakers will vary. Call Dr. James Blassingame at (803) 840-1029 for details.

Calvary Baptist Church, 459 Calvary Church Road, Bishopville, announces: * Saturday — Mid-Carolina gospel singing at 6 p.m. featuring the Riverside Boys and Cedar Creek Quartet.

Church of God of Prophecy, 1670 S. Guignard Drive, announces: * Saturday, May 10 — Gospel singing at 6 p.m. featuring Heavenly Heirs of Bishopville, Sisters of Faith, Caravan and more.

Corinth Missionary Baptist Church, 25 Community St., announces: * Today-Friday — Revival worship at 7 nightly. Moderator Stanley E. Hayes will speak. * Sunday, May 11 — Mother’s Day / Women’s Day worship at 11 a.m. Minister Earline Smith will speak. All women are asked to wear white attire.

Cypress Fork Free Will Baptist Church, 5152 N. Brewington Road, Manning, announces: * Sunday-Wednesday, May 7 — Revival at 5:30 p.m. Sunday and 7 nightly Monday-Wednesday.

Speakers as follows: Sunday, the

Dalzell United Methodist Church, 3330 Black River Road, Dalzell, announces: * Saturday, May 31 — A Mission Rally bike ride for all motorcycle enthusiasts will be held. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. at the church with the run being held from 10 a.m. until noon. Registration is $20 per driver and $10 per rider and includes a pilau dinner, which will be served 11 a.m.-1 p.m. For dinner only, cost is $6.

ess Stephanie Mathis will speak.

turing games, food and fun.

* Sunday — Holy communion will be held after the morning worship service.

* Saturday, May 24 — Leadership Summit KICK (Knowledge Increasing Catapult for the Kingdom) 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Prophetess Rose Summers will speak.

* Sunday — Trustee anniversary celebration during 11 a.m. service.

Historic Mount Zion AME Church, M.W. Rickenbaker Road, Summerton, announces:

Mulberry Missionary Baptist Church, 1400 Mulberry Church Road, announces:

* Saturday — Annual prayer breakfast at 9 a.m. Pastor Eartha Carter will speak.

* Sunday — Third anniversary celebration of the choir at 4 p.m. featuring Deacon Jose Session and Messengers.

Joshua Baptist Church, 5200 Live Oak Road, Dalzell, announces:

Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 421 S. Main St., announces:

* Sunday — 38th Annual Homecoming celebration with church school at 9 a.m. followed by 10 a.m. worship.

* Sunday — Communion worship.

Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. followed by 11:30 a.m. worship.

Kingdom M-Pact Worship Center, 24 Council St., announces:

* Sunday, May 11 — Honoring mothers. * Sunday, May 18 — Women’s Day service.

* Saturday — Pastoral anniversary luncheon at 1 p.m. at the Lakewood High School Fine Arts Center, 350 Old Manning Road.

Pastor Tracy Fleming will speak.

* Wednesday-Friday, May 7-9 — Revival at 7:30 nightly. Apostle Virnetta Bennett Evans will speak.

* Sunday — Church anniversary service at 9 a.m. Minister Napoleon Bradford will speak. At 4 p.m., a pastoral and church anniversary service will be held at Lakewood High School Fine Arts Center. Pastor Marion H. Newton will speak.

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 182 S. Pike East, announces:

Knitting Hearts Ministry, meets at Bethesda Church of God, 2730 Broad St., announces:

* Sunday — The 34th anniversary celebration of the Gospel Melody Aires at 4 p.m. On the program: Ernest Pearson and Disciples; the Rev. Niles and Gospel Kings; and more.

* Saturday, May 10 — Knitting Hearts Café will meet 10 a.m.noon. Sabrina Fort will speak on “Your Eternal Purpose.” Visit www.knittingheartsministry.org.

Fellowship Outreach Ministries, 1981 Florence Highway, announces:

Grace Christian Fellowship Church, 2938 Raccoon Road, Manning, announces: * Saturday — Yard sale and bake sale 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

Land Flowing with Milk & Honey Ministry, 1335 Peach Orchard Road, announces: * Friday, May 9 — True encounter with God service at 7 p.m. Prophetess Janis Rogers and Prophet-

* Sunday, May 11 — Mother’s Day celebration at 11 a.m. * Saturday, May 17 — Chosen Generation anniversary celebration at 7 p.m.

Pinewood Baptist Church, S.C. 261, Pinewood, announces:

* Saturday, May 10 — Clothes giveaway 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

* Sunday — Homecoming and Golden Age celebration. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. followed by 11 a.m. worship. Covered dish lunch will follow. Nursery provided. Call (803) 452-5373 or visit www.pinewoodbaptist.org.

New Testament Lighthouse Church, 1114 Boulevard Road, announces:

Southern Methodist Church of Summerton, 1107 Felton Road, Summerton, announces:

* Saturday, May 17 — Gospel singing at 7 p.m. featuring the Lewis’s.

* Thursday-Saturday, May 15-17 — Old time tent revival / crusade with gospel singing at 7 nightly.

Evangelist John O’Cain will speak. Refreshments served at 6 nightly.

New Fellowship Covenant Ministries, 316 W. Liberty St., announces:

One Step Christian Ministries, 125 S. Nettles St., Bishopville, announces: * Sunday, May 11 — Mother’s Day observance and worship service at 11 a.m. The Rev. Johnny Mae Gist will speak.

Triumph the Church and Kingdom in Christ, 1285 Pearson Road, Davis Station, announces: * Sunday — Friends and family day at 2 p.m.

Orangehill Independent Methodist Church, 3005 S. King Highway, Wedgefield, announces:

Unity Universal Baptist Church, 409 Boulevard Road, announces:

* Saturday, May 10 — Yard sale, fish fry and car wash at 7 a.m.

* Sunday — Miracle service at 5 p.m. Pastors Larry and Zipporah Farmer will speak.

* Saturday, May 17 — Parade of hats at 3 p.m.

Pine Grove AME Church, 41 Pine Grove Road, Rembert, announces: * Today — National Day of Prayer will be celebrated 7 a.m.-6 p.m. * Saturday — May Fest at 10 a.m. at Craftsmen Field, Rembert, fea-

Walker Avenue Church of God, 100 Walker Ave., announces: * Sunday — Ever Ready Willing Workers’ Club program at 5 p.m.

Beulah Priest White will speak. * Sunday, May 18 — Family and friends day celebration at 11 a.m. The Rev. Bobby G. Damon will speak.

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LOCAL | REGION

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

TUOMEY FROM PAGE A1 in May or June, bankruptcy will be our only option.”

The financial constraints Tuomey finds itself under stem from an ongoing, 9-year-old federal case in which the hospital currently faces a $237.5 million judgment.

Last year, a U.S. District Court jury determined Tuomey had signed illegal contracts with several of its doctors back in 2005, causing the hospital to submit more than 21,000 false Medicare claims between 2005 and 2009. After the verdict, Senior U.S. District Judge Margaret B. Seymour awarded the nine-digit judgment in favor of the federal government.

Tuomey is not only appealing the verdict, but also the amount of money the hospital must place into holdings in order to pursue the appeal as well. Last month, Seymour ordered Tuomey to place a total of $70 million into reserves — $30 million in a bond and $40 million in escrow — in order to continue with its appeal.

The hospital had asked the court to only require it to place $30 million in holdings in order to pursue its case with the Fourth Circuit Court of Ap-

peals. Without any ruling, federal guidelines would have required Tuomey place 125 percent of the judgment it was facing — about $295 million — into reserves, a figure the hospital and federal prosecutors agreed Tuomey could not afford.

Should it enter into Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Tuomey will still most likely be able to continue to operate with its same leadership while it establishes a plan for handling its debt. This is unlike a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which usually results in liquidation of a business or organization’s assets.

This decision by the board could force the hospital to be in bankruptcy even while appearing in court later this year. Recently, Tuomey officials have said any appellate court appearance would likely not occur until about September.

However, with this week’s vote, it becomes clear hospital officials think some action must be taken to protect the hospital from creditors before then.

“The board has resolved that we must look at all avenues, including bankruptcy, if we do not receive a favorable resolution in the near future,” said board chairman John Brabham. “We continue to strive for a reasonable settlement in the meantime.”

Hundreds rescued from floodwaters PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — People were plucked off rooftops or climbed into their attics to get away from fast-rising waters when nearly 2 feet of rain fell on the Florida Panhandle and Alabama coast in the span of about 24 hours, the latest bout of severe weather that began with tornadoes in the Midwest.

On Wednesday, roads were chewed up into pieces or wiped out entirely, and neighborhoods were inundated, making rescues difficult for hundreds of people who called for help when they were caught off guard by the single-rainiest day ever recorded in Pensacola.

Boats and Humvees zigzagged through the flooded streets to help stranded residents. A car and truck plummeted 25 feet when portions of a scenic highway collapsed, and one Florida woman died when she drove her car into high water, officials said.

Near the Alabama-Florida

line, water started creeping into Brandi McCoon’s mobile home, so her fiance, Jonathan Brown, wrapped up her nearly 2-year-old son, Noah, in a blanket, and they swam in neckdeep water to their car about 50 feet away.

Then, the car was flooded.

“Every which way we turned, there was a big ol’ pile of water,” she said.

Brown called 911, and eventually a military vehicle picked them up and took them to a shelter.

Kyle Schmitz was at his Pensacola home with his 18-monthold son, Oliver, on Tuesday night when heavy rain dropped during a 45-minute span. He gathered up his son, his computer and important papers and left.

“I opened the garage, and the water immediately flowed in like a wave,” he said. “The water was coming up to just below the hood of my truck, and I just gassed it.”

BLACK BAPTISTS FROM PAGE A1 While the session starts Sunday night, the official Welcome Night Program and Worship Service is at 7 p.m. Monday with Preacher Blakely N. Scott serving as the speaker and a mass choir formed from Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties performing, Blassingame said.

Other activities will include training and informational workshops for those in ministry as well as a chance to honor long-serving church pastors and some up-and-coming new ones. From lay leaders to music departments, there is something for all aspects of worship.

It’s also a chance to conduct business, getting updates and reports on convention property as well as learning more about the group’s Haiti mission project. Members will also be discussing voter education and getting people registered and mobilized to vote.

“We’re nonprofit, so we’re nonpartisan and do not endorse any candidates,” Blassingame said.

All activities are free and will be held on Morris’ campus, 100 W. College St., except the President’s Educational Prayer Breakfast. It

THE SUMTER ITEM will be held at 7 a.m. Thursday, May 8, at the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Enrichment Center, 325 Fulton St. Tickets cost $25, and people are asked to purchase tickets beforehand by calling (803) 931-8811 or contacting churches in the Sumter, Wateree or Black River Baptist associations.

They will “pass the hat” during other events, though, Blassingame said.

“Our focus is education and missions,” he said. “That’s what we’ll be promoting that week. The monies raised will go to a good cause.”

While Morris gets the bulk of the contributions, the convention also supports Benedict College in Columbia and has property from Friendship College in Rock Hill, Blassingame said.

He will close the session Thursday with the President’s Hour starting at 2 p.m. As he was elected last May, and presidents normally serve for five years, this will be his first time giving the annual address.

“Oh yes, I’m nervous but also excited,” Blassingame said. “It’s a humbling experience to serve as the president of the convention, to be given an opportunity to serve.

I feel called to serve, (and) I’m looking forward to it.”

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

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

H.D. Osteen 1904-1987 The Item

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A9

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

Mind your mouth

W

ASHINGTON — Say what you will, but you’d best check for recording devices. Alternatively, you might check your thoughts.

The past few days have provided a cornucopia of reprehensible statements, reactions to which tell us as much about our country as the comments do about the speakers. Within those reactions, one finds both cause for concern and consolation.

Concern includes the potential ramifications of cruel or poorly conceived expression. Making racist remarks can do great harm to the public trust and damage hard-won gains toward racial harmony. Consolation can be found in evidence that Americans on the whole have no tolerance for racism or discriminatory behavior.

But there are other layers of concern that at least bear mention: One is the loss of privacy owing to the widespread tendency to record people without their knowledge and the facility with which those utterances or behaviors can become viral.

One could make a case for the net positive of exposing harmful thoughts. On the other hand, one is reminded of the Bob Dylan lyric: “And if my thought-dreams could be seen/They’d probably put my head in a guillotine.”

Another source of concern is the tendency to condemn groups of people according to the words or deeds of one or a few. Racial profiling is one such manifestation: If black teens commit burglaries in certain neighborhoods, then all black teens become suspect — and Trayvon Martin dies by a vigilante’s bullet.

Indicting all Republicans as racist because of one cowboy’s rant is another form of profiling. If one old white guy thinks Kathleen blacks were better off on the Parker plantation than they are collecting unemployment insurance, then all old white guys (a large percentage of whom vote Republican) must be similarly racist.

Finally, we should all be nervous about the instantaneous formation of social media mobs that attack a single individual whose comments, while contemptible, result in a virtual execution. Once the mob descends, no punishment short of absolute destruction seems sufficient. People may want justice but the mob wants blood.

The characters corresponding to the above need no introduction. The old white guy is Cliven Bundy, the cattle rancher who greeted Bureau of Land Management agents with guns. Fortunately, no shots were fired, but the spectacle gave Bundy, a longtime federal-government denier, an opportunity to espouse his now-familiar views on race.

Next came Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, 80, who urged his mixed-race then-girlfriend not to post online photos of herself with blacks or bring blacks to basketball games. The comments were captured on tape and leaked to TMZ, an online dispenser of human nightmares.

Who taped and who leaked haven’t yet been established, though gossip and theories abound.

Sterling isn’t a likable guy, most are agreed. He has a checkered history as a landlord who allegedly didn’t want to rent to Hispanics or AfricanAmericans. His comments suggest disrespect for his players, who are good enough to make him richer but not to sit in his stands. For those comments, the NBA on Tuesday banned Sterling for life and fined him $2.5 million.

The pain his statements caused his players, the African-American community and basketball fans everywhere was enough to warrant calls for him to step down. Never mind his callous disregard for women, including his mistress and especially his wife.

So many morals, so little space.

First the practical: If you don’t want your words broadcast in the public square, don’t say them.

The Orwellian taint to this advice is not meant to be harsh but is offered in recognition of the world in which we live. We’re not so much a global village as a small town of gossips.

On a higher note, such potential exposure forces us to more carefully select our words and edit our thoughts. This isn’t only a matter of survival but is essential to civilization. Speaking one’s mind isn’t really all it’s cracked up to be, as any well-balanced person reading the comments section quickly concludes.

Ever wonder who those people are? I have some thoughts but my finely tuned self-editing skills prevent my sharing. Instead, I offer a refrigerator quote I’ve always liked. It’s often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi but possibly may have tumbled from the lips of a new-age guru. Regardless of the source, it fits the occasion: “Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny.”

Whence our beliefs, it seems, is the crucial challenge. Alas, bigots by definition are not inclined toward self-awareness.

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Officials fail to make needed highway improvements I would like to express my displeasure with a few things around the city and county: What has happen to letters to the editor?

One letter every now and then and on subjects that are of little interest to most readers.

1. The four-way stop signs at South Wise Dive and Guignard Drive. What a time and gas waster for one of the most used intersections in Sumter. We need a traffic light to move traffic along.

2. The Malfunction Junction at McLaughlin Ford. That situation has been in existence since I arrived in this town in 1976. Another gas and time waster and nothing done for many years.

3. And then there is the wagon trail of a thousand bumps and depressions called Broad Street.

What a disgrace. And the city and county want a penny sales tax for five more years for what? It’s a secret someone may want a few more dollars for some property that may have to be purchased.

They will spring the list of projects at election time.

4. As I recall road improvements were high on the list for the last penny sales tax increase. It’s so easy to hide projects. You never know who is responsible – state, city or county.

5. Another project that’s costing us big bucks is trees and grass

cutting in the medians on 378/76 U.S. 15 South. Who is paying for that? The state is not cutting the grass on each side of the roads. So what gives here? Looks good in the medians but side of roads look bad.

6. Another highway vastly underused is the 76/378 bypass. If we just had a intersection that you could get off the bypass at Miller Road you could avoid the gridlock of Broad Street.

7. Traffic situation in Sumter has changed over the years, but those in charge have failed to see these needed changes and make the road changes to meet the demands.

Its called complacency when you see needed improvements but do nothing.

JOEL SIMPSON Sumter

Tax should be used on road, infrastructure improvements Recently, someone wrote a letter to the editor saying they hoped the proposed extension of the penny sales tax would be spent on improvements to our roads. I too would view the extension of this tax most favorably if it were committed completely to road and infrastructure improvements.

Nothing else would be enjoyed by more of our citizens or return more in increased tax revenues and property values. Without the investment in the improvements

to U.S. 521 South and its infrastructure we would not have Continental Tire. These improvements also encourage small business development which provides most of the jobs and services we enjoy.

Building community centers may be fine in good economic times but are used by relatively few citizens and put a permanent burden on the taxpayers for functions that have traditionally been provided by our churches.

It does not seem that Sumter receives its fair share of funds back from SCDOT as we see the Alice Drive improvements being done some 40-plus years after they were badly needed. Perhaps it is because a few very vocal individuals seem to always oppose every project proposed by SCDOT. I believe we must be planning and moving incrementally toward improving all of our existing U.S. highway routes from Sumter to the interstates.

We are being left behind by our neighboring cities who have had the foresight to make these investments.

I realize the committee members charged with making these decisions on the proposed uses for the tax have a difficult task and hope they will take these suggestions as constructive as they are intended.

CARL J. CROFT Sumter

EDITORIAL ROUNDUP Recent editorials from South Carolina newspapers:

The Aiken Standard April 24

Don’t get too gung-ho about offshore drilling A recent federal government decision to endorse testing for oil and natural gas along the Atlantic Ocean means the door could once again be opening for drilling off South Carolina’s coast.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of the Interior recommended seismic testing along the Carolinas, as well as Virginia and potentially down to Florida.

Each state, including the Palmetto State, faces a dilemma after the agency’s decision. While drilling offshore could mean a boom in jobs, it also presents potentially dire environmental consequences.

Even the seismic testing endorsed by the federal government has stirred concerns since it requires loud air-gun blasts that, according to environmentalists, can disrupts the sea’s ecosystem.

While protecting marine life is important, it’s also vital to collect modern data before we do even greater environmental harm that could result from drilling mishaps. The Gulf Coast spill in 2010 should still loom large in our collective memory.

During a S.C. House Natural Resources Committee meeting earlier this year, Dr. James Knapp, a professor of earth and ocean sciences at the University

of South Carolina, told legislators that he did not believe such seismic testing hurts fish and other sea life. He also rightly noted that present data about our oil reserves off the coast are largely outdated. Relevant research is decades old since the entire East Coast has been off limits from all drilling-related activity since 1981.

Drilling proponents say lower energy prices and greater energy independence could be the result of exploring the Atlantic Coast, but our lawmakers shouldn’t minimize those very real environmental concerns.

Our state’s natural resources, particularly our beautiful beaches, are largely considered our greatest economic driver through tourism dollars. Let’s not lose sight of protecting that priceless asset merely for short-lived economic benefits.

The Morning News of Florence April 25

Religion in football?

You don’t say Not to get too territorial, but when a person or group from a far-flung land comes down from his or her perch and casts aspersions on our home turf, we generally shrug it off.

Such is the case with Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation levying several charges against Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney. The group’s claims are based on public re-

cords detailing Bible Days, FCA breakfasts and other religious-inspired activities that FFRF officials say is unconstitutional.

Swinney has never shied away from his Bible-thumping ways.

He proudly wears it on his tigerstriped sleeves. Most of his recruits, if they aren’t Christians themselves, know what type of environment they are about to enter.

None of Clemson’s current or past players has come forward with stories of discrimination or grievances based on their or the coach’s religious beliefs.

That would be an issue. Short of that, though, we see no reason why Swinney should be disciplined for simply being overzealous.

Swinney seems to be singled out here, because Clemson certainly is not the only school to have a highly devout Christian as its head coach. Even the ones who aren’t as brazen about their faith probably put some religious stamps on their respective programs. Many teams across the nation have team chaplains and player-organized FCA meetings.

Of course, when it comes to religion and state-supported education, there are many gray lines.

There are plenty of black and white ones, too.

As the highest-paid employee at one of the state’s two flagship public schools, Swinney needs to know what those lines are, and he needs to respect them. He is in a position of leadership at a public school, and that leadership must be handled responsibly and ethically.

A10

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THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

AROUND TOWN The Shepherd’s Center will offer free public information sessions 11-11:50 a.m. each Thursday through May 29 at 24 Council St. Scheduled topics / speakers are as follows: today, David O’Brien will discuss social media and staying connected; May 8, Ford Simmons of the Sumter County Library will provide tips and tricks on using your personal computer or iPad; May 15, Cpl. Eddie Hobbes of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office will discuss self defense awareness; May 22, Cpl. Hobbes will discuss home security; and May 29, Carol Boyd will discuss gardening with herbs.

Free computer classes will be offered from 4 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday, May 13-June 5, at S.C. Works, 31 E. Calhoun St. Attendees will learn computer skills, basic emailing, Internet searching and keyboarding skills. Registration is required and space is limited. Call (803) 774-1300.

The Transatlantic Brides and Parents Association (A British Heritage Society) will meet at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 2, at The Spectrum, Pinewood Road. Come celebrate Mother’s Day. All British expats or relatives are invited. Call Josie (803) 775-8052.

The Sumter Jaycees will hold a steak dinner fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, May 2, at the Sumter Elk’s Lodge No. 855, 1100 W. Liberty St. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $30 per person or $50 per couple. Proceeds will benefit the local chapter as well as Jaycee Camp Hope, a statewide residential camp that strives to give special needs children age 7 and older positive, healthy outdoor experiences. Contact Stephanie Griffin at StephanieGriffin2014@yahoo.com.

In honor of National Foster Care Month, an awareness walk will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, at Dillon Park.

Participants are asked to wear blue. Contact Katina Dreamer, of Lee County Foster Adoption Association, at (803) 856-6633.

Extreme Sports Yamaha Polaris will hold an open house and fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, at 405 W. Wesmark Blvd. There will be a bike show, free dyno runs,

50/50 drawing, hot dogs, drinks and door prizes. Proceeds will benefit Crosswell Children’s Home. Call (803) 905-7766 or visit www.esyp. com.

Lincoln High School Class of 1960 will meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, at the alumni building on Council Street.

All class members are invited. Call Lucile Davis at (803) 775-6253 or Louis Ragin at (803) 778-2715.

The Campbell Soup friends lunch group will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, at Golden Corral.

“WOOFSTOCK: A Music Festival Going to the Dogs!” will be held at noon on Saturday, May 3, at the Elaine D. Korn Memorial Center, 1100 S. Guignard Drive. Participating bands include N&J Acoustic Express, Sanctuary Blues Band, High Ridge Bluegrass Gospel Band, Southeastern Way, 4 Way Stop, Pack Road Project, and Victoria Elizabeth Cook. Cost: $5 per adult; and free for children under 12. Bring your lawn chairs, picnic baskets and leashed pets for a fun-filled day. All proceeds benefit the Sumter SPCA. Call (803) 773-9292.

The Lynchburg Magnolia Beautification Action Committee will hold its Annual Magnolia Festival and Parade on Saturday, May 3. The parade will begin at noon at Fleming Lighthouse Center, go down U.S. 76 and S.C. 341 to Main Street in Lynchburg. There will be vendors with food and gift items for sale. Music will be provided by the Army Band and Rock Band as well as Gentlemen of Distinction.

The Lincoln High School Class of 1969 will meet at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, at the alumni building on Council Street.

All class members are invited. Call Cynthia Harvin at (803) 773-9790 or Rosalie Pringle at (803) 773-5706.

The Clarendon Section National Council of Negro Women will meet at 5 p.m. on Monday, May 5, at the Council on Aging, 206 S. Church St., Manning.

The Sumter Benedict Alumni Club will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, May 5, at the North HOPE Center. Call Shirley M. Blassingame at (803) 5064019.

PUBLIC AGENDA SANTEE-LYNCHES REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Monday, 7 p.m., Santee-Lynches Board Room, 36 W. Liberty St. SUMTER CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St.

TOWN OF LYNCHBURG PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, 4 p.m., town hall

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2014

AccuWeather® five-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Mainly cloudy, a t-storm; breezy

Mostly cloudy

Clouds and sun

Mostly sunny and pleasant

Nice with plenty of sunshine

Pleasant with plenty of sunshine

81°

56°

71° / 50°

78° / 53°

84° / 58°

85° / 60°

Chance of rain: 55%

Chance of rain: 25%

Chance of rain: 25%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 15%

Winds: WSW 8-16 mph

Winds: WSW 6-12 mph

Winds: WSW 6-12 mph

Winds: W 4-8 mph

Winds: SW 4-8 mph

Winds: W 4-8 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaffney 77/51 Spartanburg 78/50

Greenville 77/50

Columbia 81/55

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 81/56

Aiken 78/52

ON THE COAST

Charleston 82/61

Today: Mostly cloudy with occasional rain and a thunderstorm. High 78 to 82.

Friday: Mostly cloudy and cooler with a couple of showers. High 68 to 72.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Today Hi/Lo/W 70/50/pc 51/42/r 73/48/pc 57/43/sh 76/49/pc 96/63/s 73/56/pc 73/54/r 89/70/t 76/53/pc 90/68/s 78/53/s 78/54/pc

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest.

357.95 76.13 74.91 96.35

24-hr chg -0.12 -0.12 -0.03 -0.62

Sunrise 6:33 a.m.

Moonrise 8:22 a.m.

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

0.06" 2.89" 3.06" 12.56" 14.92" 14.35"

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

75° 72° 78° 53° 90° in 1974 38° in 1961

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

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 71/50/pc 57/41/c 80/53/s 57/43/sh 80/52/pc 92/60/s 76/57/pc 68/51/pc 85/68/t 69/50/pc 93/72/s 71/51/s 70/52/pc

Myrtle Beach 79/61

Manning 80/56

Today: Clouds and sun. Winds southwest 8-16 mph. Partly cloudy.

Friday: Clouds, sun. Winds southwest becoming west-southwest 4-8 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 81/57

Bishopville 80/56

Sunset 8:05 p.m.

Moonset 10:35 p.m.

First

Full

Last

New

May 6

May 14

May 21

May 28

TIDES

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 9.54 -0.30 19 5.47 -0.34 14 8.80 -1.53 14 5.07 +0.45 80 79.76 +0.15 24 17.54 +0.20

AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Fri.

High 11:27 a.m.

11:40 p.m.

12:11 p.m.

---

Ht. 2.9 3.4 2.8 ---

Low Ht. 6:05 a.m. -0.1 6:04 p.m. -0.1 6:49 a.m. 0.1 6:46 p.m. 0.1

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 69/42/pc 75/48/pc 77/52/t 81/62/r 74/64/r 82/61/r 78/50/pc 77/51/pc 81/55/t 79/56/t 79/59/r 81/60/r 82/58/t

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 66/41/pc 71/47/pc 72/46/pc 70/54/r 69/57/pc 72/52/c 70/47/pc 73/50/pc 72/48/pc 71/50/pc 72/52/pc 71/51/pc 72/52/pc

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 81/57/t Gainesville 85/65/t Gastonia 78/53/pc Goldsboro 81/58/r Goose Creek 82/61/r Greensboro 79/51/pc Greenville 77/50/pc Hickory 75/49/pc Hilton Head 78/67/r Jacksonville, FL 84/64/t La Grange 72/45/pc Macon 75/51/pc Marietta 71/48/pc

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 71/51/pc 76/58/t 70/49/pc 73/52/pc 72/52/c 69/49/pc 71/48/pc 68/47/pc 68/59/r 73/54/r 72/43/pc 70/47/c 70/48/pc

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 75/48/pc Mt. Pleasant 81/61/r Myrtle Beach 79/61/r Orangeburg 80/56/t Port Royal 80/62/r Raleigh 78/54/t Rock Hill 79/50/pc Rockingham 81/54/t Savannah 81/59/r Spartanburg 78/50/pc Summerville 79/66/r Wilmington 83/62/r Winston-Salem 77/51/pc

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 69/46/pc 71/52/sh 69/54/pc 70/49/pc 70/54/r 69/50/pc 71/47/pc 71/49/pc 70/50/r 71/48/pc 68/57/r 72/52/sh 69/49/pc

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

SUMTER COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION / ELECTION COMMISSION Thursday, May 8, 5:30 p.m., registration / election office, 141 N. Main St.

BISHOPVILLE CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Colclough Building

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Plan activities EUGENIA LAST and enjoy time spent with someone who moves you emotionally, mentally and physically. Interaction with someone special will lead to a change in lifestyle. Push for what you want by using your skills, talents and expertise.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Take the edge off a tense situation by having an open, heart-to-heart discussion. You will come to the realization that there is more that you can do to make your life better.

Don’t let anyone use emotional manipulation to lead you astray.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You will feel emotionally drained, confined or restricted. Take the edge off by following a creative pursuit. Keep your distance from anyone trying to coax you into doing something you don’t want to do. Follow your heart and do your own thing.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Withhold personal information.

Protect what you feel and plan to do until you are ready to make your move. Love is on the rise and making romantic plans will improve your mood as well as please someone you think is special.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You can make a difference. Check out what’s going on in your community or drop in on someone you know who is going through a rough period. Your support and suggestions will make you feel good and help you develop a lifelong ally.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’ll face conflicting feelings and a lack of understanding from someone to whom you are emotionally tied.

Don’t back down; say what’s on your mind. Communication will

make a difference to the outcome of a situation you face.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Put heart and soul into what you do and say.

Love and romance are in the stars and making sure you do something nice for someone special will help cement your relationship. Follow your heart and express your feelings.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You will attract attention. Do something that will make you feel good about who you are or the way you look.

Pampering or sharing time with someone who looks up to you will give you the confidence to move forward with your plans.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Make alterations to the way you live. Protect your health; don’t take unnecessary physical risks. Not everyone you deal with will feel the same way you do. Guard your plans from someone who is likely to meddle.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Stick close to home and get all the little things done that will make you feel good about your surroundings and life in general. You can please someone you love by being more attentive. Love is highlighted.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Plan to try something new that will add to your enjoyment and entertainment. Taking time to adjust a financial investment will pay off. Home improvements will help bolster your mood and your ability to develop a moneymaking idea you have been mulling over.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Be careful what you say or reveal to others about your financial, legal or medical situation. An emotional encounter will catch you off guard and can cost you a friendship if deception is detected. Proceed with caution.

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 WEDNESDAY

MEGAMILLIONS TUESDAY

1-10-12-23-38 PowerUp: 5

7-43-59-61-66 Megaball: 3 Megaplier: 3

POWERBALL numbers were unavailable at press time.

PICK 3 WEDNESDAY

PICK 4 WEDNESDAY

7-1-1 and 9-9-4

1-9-9-4 and 4-1-6-4

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC SUBMITTED BY: Dennis Selvig COMMENT: “This statue of George Washington stands on the steps of the Statehouse in Columbia. Note the broken walking stick in his hand. The plaque reads, ‘During the occupation of Columbia by Sherman’s Army Feb 17-19, 1885, soldiers brickbatted this statue and broke off the lower part of the walking cane.’”

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

D’Antoni resigns after 2 years with Lakers B4

B

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

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

PREP TRACK & FIELD

Reigning in the rain

DENNIS BRUNSON / THE SUMTER ITEM

Competitors in the 200-meter dash race toward the finish line on Wednesday during the Region VI-3A track and field meet held at Ramsey Stadium in Manning. After a brief weather delay, the Manning boys rallied to victory as the Monarchs claimed both the girls and boys titles.

After weather delay, Manning boys rally for track and field title as Monarchs sweep Region VI-3A meet

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennisb@theitem.com MANNING — When a long streak of lightning hit around Ramsey Stadium on Wednesday and rain soon followed, Manning High School’s boys track and field team was locked in a tight battle with Darlington, Crestwood and Lakewood for the Region VI-3A title.

When the rain stopped and the

teams went back to the track about an hour later, the long jump and the 3,200-meter run were two of the events left to complete. Manning went on to take the top three spots in each of those events and the region title with it.

That gave MHS a sweep of the region titles as the Lady Monarchs dominated, winning by almost 100 points.

“It was a complete team effort by

both the boys and the girls teams,” said Manning head coach Brian Joyner. “It took a good effort from everyone to win the region.”

Manning won the boys with 168 points while Darlington finished second with 123. Crestwood was third with 106 followed by Lakewood with 78 while Hartsville and Marlboro County both had 14.

In the girls meet, Manning won with

213 points. Darlington was second with 135 followed by Hartsville with 50, Lakewood with 45 and Marlboro County and Crestwood with 20 apiece.

The Manning boys were actually trailing when the meet was stopped because of the stormy weather. However, grabbing the top three spots in the long jump and the 3,200 accounted

SEE MONARCHS, PAGE B3

PREP BASEBALL

Area SCISA teams prep for 2nd round

Top-ranked SHS opens with Aiken

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennisb@theitem.com

BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER mchristopher@theitem.com All season long, the Sumter High School baseball team has been the top-ranked 4A team in the state. Sumter begins the journey to see if it is the best team in the state today.

SHS finished the regular season as Region VI champions with a 20-2-1 record and plays host to Aiken in the first game of the District VI tournament in the state playoffs today at 7 p.m.

Aiken is an 11-9 team that finished fourth in Region V. The other matchup in the district will have Lugoff-Elgin playing at Summerville today.

“We didn’t really focus on (rankings),” said SHS head

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Phillip Watcher will take the mound today as the SHS baseball team opens the 4A state playoffs against Aiken at Gamecock Field. coach Brooks Shumake. “We don’t talk about being the No. 1-ranked team; we talk about being a team that goes out and

tries to execute the fundamentals of the game every game

SEE SHS, PAGE B4

Wilson Hall and Robert E. Lee Academy will be at home on Friday for doubleheaders in their respective best-of-3 quarterfinal series in the SCISA baseball state playoffs, while Laurence Manning Academy will be on the road facing a defending state champion in its quarterfinal series.

The Barons will play host to Orangeburg Prep on Friday in a twinbill in the 3A playoffs set to begin at 4 p.m., while REL will play host to Thomas Heyward beginning at 4 p.m. in the 2A playoffs. LMA will travel to Columbia to face defending 3A champion

Hammond beginning at 5 p.m.

If Friday’s games are split, a deciding game will be played on Saturday at the home field of Friday’s visiting teams.

In the 1A playoffs, Clarendon Hall will take on W.W. King today at 6 p.m. at the Ben Lippen School field in Columbia in the deciding game of their best-of-3 first-round series.

Wilson Hall, the runnerup a year ago, is 22-1 and received a first-round bye in the playoffs. OP beat Ben Lippen 7-1 on Tuesday to win its first-round series 2-1 after splitting a DH at Ben Lippen on Monday.

SEE SCISA, PAGE B4

PREP SOFTBALL

EC begins title defense today against Hannah-Pamplico

BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER mchristopher@theitem.com For many seasons, East Clarendon High School was the hunter, chasing a 1A softball state title. The Lady Wolverines are now the hunted.

EC, the defending state champion, begins its title defense today at 6 p.m. as it plays host to Hannah-Pamplico.

“We kind of have the target on our back this year, but I

think this team is ready for that top competition, and we’ll have to give it our best,” said EC head coach Lisa Ard, whose team is 14-4 on the season. “We’re going to take it one game at a time, but once we make it to state we’re going to let it go, but we’ve got to be ready to stay focused on the ball game. We’ll come out with positive attitudes, stay behind one another and do our best.”

EC and H-P haven’t faced

each other this season. Ard suspects the Lady Wolverines will see pitcher Lindsey Foster, who is coming back from an injury.

“She’s a good pitcher; we faced her last year,” Ard said. “We’ve got to get back ARD into the swing of things this week – hit the ball, make our defensive plays, get together and hope everything

goes right.

“I know they lost a bunch of seniors off of last year’s team, so they’re probably rebuilding also,” she said of Pamplico. “We’re going to have to come in ready to play because they have a good coach in Jamie Caldwell.”

The Lady Wolverines are very young. The team consists of three freshmen, three eighth-graders, three seniors and a combination of juniors and seventh-graders.

“We have a younger team, but we have a very talented group,” Ard said. “We also have three good senior leaders and I think we can come back through it again.”

Ard said the team understands the basic mechanics and fundamentals of softball, but at times puts too much pressure on itself.

“What they’ve got to remember is you can’t let one

SEE EC, PAGE B4

B2

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SPORTS

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

AREA ROUNDUP

WH tennis falls to HHP 7-1 The Wilson Hall varsity tennis team saw its season come to a close once again in the SCISA 3A semifinal round with a 7-1 loss to Hilton Head Prep on Wednesday at the Shipyard Racquet Club in Hilton Head Island.

The teams played three singles matches indoors and three singles matches outdoors as the Barons finished with an 11-1 record.

SINGLES 1-- Woodson (HHP) def. Brown 7-5, 6-0 2--Davis (WH) def. Lavery 5-7, 6-3, 10-0 3-- Kelly (HHP) def. Stover 6-3, 6-0 4-- Kohli (HHP) def. Hendrix 6-0, 6-1 5—Stubblefield (HHP) def. Thompson 6-1, 6-1 6-- Fried (HHP) def. Stone 6-0, 6-4 DOUBLES 2-- Kelly/Stubblefield (HHP) def. Stover/ Hendrix 6-1, 6-0 3-- Kolhi/Freid (HHP) def. Thompson/Stone 6-1, 6-0

VARSITY SOCCER WILSON HALL 6 ORANGEBURG PREP 0

Wilson Hall improved to 9-7 on the season with a 6-0 victory over Orangeburg Prep on Tuesday at Patriot Park SportsPlex.

Drake Shadwell scored twice for the Barons, who improved to 5-4 in SCISA Region II-3A. Marvin Ballard, Adam Jennings, Justin Schaare and Jake Croft scored single goals. Christian Albertson and Ballard teamed up in goal to get the shutout.

On Monday in Columbia, Wilson Hall lost to Hammond 5-0.

JUNIOR VARSITY SOCCER SUMTER 4 THOMAS SUMTER 1 Sumter High closed out its season with a 4-1 victory over Thomas Sumter Academy on Tuesday at Patriot Park.

Blake Drown led SHS with two goals. Dyonn Dingman and Drown

each scored off a corner kick.

Drown’s second goal came off an assist from Michael Perry. Finn McGregor scored off a defensive deflection.

The JV Gamecocks finished with a 10-3 record.

GIRLS

VARSITY SOCCER LAKEWOOD 3 CRESTWOOD 2

Lakewood High School improved to 4-2 in Region VI-3A with a 3-2 victory over Crestwood on penalty kicks on Tuesday at J. Frank Baker Stadium.

The Lady Gators, 7-3 overall, got goals from Jody Brandel and Vannia Moreno Gil and an assist from Myranda Owens in regulation, which ended in a 2-2 tie.

After two overtimes, the teams went to penalty kicks. Lakewood won that 3-2 as Brandel, Taylor Fletcher and Alyssa Hatten scored.

Crestwood, which fell to 3-10 and 2-4, got a goal and assist from Angelica Manzo and a goal from Alexus Pader in regulation. Manzo and Zaire Reyes scored on the penalty kicks.

VARSITY SOFTBALL WILSON HALL 15 HAMMOND 4 Wilson Hall improved to 24-5 on the season with a 15-4, 5-inning victory over Hammond on Tuesday at Patriot Park SportsPlex.

Holly Scott and Amelia Weston combined for the win.

Haley Hawkins and Bailey Connor had two hits and scored three runs to lead the Lady Barons offense. Hannah Jordan scored two runs and had a run batted in, while Drake Ives had two hits, including a 2-run double.

SCOREBOARD

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

TV, RADIO TODAY

9 a.m. -- Professional Golf: European PGA Tour The Championship at Laguna National First Round from Tampines, Singapore (GOLF).

12:30 p.m. -- LPGA Golf: North Texas LPGA Shootout First Round from Irving, Texas (GOLF).

1 p.m. -- Major League Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at Minnesota (MLB NETWORK).

3 p.m. -- International Soccer: UEFA Europa League Semifinal Second Leg -- Juventus vs.

Benfica (FOX SPORTS 1).

3 p.m. -- PGA Golf: Wells Fargo Championship First Round from Charlotte (GOLF).

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

7 p.m. -- Minor League Baseball: Indianapolis at Pawtucket (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

7 p.m. -- Major League Baseball: Tampa Bay at Boston or Seattle at New York Yankees (MLB NETWORK).

7 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Eastern Conference Playoffs Quarterfinal Series Game Six -- Indiana at Atlanta (NBA TV).

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

7:30 p.m. -- College Baseball: Kentucky at Tennessee (ESPNU).

7:30 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: Eastern Conference Playoffs Semifinal Series Game One -- Montreal at Boston (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

8 p.m. -- College Baseball: Gonzaga at Brigham Young (BYUTV).

8 p.m. -- College Softball: Alabama at Missouri (ESPN).

8 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Western Conference Playoffs Quarterfinal Series Game Six -Oklahoma City at Memphis (TNT).

9 p.m. -- Professional Boxing: Victor Manuel Cayo vs. Roberto Garcia in a Welterweight Bout from Hialeah, Fla. (ESPN2).

10:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Western Conference Playoffs Quarterfinal Series Game Six -- Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State (TNT).

PREP SCHEDULE TODAY

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

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

Varsity Girls Soccer Sumter at Blythewood, 5:30 p.m.

Lake City at Crestwood, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY

Varsity Boys Golf Sumter in Southern Cross (at Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken), TBA Varsity Boys Soccer Marlboro County at Crestwood, 6 p.m.

Lakewood at Bamberg-Ehrhardt, 7:30 p.m.

Manning at Hartsville, 6:30 p.m.

Northwood at Thomas Sumter, 7:30 p.m.

Junior Varsity Boys Soccer Bamberg-Ehrhardt at Lakewood, 6 p.m.

Northwood at Thomas Sumter, 5:30 p.m.

Varsity Girls Soccer Lakewood at Darlington, 6:30 p.m.

Varsity Softball Wilson Hall at Clarendon Hall, 5:30 p.m.

Providence Athletic Club at Laurence Manning, 5 p.m.

Junior Varsity Softball Wilson Hall at Clarendon Hall, 4 p.m.

SATURDAY

MLB ROUNDUP

Marlins pummel Harang, Braves 9-3 MIAMI — Nathan Eovaldi pitched seven innings and the Miami Marlins scored nine runs off NL ERA leader Aaron Harang to beat the Atlanta Braves 9-3 Wednesday.

Harang (3-2) gave up 10 hits in 4 2-3 innings, and his ERA rose from 0.85 to 2.97.

The Marlins tied a season high with 15 hits, including seven for extra bases.

THE SUMTER ITEM

Marcell Ozuna hit a 3-run homer, and Christian Yelich added his first home run of the year. The homers were the first allowed by Harang this year.

CARDINALS 9 BREWERS 3

ST. LOUIS — Allen Craig homered on a 4-hit day that included three RBI, and Matt Adams hit a 2-run homer as the St. Louis

Cardinals beat the Milwaukee Brewers 9-3 Wednesday.

AMERICAN LEAGUE TIGERS 5 WHITE SOX 1 CHICAGO — Max Scherzer threw six scoreless innings and the Detroit Tigers beat the Chicago White Sox 5-1 Wednesday to finish a 2-game sweep.

From wire reports

SPORTS ITEMS

NBA PLAYOFFS SPURS 109 MAVERICKS 103 SAN ANTONIO — Tony Parker had 23 points hours after the birth of his first child and the San Antonio Spurs never trailed in a 109-103 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, taking a 3-2 lead in their firstround series.

MANNING LEGION MEETING SUNDAY

The Manning-Santee Post 68 American Legion baseball program will hold a meeting on Sunday at the Manning Post 68 Legion Hut for all players interested in playing for either junior or senior team.

The hut is located at 552 Sunset Drive in Manning.

For more information, contact head coach G.G. Cutter at (803) 225-2929 or ggcutter@fpsb.com.

S.C. BOARD APPROVES USC UPGRADES

COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s State Budget & Control Board gave final approval Wednesday to the University of South Carolina for several facility projects.

MLB STANDINGS

By The Associated Press AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST DIVISION New York Baltimore Boston Toronto Tampa Bay CENTRAL DIVISION Detroit Minnesota Kansas City Chicago Cleveland WEST DIVISION Oakland Texas Los Angeles Seattle Houston

W 15 12 13 12 11

L 11 12 14 14 16

Pct .577 .500 .481 .462 .407

GB – 2 2½ 3 4½

W 14 12 13 14 11

L 9 11 12 15 16

Pct .609 .522 .520 .483 .407

GB – 2 2 3 5

W 17 15 13 11 9

L 10 12 13 14 18

Pct .630 .556 .500 .440 .333

GB – 2 3½ 5 8

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Yanity out as Tigers’ play-by-play man CLEMSON — Clemson football will have a new voice next fall with longtime broadcaster Don Munson taking over the call of football games from Pete Yanity, who had done play-byplay for the past 11 years.

The school announced the move Wednesday. Munson has worked with the Clemson radio network for 16 years and currently calls the school’s baseball games. Munson will also host weekly coach’s shows for football’s Dabo Swinney and basketball’s Brad Brownell.

Athletic director Dan Radakovich said Yanity declined when asked to continue calling men’s basketball games. There is no word yet on who’ll take over those broadcasts.

Varsity Boys Golf Sumter in Southern Cross (at Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken), TBA Varsity Track and Field Wilson Hall, Laurence Manning, Thomas Sumter, Robert E. Lee and St. Francis Xavier in SCISA State Meet (at Heathwood Hall in Columbia), 9:30 a.m.

Those include renovation to the plaza surrounding Williams-Brice Stadium, construction for a new building for men’s and women’s soccer at Stone Stadium, a new track and field oval at Weems Baskin Track, and an upgraded USC Field House that will feature a new six-lane 200meter fixed bank track with seating.

USC PLAYERS CLEARED IN N.Y. INCIDENT

COLUMBIA — Two former South Carolina football players questioned about an incident at a New York City nightclub have been cleared of all wrongdoing.

Cornerback Victor Hampton and defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles will not face charges after an April 11 altercation inside Greenhouse nightclub, their agent confirmed to The Post and Courier on Wednesday night.

TMZ was first to report the story.

Hampton and Quarles were merely acting in self-defense after the accuser threw the first punch, according to TMZ. The fight began after Hampton and Quarles objected to a group allegedly smoking marijuana in the establishment, according to a New York Post report last week.

WINSTON ACCUSED OF TAKING CRAB LEGS

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State’s Heisman Trophy quarterback and FSU relief pitcher Jameis Winston was issued a civil citation after sheriff’s deputies said he walked out of a supermarket without paying for $32 worth of crab legs and crawfish.

The 20-year-old Winston ordered the food at the deli in a Tallahasseearea Publix on Tuesday night, Leon County Sheriff’s Maj. Michael Wood said Wednesday. After receiving the order, he left the store without paying.

From staff, wire, Post and Courier reports

Seattle 6, N.Y. Yankees 3 Pittsburgh at Baltimore, ppd., rain Boston 7, Tampa Bay 4 Oakland 9, Texas 3 Detroit 4, Chicago White Sox 3 Kansas City 10, Toronto 7 Washington 4, Houston 3 L.A. Dodgers at Minnesota, ppd., rain L.A. Angels 6, Cleveland 4

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

Detroit 5, Chicago White Sox 1 Cleveland at L.A. Angels, 7:05 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Baltimore, ppd., rain Seattle at New York, ppd., rain Tampa Bay at Boston, ppd., rain Oakland at Texas, 8:05 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers at Minnesota, 8:10 p.m.

Toronto at Kansas City, 8:10 p.m.

Washington at Houston, 8:10 p.m.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Chicago White Sox at Cleveland, 7:05 p.m.

Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees, 7:05 p.m.

Toronto at Pittsburgh, 7:05 p.m.

Oakland at Boston, 7:10 p.m.

Baltimore at Minnesota, 8:10 p.m.

Detroit at Kansas City, 8:10 p.m.

Seattle at Houston, 8:10 p.m.

Texas at L.A. Angels, 10:05 p.m.

NATIONAL LEAGUE W 17 15 15 13 12

L 8 11 12 13 14

Pct .680 .577 .556 .500 .462

GB – 2½ 3 4½ 5½

W 20 15 12 10 8

L 8 14 14 16 17

Pct .714 .517 .462 .385 .320

GB – 5½ 7 9 10½

W 16 16 14 13 8

L 11 12 12 15 22

Pct .593 .571 .538 .464 .267

GB – ½ 1½ 3½ 9½

TUESDAY’S GAMES

FRIDAY’S GAMES

St. Louis at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 p.m.

Toronto at Pittsburgh, 7:05 p.m.

Washington at Philadelphia, 7:05 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers at Miami, 7:10 p.m.

Milwaukee at Cincinnati, 7:10 p.m.

San Francisco at Atlanta, 7:35 p.m.

N.Y. Mets at Colorado, 8:40 p.m.

Arizona at San Diego, 10:10 p.m.

NASCAR

By The Associated Press SPRINT CUP LEADERS

Through April 26 Points 1, Jeff Gordon, 341. 2, Matt Kenseth, 336. 3, Carl Edwards, 313. 4, Kyle Busch, 310. 5, Dale Earnhardt Jr., 309. 6, Joey Logano, 292. 7, Brad Keselowski, 287. 8, Jimmie Johnson, 282. 9, Ryan Newman, 272. 10, Brian Vickers, 256.

11, Greg Biffle, 256. 12, Austin Dillon, 252. 13, Kyle Larson, 251. 14, Denny Hamlin, 245. 15, Tony Stewart, 243. 16, Marcos Ambrose, 242.

17, A J Allmendinger, 240. 18, Paul Menard, 226. 19, Jamie McMurray, 226. 20, Kevin Harvick, 220.

Money 1, Dale Earnhardt Jr., $2,695,643. 2, Brad Keselowski, $2,447,795. 3, Jeff Gordon, $2,254,487.

4, Joey Logano, $2,162,017. 5, Denny Hamlin, $2,097,885. 6, Jimmie Johnson, $1,958,697. 7, Kyle Busch, $1,956,692. 8, Matt Kenseth, $1,889,020. 9, Kevin Harvick, $1,743,145. 10, Paul Menard, $1,633,314.

11, Austin Dillon, $1,560,762. 12, Greg Biffle, $1,548,698. 13, Tony Stewart, $1,504,000. 14, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., $1,495,568. 15, Carl Edwards, $1,490,838. 16, Kyle Larson, $1,478,943.

17, Brian Vickers, $1,477,753. 18, Jamie McMurray, $1,449,344. 19, Marcos Ambrose, $1,400,653. 20, Aric Almirola, $1,373,542.

NBA PLAYOFFS

By The Associated Press

FIRST ROUND (Best-of-7; x-if necessary)

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Atlanta 3, Indiana 2 April 19: Atlanta 101, Indiana 93 April 22: Indiana 101, Atlanta 85 April 24: Atlanta 98, Indiana 85 April 26: Indiana 91, Atlanta 88 Monday: Atlanta 107, Indiana 97 Today: Indiana at Atlanta, 7 p.m. x-Saturday: Atlanta at Indiana, TBA Miami 4, Charlotte 0 Miami 99, Charlotte 88 Miami 101, Charlotte 97 Miami 98, Charlotte 85 Miami 109, Charlotte 98 Brooklyn 2, Toronto 2 April 19: Brooklyn 94, Toronto 87 April 22: Toronto 100, Brooklyn 95 April 25: Brooklyn 102, Toronto 98 April 27: Toronto 87, Brooklyn 79 Wednesday: Brooklyn at Toronto (late) Friday: Toronto at Brooklyn, 7 p.m. x-Sunday: Brooklyn at Toronto, TBA Washington 4, Chicago 1 Washington 102, Chicago 93 Washington 101, Chicago 99, OT Chicago 100, Washington 97 Washington 98, Chicago 89 Washington 75, Chicago 69

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Dallas 2, San Antonio 2 April 20: San Antonio 90, Dallas 85 April 23: Dallas 113, San Antonio 92 April 26: Dallas 109, San Antonio 108 April 28: San Antonio 93, Dallas 89 Wednesday: Dallas at San Antonio (late) Friday: San Antonio at Dallas, 8 or 9:30 p.m. x-Sunday: Dallas at San Antonio, TBA Memphis 3, Oklahoma City 2 April 19: Oklahoma City 100, Memphis 86 April 21: Memphis 111, Oklahoma City 105, OT April 24: Memphis 98, Oklahoma City 95, OT April 26: Oklahoma City 92, Memphis 89, OT Tuesday: Memphis 100, Oklahoma City 99, OT Today: Oklahoma City at Memphis, 8 p.m. x-Saturday: Memphis at Oklahoma City, TBA L.A. Clippers 3, Golden State 2 April 19: Golden State 109, L.A. Clippers 105 April 21: L.A. Clippers 138, Golden State 98 April 24: L.A. Clippers 98, Golden State 96 April 27: Golden State 118, L.A. Clippers 97 Tuesday: L.A. Clippers 113, Golden State 103 Today: L.A. Clippers at Golden State, 10:30 p.m. x-Saturday: Golden State at L.A. Clippers, TBA Portland 3, Houston 1 April 20: Portland 122, Houston 120, OT April 23: Portland 112, Houston 105 April 25: Houston 121, Portland 116, OT April 27: Portland 123, Houston 120, OT Wednesday: Portland at Houston (late) x-Friday: Houston at Portland, 10:30 p.m. x-Sunday: Portland at Houston, TBA

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Boston 4, Detroit 1 Detroit 1, Boston 0 Boston 4, Detroit 1 Boston 3, Detroit 0 Boston 3, Detroit 2, OT Boston 4, Detroit 2 Montreal 4, Tampa Bay 0 Montreal 5, Tampa Bay 4, OT Montreal 4, Tampa Bay 1 Montreal 3, Tampa Bay 2 Montreal 4, Tampa Bay 3 Pittsburgh 4, Columbus 2 Pittsburgh 4, Columbus 3 Columbus 4, Pittsburgh 3, 2OT Pittsburgh 4, Columbus 3 Columbus 4, Pittsburgh 3, OT Pittsburgh 3, Columbus 1 Pittsburgh 4, Columbus 3 N.Y. Rangers 3, Philadelphia 3 April 17: N.Y. Rangers 4, Philadelphia 1 April 20: Philadelphia 4, N.Y. Rangers 2 April 22: N.Y. Rangers 4, Philadelphia 1 April 25: Philadelphia 2, N.Y. Rangers 1 April 27: N.Y. Rangers 4, Philadelphia 2 Tuesday: Philadelphia 5, N.Y. Rangers 2 Wednesday: Philadelphia at N.Y. Rangers (late)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

EAST DIVISION

San Francisco Colorado Los Angeles San Diego Arizona

L.A. Dodgers (Haren 3-0) at Minnesota (Pelfrey 0-2), 1:10 p.m., 1st game Pittsburgh (Morton 0-3) at Baltimore (B.Norris 1-2), 4:05 p.m., 1st game Atlanta (E.Santana 3-0) at Miami (H.Alvarez 1-2), 7:10 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers (Beckett 0-0) at Minnesota (K.Johnson 0-0), 7:10 p.m., 2nd game Milwaukee (Estrada 2-1) at Cincinnati (Bailey 1-2), 7:10 p.m.

Pittsburgh (Cumpton 0-1) at Baltimore (Tillman 3-1), 7:35 p.m., 2nd game N.Y. Mets (Colon 2-3) at Colorado (Nicasio 2-1), 8:40 p.m.

By The Associated Press FIRST ROUND (Best-of-7) (x-if necessary)

Tampa Bay (Archer 2-1) at Boston (Peavy 1-0), 1:05 p.m., 1st game L.A. Dodgers (Haren 3-0) at Minnesota (Pelfrey 0-2), 1:10 p.m., 1st game Pittsburgh (Morton 0-3) at Baltimore (B.Norris 1-2), 4:05 p.m., 1st game Seattle (Elias 1-2) at N.Y. Yankees (Kuroda 2-2), 7:05 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers (Beckett 0-0) at Minnesota (K.Johnson 0-0), 7:10 p.m., 2nd game Tampa Bay (C.Ramos 1-1) at Boston (Doubront 1-3), 7:10 p.m., 2nd game Pittsburgh (Cumpton 0-1) at Baltimore (Tillman 3-1), 7:35 p.m., 2nd game Toronto (Buehrle 4-1) at Kansas City (Guthrie 2-1), 8:10 p.m.

Milwaukee St. Louis Cincinnati Pittsburgh Chicago WEST DIVISION

THURSDAY’S GAMES

NHL PLAYOFFS

TODAY’S GAMES

Atlanta New York Washington Philadelphia Miami CENTRAL DIVISION

St. Louis 9, Milwaukee 3 N.Y. Mets at Philadelphia, ppd., rain Pittsburgh at Baltimore, ppd., rain Atlanta at Miami, 7:10 p.m.

Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati, 7:10 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers at Minnesota, 8:10 p.m.

Washington at Houston, 8:10 p.m.

Colorado at Arizona, 9:40 p.m.

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

N.Y. Mets 6, Philadelphia 1 Pittsburgh at Baltimore, ppd., rain Miami 9, Atlanta 0 Cincinnati 3, Chicago Cubs 2 Washington 4, Houston 3 L.A. Dodgers at Minnesota, ppd., rain Milwaukee 5, St. Louis 4, 11 innings Colorado 5, Arizona 4 San Francisco 6, San Diego 0

Colorado 3, Minnesota 3 April 17: Colorado 5, Minnesota 4, OT April 19: Colorado 4, Minnesota 2 April 21: Minnesota 1, Colorado 0, OT April 24: Minnesota 2, Colorado 1 April 26: Colorado 4, Minnesota 3, OT Monday: Minnesota 5, Colorado 2 Wednesday: Minnesota at Colorado (late) Chicago 4, St. Louis 2 St. Louis 4, Chicago 3, 3OT St. Louis 4, Chicago 3, OT Chicago 2, St. Louis 0 Chicago 4, St. Louis 3, OT Chicago 3, St. Louis 2, OT Chicago 5, St. Louis 1 Anaheim 4, Dallas 2 Anaheim 4, Dallas 3 Anaheim 3, Dallas 2 Dallas 3, Anaheim 0 Dallas 4, Anaheim 2 Anaheim 6, Dallas 2 Anaheim 5, Dallas 4, OT San Jose 3, Los Angeles 3 April 17: San Jose 6, Los Angeles 3 April 20: San Jose 7, Los Angeles 2 April 22: San Jose 4, Los Angeles 3, OT April 24: Los Angeles 6, San Jose 3 April 26: Los Angeles 3, San Jose 0 Monday: Los Angeles 4, San Jose 1 Wednesday: Los Angeles at San Jose (late)

SECOND ROUND

Boston vs. Montreal Today: Montreal at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

PREP TRACK & FIELD

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

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B3

MONARCHS FROM PAGE B1 for 48 points, easily pushing the Monarchs in the lead.

“It makes a big difference when you can get the points like that,” Joyner said. “I felt like our girls had a real good shot of winning the region, but I knew it could be tough with the boys. We had to have some success in different areas, and we did.

Everyone contributed.”

Perhaps the biggest part of the region meet is determining qualifiers for the 3A State Qualifier, with the top four finishers in each event advancing. Manning qualified for 23 spots in the boys qualifiers and 29 spots in the girls qualifier. Lakewood qualified for 11 spots and Crestwood 10 in the boys qualifier, while Lakewood secured five spots and Crestwood two in the girls qualifier.

Event winners for Manning were Ke’shoan Johnson in the long jump, Darius Sharper in the triple jump; the 4x800 relay team of Seth Harvin, Trevon Adams, Josh Ladson and Jose Zuniga, Zuniga in the 1,600 and Ladson in the 3,200.

Lakewood’s Otis Jones, the defending 3A 800 state champion, won both the 800 and 400 dash, while teammate Khafari Buffalo won the 200.

Crestwood also had a dual winner in Marcus Hilton, who won both the discus and shot put. Ty’Son Williams Williams won the 100 dash, while the 4x400 relay team of Jamie Dixon, Anthony Hill, Dujour Neal and Dante Singleton won as well.

In the girls meet, Manning

DENNIS BRUNSON / THE SUMTER ITEM

Hartsville’s Anne-Drew Bullard (1) sets the pace in front of Manning’s Sarah Cobb during the girls 3,200-meter run in the Region VI-3A track and field meet on Wednesday at Ramsey Stadium in Manning. Bullard won the event with Cobb second, but Manning easily won the meet. won five events. Makeba Harvin won the discus, Meighan Hilton the 100 hur-

REGION VI-3A MEET RESULTS Local qualifiers for 3A State Qualifier

BOYS

First Place Manning: Ke’shoan Johnson, long jump; Darius Sharper, triple jump; 4x800 relay (Seth Harvin, Trevon Adams, Josh Ladson, Jose Zuniga); Jose Zuniga, 1,600 run; Josh Ladson, 3,200 run.

Crestwood: Marcus Hilton, discus, shot put; Ty’Son Williams, 100 dash; 4x400 relay (Jamie Dixon, Anthony Hill, Dujour Neal, Dante Singleton).

Lakewood: Otis Jones, 800 run, 400 dash; Khafari Buffalo, 200 dash.

Second Place Manning: Rayvon Witherspoon, long jump; Seth Harvin, 1,600 run, 3,200 run; Jose Zuniga, 800 run; 4x400 relay (Marcus Dozier, Twon Collymore, Joshua Jackson, Timothy Devitt).

Crestwood: Claude Wheeler, pole vault; Chase Rogers, shot put; 4x800 relay (Wilfredo Anderson, Seth Barron, Josel Daniels, Chris Roberts); Shamari Fakih, 200 dash; Anthony Hill, 400 run.

Lakewood: Khafari Buffalo, 100 dash; 4x100 relay (Khafari Buffalo, Jamal Cowell, Terry Singleton, Karon Dorsey); Karon Dorsey, 400 hurdles.

Third Place Manning: Rayvon Witherspoon, high jump; Darius Sharper, long jump; Keenan Brown, triple jump; Keon Hilton, discus; Raquan Bennett, shot put; Ke’shoan Johnson, 110 hurdles; 4x100 relay (Dejuan Wilson, Twon Collymore, Marcus Dozier, John Maddox); Jose Zuniga, 3,200 run.

Crestwood: Travis Blakely, pole vault; Ricardo Martino, 400 hurdles.

Lakewood: 4x800 relay (Lathern Anderson, Nicolas Oddo, Otis Jones, Solomon Newby); 4x400 relay (Otis Jones, Karon Dorsey, Adrian Eaglin, Asaunte English).

Fourth Place Manning: Ke’Shoan Johnson, high

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jump; Rayvon Witherspoon, triple jump; Raquan Bennett, discus; Seth Harvin, 800 run; Joshua Jackson, 400 run.

Lakewood: Terrance Nolen, shot put; Mauirce McCarey, 110 hurdles; Adrian Eaglin, 400 hurdles.

GIRLS

First Place Manning: Makeba Harvin, discus; 4x800 relay (Andrea Liddell, Briana Jones, Sarah Cobb, Tahiya Sands); Meighan Hilton 100 hurdles; Tahiya Sands, 800 run; Krishuana Hart, 400 hurdles.

Lakewood: Senora Dengokl, long jump, triple jump.

Second Place Manning: Lanisha Brown, high jump, 100 hurdles; Sapphire Frierson, long jump, triple jump; Kareena Hilton, discus; Shana Dukes, 100 dash; 4x100 relay (Shana Dukes, Lanisha Brown, Meighan Hilton, Brenna Logan); Sarah Cobb, 800 run, 3,200 run; Meighan Hilton, 400 hurdles.

Crestwood: Keanua Williams, shot put.

Lakewood: 4x400 relay (Senora Dengokl, Asia Ewing, Deja Richardson, Gabrielle Meyers).

Third Place Manning: Mahongoney Green, high jump, long jump; Makeba Harvin, shot put; Krishuana Hart, 100 hurdles; Tahiya Sands, 1,600 run; Andrea Liddell, 800 run, 3,200 run; Shana Dukes, 200 dash; 4x400 relay (Shana Dukes, Destinee Woods, Montica Thames, Krishuana Hart).

Lakewood: 4x100 relay (Asia Ewing, Keymani Bradley, Gabrielle Meyers, Deja Richardson).

Fourth Place Manning: Montica Thames, high jump; Ambria Brunson, triple jump; Andrea Liddell, 1,600 run; Brenna Logan, 200 run; Tahiya Sands, 3,200 run.

Crestwood: Taylor Abrams, 100 dash.

Lakewood: Asia Ewing, 400 dash.

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dles, Tahiya Sands the 800 and Krishuana Har the 400 hurdles. The 4x800 relay

team of Andrea Liddell, Briana Jones, Sarah Cobb and Tahiya Sands won as well.

Lakewood’s Senora Dengokl won both the long jump and the triple jump.

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SPORTS

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

HORSE RACING

SHS FROM PAGE B1

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Benito Alvarado rides Kentucky Derby hopeful Uncle Sigh, right, on Wednesday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Uncle Sigh, who will start from the No. 3 post on Saturday, is owned by Sumter native and Wilson Hall graduate Chip McEwen III.

Uncle Sigh to start from No. 3 post; California Chrome 5-2 Derby favorite

BY BETH HARRIS The Associated Press LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The only time Victor Espinoza won the Kentucky Derby was aboard War Emblem in 2002. They broke from the No. 5 post, the same position he’ll start the 140th edition of the race with early 5-2 favorite California Chrome.

“Hopefully, that’s my lucky number,’’ Espinoza said Wednesday.

Eight horses have won from there, most recently Funny Cide in 2003.

Uncle Sigh, whose owned by Sumter native and Wilson Hall graduate Chip McEwen III, will start from No. 3 post and is listed at 30-1 odds.

Hopportunity was made the 6-1 second choice in the full field of 20 horses.

Hopportunity, who lost to California Chrome in the Santa Anita Derby, drew the No. 11 post for the race Saturday at Churchill Downs. He’s trained by Bob Baffert, a 3-time Derby winner with two starters.

“Other than California Chrome, who’s proven he’s a really good horse, there’s a lot of horses in there that are pretty close,’’ Baffert said. “There’s a lot of parity in this field.’’

His other horse, Chitu, is a 20-1 long shot that drew the No. 13 post.

Wicked Strong, named for the victims of last year’s Boston Marathon bombings, is the 8-1 third choice and will break from the 20th post on the far outside. He and the No. 10 horse, Wildcat Red, will be last ones loaded into the starting gate, so they won’t be in there very long.

Some trainers don’t like the No. 20 post because their horse is on the far outside and has to quickly make its way over toward the rail to save ground.

Calvin Borel will break from the No. 19 post aboard Ride On Curlin. The

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Name Vicar’s in Trouble Harry’s Holiday Uncle Sigh Danza California Chrome Samraat We Miss Artie General a Rod Vinceremos Wildcat Red Hoppertunity Dance With Fate Chitu Medal Count Tapiture Intense Holiday Commanding Curve Candy Boy Ride On Curlin Wicked Strong Pablo Del Monte

jockey nicknamed “Bo-rail’’ for his love of riding along the rail has won three Derbies since 2007, and he’ll have to hustle his horse over quickly to snag his favorite position.

California Chrome, Hopportunity and Wicked Strong were the only horses listed at single digits by Churchill Downs oddsmaker Mike Battaglia.

Danza is the 10-1 fourth choice and drew the No. 4 post. He’s one of four horses trained by Todd Pletcher. The others are: Intense Holiday, 12-1; Vinceremos, 30-1; and We Miss Artie, 50-1.

“We made out well,’’ Pletcher said.

“It doesn’t matter where you draw, you’re just looking for a clean trip.’’

Mike Maker will saddle a trio of horses: General a Rod, 15-1; Harry’s Holiday, 50-1; and Vicar’s In Trouble, a 30-1 shot that drew the dreaded No. 1 post.

Rosie Napravnik will be aboard Vicar’s In Trouble trying to become the

PRO BASKETBALL

Lakers’ D’Antoni resigns

BY GREG BEACHAM The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni resigned Wednesday after less than two seasons on the job.

Team spokesman John Black confirmed D’Antoni’s D’ANTONI resignation, ending the brief tenure of the Lakers’ fourth head coach in less than three years.

D’Antoni went 67-87 after taking over the Lakers early in the 2012-13 season. He replaced the fired Mike Brown, who lasted just 71 games after replacing 11-time NBA champion coach Phil Jackson.

The injury-plagued Lakers were 27-55 this season, their worst campaign in more than 50 years. With

Odds 25-1 50-1 30-1 6-1 3-1 15-1 40-1 12-1 50-1 20-1 5-1 20-1 30-1 30-1 20-1 10-1 50-1 20-1 20-1 6-1 50-1

Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Pau Gasol missing large chunks of the season, Los Angeles missed the playoffs for only the third time in 38 years.

“Given the circumstances, I don’t know that anybody could have done a better job than Mike did the past two seasons,’’ Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said. “On behalf of the Lakers, we thank Mike for the work ethic, professionalism and positive attitude that he brought to the team every day. We wish him the best of luck.’’

The 62-year-old D’Antoni had one year left on his contract, but wanted the Lakers to pick up his option year for 2015-16 to have any chance of success. The Lakers apparently refused, leading to D’Antoni’s resignation.

A phone message left for D’Antoni wasn’t immediately returned.

first female jockey to win the Derby.

She was fifth last year with Mylute, the highest finish by a woman in history. Napravnik watched the draw from the jockey’s room at the track.

“I was just kind of shocked, being the first one drawn,’’ she said. “Vicar’s real sharp out of the gate and I think he’ll be able to get in good position. There’s been plenty of winners out of the onehole, so Vicar’s not in trouble yet.’’

Eight horses have won from the first spot in the starting gate, but none since Ferdinand in 1986. Most trainers despise the No. 1 hole because their horse starts next to the rail and could get pinched going into the crowded first turn.

The starting gate is loaded two horses at a time, and the first ones to go in will be Vicar’s In Trouble and No. 11 Hopportunity, meaning they’ll have the longest wait while the rest of the field is loaded.

“He’s a pretty cool, calm horse so he should be fine in there,’’ Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith said about Hopportunity.

Hoppertunity didn’t race as a 2-yearold, setting him up for a chance to break one of the Derby’s oldest jinxes: no horse since Apollo in 1882 has won the Derby without racing at 2.

The No. 10 post has produced the most Derby winners with nine, most recently in 2005, when Smith won with 50-1 shot Giacomo. Wildcat Red, trained by Jose Garrafalo, landed in that spot this time.

The other 50-1 shot in the race is Commanding Curve, who will break from the No. 17 post.

The 21st horse on the points list is Pablo Del Monte, an also eligible who would need a defection before 9 a.m.

Friday, when Derby wagering opens, to get into the $2.2 million race.

Post time is 6:32 p.m. on Saturday.

EC FROM PAGE B1 mistake get you down,” Ard said. “Last year everybody let everybody do their parts, and I still think that’s what we have to learn with (this team), but we’re learning little by little.”

This team has a lot of athleticism and speed, which has led it to be more versatile offensively.

“We’re a lot quicker and faster,” Ard said. “We actually have some speed on the bases, and we haven’t had that in a long time.

“We’re able to play small and big ball now. In the past we were more of a big ball team and now we can add some small ball in there.”

Seniors Leslie Altman, Jordan Evans and Sarah Melton lead the Wolverines. Altman is the team’s best pitcher and hitter. She has a 0.68 earned run average with 44 strikeouts to six walks. She leads the team with a .520 batting average.

Evans, the team’s catcher, is batting .348 while having thrown out seven base runners behind the plate. Melton is a solid defensive player at first base and in right field.

and be on point to seize the opportunities to drive in runs when they’re there, to score runs and keep the other team from scoring runs.”

Right-hander Phillip Watcher will take the mound against Aiken, a team Shumake said he doesn’t know very much about.

“I hear they’re a pretty strong team so we’re going to go out and try to play some good, solid baseball,” he said. “I think they’ve got a pitcher that throws strikes. Hitting-wise, they’re decent in the middle of their order, but they’re not supposed to be really great up and down the lineup.”

Left-hander Charlie Barnes, the staff ace, is being held out in hopes of starting him on Saturday against either No. 2 seed Summerville or No. 3 L-E. The high praise SHS has received doesn’t have it taking anything for granted.

“You’ve got six or eight teams in the lower and upper state bracket, teams that are capable teams of winning a state championship,” Shumake said.

“There is a lot of parity in 4A baseball right now.”

Shumake said his team has been playing good baseball and is excited about its chances in the playoffs.

“We have a lot of seniors and we have some veteran players who have been very competitive at a winning, traditional program like Sumter High School so I think our guys expect to win and they try to do the things that allow them to win games,” Shumake explained. “I like this team and I think we have a quality group of young men who come out, listen and are very coachable every day. I’m just excited about the opportunity that we have to go out and play our best baseball in the playoffs.”

Offensively the Gamecocks are batting .296 on the season, and Shumake believes the team’s hitting is coming around. SHS has five players who are hitting .300 or better.

SCISA FROM PAGE B1 The Swampcats advanced to take on Hammond after sweeping Northwood Academy on the road in a first-round series on Monday. Like Wilson Hall, the Skyhawks received a firstround bye. Laurence Manning is 12-6.

Robert E. Lee, a No. 2 seed in the 2A playoffs, swept Greenwood Christian on Monday. The Cavaliers rolled in the first game, winning 15-0, but it took 10 innings to win the second game 6-4. Thomas Heyward, a No. 3 seed, beat Williamsburg in its firstround series.

Clarendon Hall is a No. 4 seed going up against a top seed in W.W. King, which won the opening game 14-4 on Monday. The Saints, who are 7-11, rebounded on Tuesday though, winning 9-4.

The winner will advance to a semifinal series which begins on Monday.

COMICS

THE SUMTER ITEM

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

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B5

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Couples find common ground on spiritual paths DEAR ABBY — I’m writing to support “Feeling Coerced in San Diego” (Feb. 14), who is uncomfortable attendDear Abby ing church with her husABIGAIL band. I unVAN BUREN derstand her feelings because I, too, am an atheist in a relationship with a religious man.

There is another option besides abstaining from church or attending only on major holidays, and that would be for “Coerced” and her husband to try a different church. One religion that embraces atheist church members is Unitarian

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

Universalism.

UU congregations are often made up of people from different backgrounds — Christian, Jewish, atheist and more. The focus of the sermons is on living a good life, treating other people and our planet with respect, and following one’s own path to spiritual enlightenment. It’s likely that “Coerced” and her husband could both feel at home in such a congregation.

Chelsea in Wichita DEAR CHELSEA — Thank you for your suggestion — it’s one that was echoed by many other readers. I have mentioned the Unitarian Universalist denomination and its website (uua. org) before in my column.

Readers’ comments were enlightening:

DEAR ABBY — I, too, am in a “mixed marriage.” I’m religious and my husband is an atheist. We agree to disagree on the matter. Religion (or lack of it) is a very personal thing, and however we feel, we owe each other respect for our different views.

“Coerced” is great for trying to accommodate her husband, but now that they see it didn’t work, he should stop pressuring her. She can refrain from going to services, but should consider attending the church’s social events. This solution worked well for us. My husband and my church friends get along well.

Of course, this depends on the nature of the church. Mine happens to be one of the more progressive. It’s worth a try.

Kathryn in Ottawa

JUMBLE

SUDOKU

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

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

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 2003 NFL rushing leader __ Lewis 6 “Shoot!”

10 Pro-prohibition org.

14 Olds compact 15 EKTORP sofa seller 16 1800s lawenforcement family name 17 Canadian city named for a historic battle site 20 Mom, to auntie 21 Merits 22 John who sang “Daniel” 23 “Star Trek” spinoff, briefly 24 Part of a stable diet?

25 Stressed commuter’s complaint 34 Horned beast 35 Main points 36 Statesman Hammarskjsld 37 Fine things?

38 Scrabble squares 39 Kitchen timer sound 40 Acting as 41 Canonized fifth-cen. pope 42 Best

43 “Enough kid stuff!”

46 Narc’s find 47 “Yo!” 48 Rouge target 51 Orbiting phenomenon 54 Red leader 57 Totally lacks pep 60 “The Time Machine” race 61 Move like a monarch 62 Bare 63 Peel 64 Dieter’s calculation 65 Triatomic gas in a thinning layer ... and, symbolically, what appears in this puzzle’s four longest answers DOWN 1 Benchley thriller 2 Jai __ 3 Team with a skyline in its logo 4 Is for two?

5 Medici known as “the Magnificent” 6 Gucci rival 7 SenegaleseAmerican rapper 8 Popular ‘20s cars 9 Indian bread 10 Prosperity 11 Market vehi-

cle 12 Jazz combo, often 13 Informed about 18 Vacaci—n destination 19 Milk sources 23 Salon goals 24 Giant Mel et al.

25 Samarra native 26 Finger-tapping sound 27 Pull a chair up to 28 Disney’s “Darby __ and the Little People” 29 Pie-eyed 30 Make __: employ 31 Mrs. Roosevelt 32 “Amazing” illusionist 33 Pop-up frozen fare 38 Firebird op-

tion 39 Tax 41 Successful, in slang 42 Pizzeria herb 44 “Let’s see what you got!”

45 “Yikes!”

48 Café sign word 49 Healthy 50 Those, in Tijuana 51 “J’accuse” author 52 Throw out 53 Sch. research papers 54 Shortfin or longfin predator 55 Architect William Van __ 56 Merrie __ England 58 Broadway opening?

59 Toon spinner

B6

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THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

JOHN R. QUACKENBUSH

Leigh Ann Tyler of Texas and Allison Warren of MassachuCOLUMBIA — John Roberts setts; and a host of other nieces and nephews.

Quackenbush, 80, passed away He was preceded in death by peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2014, at NHC Healthcare in West a stepfather, Ned Haley, who raised him from a very young Columbia. age; and two brothers, Bobby John was born Steele and A.J. Haley. on Oct. 15, 1933, in A funeral service will be held Cincinnati, Ohio, at 11 a.m. Saturday at Cross a son of the late Roads Bible Fellowship Church Howard Moore with the Rev. John Hall officiatand Elizabeth Roberts Quacken- QUACKENBUSH ing. Burial will follow in Home Branch Baptist Church cemebush. John spent his entire career in radio, mostly in Sumter. tery.

Pallbearers and honorary His passion for sports led him pallbearers will be elders and to be a sportscaster, starting deacons of Cross Roads Bible with live re-creations of New Fellowship Church.

York Yankees baseball games Visitation will be one hour over the radio. He became a local media legend by announc- prior to the service from 10 to 11 ing Sumter High School football a.m. on Saturday at Cross Roads Bible Fellowship Church and and basketball and Sumter other times at the home of his American Legion baseball son and daughter-in-law, 3811 games for many years. He was Alcolu St., Alcolu. named to the Sumter Sports The family would like to Hall of Fame in 2011. John also served in the U.S. Army during thank Hospice Care of TriCounty, with a special thanks to the Korean Conflict, stationed Kim, Margie, Sue and Andrew. at Fort Jackson in Columbia.

He is survived by his devoted During his greatest time of need, a special thanks to his priwife, Lunette Griffin Quackenvate sitters, Sally Sumter, Sanbush; son and daughter-in-law, dra Davis, Betty Riley, Etta John Howard (Howie) and Kathy S. Quackenbush of Spar- Abrams, Angela Fullwood, Blenda Hayes and Ida Golden. tanburg; daughter and son-inMemorials may be made to law, Terry Quackenbush and Cross Roads Bible Fellowship Audie Joel “AJ” Burke; stepChurch, P.O. Box 449, Manning, daughter-in-law, Vicki Lynn SC 29102 or to Home Branch Griffin of Lawrenceville, GeorBaptist Church, 1667 Stone gia; stepson and daughter-inRoad, Manning, SC 29102. law, Drew and Tonya Griffin of Stephens Funeral Home & Grayson, Georgia; grandchilCrematory, 304 N. Church St., dren, Chris and Lauren Burke; Manning, is in charge of arand step-grandchildren, Erin, rangements, (803) 435-2179.

Ashley and Jonathan Griffin. www.stephensfuneralhome.org Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today at St. Andrews Baptist Church in Columbia with burial at Fort Jackson Na- KERMIT BARNETTE tional Cemetery.

WALTERBORO — Kermit Visitation will be held at 10 Delano Barnette, 81, of Waltera.m., one hour prior to the serboro, entered into rest on Tuesvice, in the church chapel. day afternoon, April 29, 2014, at Caughman-Harman Funeral the Veteran’s Victory House in Home is in charge of arrangeWalterboro, while under the ments, www.caughmanharcare of PH Hospice Care. manfuneralhome.net.

Funeral services with military honors will be conducted at noon today at the Beaufort SAMUEL E. STEELE Sr. National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary St., Beaufort, with the Rev. MANNING — Samuel EuMark Barnette officiating. gene Steele Sr., 78, widower of The family will receive Joan Davis Steele, died on Monfriends after the funeral cereday, April 28, 2014, at the home of his son in Alco- mony from 4 to 6 p.m. today at Brice W. Herndon and Sons Fulu.

Born on Feb. 29, neral Homes, Walterboro Chapel.

1936, in Sumter, Born on March 20, 1933, he he was a son of was a son of the late John the late George William Steele Sr. Smith Barnette and Letha GrifSTEELE and Louise Priest fin Barnette. A native of CleveSteele Haley. He was a member land, Ohio, he made South Carolina his home following his reof the National Guard, Claretirement from the military. He mont Masonic Lodge, Eastern served his country faithfully in Star, Scottish Rite and Jamil the United States Air Force, reShrine. He was an active memtiring as a technical sergeant ber of Cross Roads Bible Felafter 20 years of service. He lowship Church.

He is survived by a son, Sam- served during the Vietnam era.

He was an associate for 30 years uel E. “Gene” Steele Jr. (Charat Barnette’s Auto Parts in lene) of Alcolu; a daughter, Tamara “Tammy” Steele Cornwell Sumter, where he became a well-known icon in the commu(Brian) of Sumter; five grandnity because of his selfless serchildren, Katie Steele, Kristin vice in helping others. Kermit Steele and Kelsey Steele, all of was an outdoorsman who loved Alcolu, and Mary Beth Cornfishing the local freshwater well and Bryson Steele Cornwell, both of Sumter; two broth- creeks and rivers and sightseeing on the Ashepoo River. ers, George Steele (Betty) and Surviving are his wife of 27 Billy Steele (Cecilia), both of Sumter; a sister, Alvenia Ottos- years, Linda Crosby Barnette; his children, Kermit “Bubba” son (Andy) of Sumter; a sisterBarnette Jr. and his special in-law, Mary Ann Shands friend, Kathy, of Columbia, Glo(Lynn) of Texas; two nieces,

OBITUARIES ria Barnette of Salisbury, North Carolina, Yvonne Fantus and her husband, Bill, of Atlanta, Georgia, Saige Barnette of Walterboro, Kevin Miles of Seneca and Derrick Miles of Allendale; and a brother, Carroll Barnette of Sumter. There are six grandchildren, Ethan Barnette, Brooke Bowman, Parker Miles, Joey Miles, Christopher Miles and Mackenzie Miles.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be directed in his memory to either the Veteran’s Victory House or PH Hospice, 2461 Sidney’s Road, Walterboro, SC 29488.

Arrangements by the Brice W. Herndon and Sons Funeral Homes, Walterboro Chapel, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, (843) 538-5408.

Visit the registry online at www.briceherndonfuneralhome. com.

PATRICIA A. BRUNSON Patricia Ann Brunson, 56, widower of Walter Robinson, of 32 Latino Apartments, Carolina Avenue, died on Wednesday morning, April 30, 2014.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Sumter Funeral Service Inc.

JOE LEE NELSON Joe Lee Nelson entered eternal rest on Thursday, April 24, 2014.

He was born on April 20, 1964, in Sumter County, a son of the late Ida Mae and Charlie Hatcher and the late Theodore Pugh.

He attended the public schools of Sumter County. In his youth, he joined Antioch UME Church.

He was employed with Carolina Furniture Inc. of Sumter. After moving to Baltimore, Maryland, he was employed at Hanson Concrete, until his health declined.

Survivors are his wife, Latrisha Nelson; sons, Brandon McCormick (Cassandra) and Justin Stephens; a daughter, Lakeisha Stephens; a sister, Deloris Hatcher (Sam); two brothers, Wilbur (Theresa) Hatcher and Rodney Hatcher; three grandchildren, Maleah McCormick, Ayia Mone McCormick and Sha’Heim Stephen; five aunts, Fannie Bell Johnson, Lucille (James) Junious, Elder Sarah (Isiah) Bennett, Marie (Earl) Milton and Ethel (Sam) Bennett; six uncles, Richard Nelson, Elder Amos (Bert) Hatcher, the Rev. Warren Hatcher, Marion (Gloria) Hatcher, Micah Hatcher and Marvin (Monica) Hatcher; mother-in-law: Carolyn Miller; a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. today at Antioch Union Methodist Episcopal Church with the pastor, the Rev. Barry Gadsden, eulogist, Elder Sarah Bennett, assisted by Bishop Syl-

THE SUMTER ITEM vester Frances, the Rev. Robert James and the Rev. William Green. Burial will follow in Spring Grove Cemetery.

The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home of his niece, Ka-vone (Donnie) Pinckney, 1135 Montana Drive, Sumter.

Services have been entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Sumter.

Online memorials can be sent to comfhltj@sc.rr.com.

JOHN H. BLACKMON John Hiram Blackmon, 72, died on Tuesday, April 29, 2014.

Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late John Waddell and Kathleen Robinson Blackmon.

Mr. Blackmon was a member of Crosswell Baptist Church.

Surviving are two brothers, Loren Waddell Blackmon of Sumter and Gwynn Blackmon of Jacksonville, Florida; and one sister, Janice B. Setzer of West Columbia.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday in the chapel of Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home.

Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and other times at the home of his brother, Loren Blackmon, 1965 Follin Drive.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 128 Stonemark Lane, Columbia, SC 29210 or to the American Heart Association, 190 Knox Abbott Drive, Suite 301, Cayce, SC 29033.

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.

DAVID WILLIAMS Minister David Lee Samuel Williams returned to his heavenly father’s arms from Carolina Medical Center University in Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 27, 2014.

He was born on Dec. 25, 1928, in Washington, North Carolina, to the late Jack Williams and Mary Hopkins. “Minister” was an assistant pastor and faithful member of True Word Missionary Baptist Church in Paxville.

His memory will be cherished by a host of family and friends.

The family is receiving friends at the home of his “adopted daughter,” Carolyn James, 1750 Otto Road, Manning.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the chapel of Fleming and DeLaine Funeral Home.

Service of remembrance will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday at True Word Missionary Baptist Church, 10750 Scott Ave., Paxville, where the Rev. Robert E. Gibson, senior pastor, will bring words of consolation. Service of committal, benediction and interment will follow in the family plot of True Word Missionary Baptist Church cemetery.

Fleming and DeLaine Funeral Home and Chapel of Manning is in charge of services.

Online condolences may be sent to Flemingdelaine@aol. com.

WINNIE C. BROWN Winnie Conyers Brown, 61, wife of Wardell Brown, entered eternal rest on April 29, 2014, at the Levine and Dickson Hospice House, Charlotte, North Carolina.

She was born on Sept. 7, 1952, in Manning, a daughter of Alma Kelley Conyers and the late Henry Conyers Sr. The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home of her sister, Wilbur and Mazzie Dyers, 979 Houck St., Sumter.

Funeral plans will be announced by Community Funeral Home of Sumter.

LORETTA ISAAC Loretta Isaac, 55, entered eternal rest on Saturday, April 26, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center, after battling cancer.

Born on Sept. 8, 1958, in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Julia Mae and Richard Swinton. She attended the public schools of Sumter and attended Central Carolina for nursing. She worked at Madison Industrial Co. for several years.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Lucille Swinton and Mary Swinton; and two brothers, Allen Swinton and Edward (Bubba) Swinton.

She is survived by her husband, Paul Isaac of Sumter; a daughter, Shakera Isaac of Sumter; a granddaughter, Aeri’Anna McCoy of Sumter; two sisters, Janie Swinton of Sumter and Thomasina Swinton of Columbia; one brother, Richard Swinton of Sumter; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Viewing will be from 2 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Funeral services will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday at Olden Chapel UME Church, 189 Hoyt St., Sumter, with the Rev. Joseph Watkins, pastor, and the Rev. Mary Jane Ragin. Burial will follow in Walker Cemetery.

Online memorials can be sent to comfhltj@sc.rr.com.

Community Funeral Home of Sumter is in Charge of these arrangements.

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THURSDAY, MAY 01, 2014

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803-316-0128

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

MERCHANDISE Garage, Yard & Estate Sales LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $1 & Up FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend.

905-4242

Moving Sale 11 Mason Croft Friday 8-? Furniture & Stuff!

Grandma moved in! Need to sell furniture, hshld goods, collectibles, electronics. Too much to list.

Sat.8-12. 2875 Ebenezer Rd. 777 Kenyon Dr, Behind Jones Chevrolet. Fri 7-1. Lots of misc items.

1173 Deberry Dr. Manning, Saturday, 8 am - ? A little of everything!

Jean's Flowers & Plants, 244 Wildwood Ave. Fri. & Sat. 7AM. Plants, flowers, lots of clothes, jewelry, etc.

45 Burkett Dr. Sat. 7 am - 4 pm.

Household, furniture, electronics, mens & ladies shoes, appliances, clothes, misc.

2116 Avalon Dr. Sat. 7am - 1pm. Fabric, patterns, more fabric, household items, clothing, men's suits.

Will buy furniture by piece or bulk, tools, trailers, lawn mowers, 4 wheelers, etc or almost anything of value Call 803-983-5364

For Sale or Trade (2) Riding Lawn mower for sale.

Asking $600 each.

Call 803-447-5453 Martin's Used Appliance Washers, Dryers, Refrig., Stoves.

Guarantee 464-5439 or 469-7311

Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364 GENERATOR Big 8,500 Watt, 2014, Honda Electric start. Battery /wheel kit incl'd. Never used. New retail $4,995 Wholesale $3,750.

1st $1,850 Cash, 864-275-6478 Estate Tag Sale of The Late Mary L. Hinson at 2550 Old Camden Hwy. May 1st & 2nd 5:30-7:00pm & Sat. May 3rd 8am-12. Sale being conducted by Bill's Furn. & Antiques, 1107 N. Main St. Over 700 items to be sold. See photos & details on Auctionzip.com.

THE ITEM

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time Drivers Wanted- Hiring drivers to run from SC to PA. Avg trip 3 days. Competitive pay. Need 2 years exp and Class A CDL. Clean driving record. Great home time.

Health and Life Insurance. Vacation pay. Call 800-334-7503 Charles D. Goodwin Inc. 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 Looking for a Poultry farm Manager needs to be energetic, detail oriented, some maintenance background. Must have a valid DL and equipment operating exp. Salary Position. Please send resume to Box 288 c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151

F/T Service Technician needed for an apartment community located in Sumter. Candidate will handle all phases of maintenance.

Must have a valid SC driver's license and reliable transportation.

On call is a MUST! HVAC and CPO certifications are MANDATORY. Salary negotiable or commensurate with experience.

Established Heating and Air Conditioning Company looking for an experienced HVAC service technician. Must have experience minimum of 2 years, a valid driver's license, people skills, good personality. Great benefits offered and top pay! Send all responses to P-Box 343 c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151 CPC Logistics Inc. is hiring Full & Part time Class A Regional OTR Drivers for a private fleet operation in Timmonsville SC. We require min. 2 yrs OTR experience, min 24 yrs old, good MVR and Safety Record. This position requires Hazmat endorsement. We offer .31 cent per mi. $12 per hour, increased after 90 days. Full health coverage and paid vacations and holidays. Contact CPC 1- 800 -274- 3756 or email: m.petway@callcpc.com for an application.

Independent Living Coordinator Prefer LPN with experience in senior living. Coordinate supports and services for seniors living in CCRC apartments. Supervises staff providing non-medical services to seniors. Must have excellent hospitality skills. Full time salaried position.

Apply in person to : Covenant Place 2825 Carter Road Sumter, SC 29150 EOE Now Hiring Police Officer City of Manning The City of Manning is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. Applicants must have the following: No criminal history, a valid South Carolina Driver's License and a good driving record. Applicants must also have a high school diploma or G.E.D. and be at least 21 years old. S.C. Criminal Justice Academy Certification is preferred. Applicants must be able to work flexible hours, holidays, and weekends.

Starting salary for non-certified officer is $23,000 and will increase to $26,000 after completion of the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy.

Salary for a certified police officer will be based on experience and adherence to current guidelines.

Applications may be obtained at City Hall, 29 West Boyce Street, Manning, SC, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm. Applications may be dropped off at City Hall or mailed to Attn. of the Human Resources Department, PO Box 546, Manning, SC, 29102. Deadline for applications is at 5:00 pm on May 9, 2014.

This announcement is not a contract. The status of this position may be change at any time. The City of Manning complies with Equal Employment Opportunity Laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, religion, national origin, race, disability or political affiliation. The City of Manning is a drug-free workplace.

Help Wanted Part-Time Deliver Phone Books Work Your Own Hours, Have Insured Vehicle, Must be at Least 18 yrs old, Valid DL. No Experience Necessary.

1-800-518-1333 x 224 www.deliverthephonebook.com $$$ AVON $$$ FREE TRAINING! 803-422-5555

Trucking Opportunities Long Haul flatbed drivers wanted. CDL Class A. 3 years experience and 25 yrs old required with a clean 10 year MVR. Well maintained equipment. Excellent commission based pay.

Steady freight. Call 843-906-7833

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

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.

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.

Manufactured Housing

RENTALS Unfurnished Apartments 2BR/2BA, Close to Sumter Mall.

All appl & water included, W/D hookup. $625/mo + dep. (803) 491-5618. Avail now.

Looking for your DREAM HOME? 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.

For Sale By Owner, 10 Acres, 8 miles to Sumter. $55,000. Owner Financing 803-427-3888.

Unfurnished Homes

3.1 acres, 385 W. Foxworth Mill Rd. $15,500 + closing cost. Will Perk. Call 803-607-9500

Beautiful 6BR/4BA home. Den, LR, DR, Lg kitchen w/Island, W/D hook-up. Featuring hardwood tile and carpet. Over-sized BRs & BAs. Huge fenced yard.

Back/front patio. Like new. $1,250/mo + $1,250/dep. Call 803-316-7958 or 803-773-1838 between 9am-6pm Mon-Fri. 503 Church St. 2BR/1BA $375mo. + $375dep. Ref. req.

Call 803-783-4683

Farms & Acreage

Land & Lots for Sale

Minutes Walmart/Shaw, 1 Ac $6,000. 16.2 ac $32,600. Water, Electric, Paved 800-774-5720

RECREATION

Boats / Motors 1986 16' Duracraft, with 1978 35hp Johnson motor, trailer, steering console, $2,500. See @ Savannah pk lot 803-840-7860.

TRANSPORTATION

Mobile Home Rentals 2BR 1 BA MH partially furnished on N. Brewington in Clarendon Co. Call 803-473-3100 or 803-410-1241.

STATEBURG COURTYARD 2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015 Oaklawn MHP: 2 BR M.H.'s, water/sewer/garbage pk-up incl'd.

RV parking avail. Call 494-8350 E. Brewington Rd. near Mayewood School, 3BR/2BA DWMH. $550/mo + $550/SD. NO Section 8.

Call 803-934-6845 or 803-938-3174

Mobile Home Lot Rentals Extra large Lots for sale or rent 1008 Booker St. & 119 Murphy St. 840-3904 or after 7pm 778-1083.

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

Vacation Rentals Waterfront @ Lake Marion 3BR 2BA DW $700/Mo. + Dep 2BR 1BA SW $525/Mo. + Dep. Call 803 983-9035 or 773-6655

Commercial Rentals Church Building in Mayesville located on Willow St. for rent.

Contact 803-453-5187 or 803-775-3975

REAL ESTATE Manufactured Housing Very Nice 4BR DW on 5 ac.

Owner fin. w/large down payment or boat trade. Call 803-236-5953

Miscellaneous

(2) 4BR/2BA (Dalzell, 15S). Easy Financing. 983-8084

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

775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

3BR 2BA House w/garage , range, fridge., like new condition.

Conv. to Shaw & Sumter $800 Mo. Call 803-934-0300 or 803-840-7633

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Vans / Trucks / Buses 1998 Ford Ranger XLT Ext. cab, 109K mi. Exc. condition $4,500 OBO. Call 803-447-5453

Autos For Sale A Guaranteed Credit Approval AUTO LOANS 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

SUMMER SALE 200 cars $4,500 or less $$$ CASH $$$ Price is Right Auto Sales 3210 Broad St 803-494-4275 1999 Ford Escort, excellent condition. Very clean inside/out.

Gas saver. $2,700 OBO. Call 803-447-5453 2001 Silver BMW 530i, runs great, MP3 pkg. 150K mi. $4500 OBO. 803-464-3526

Reconditioned batteries $35. Also have lawn mower, truck, 4 wheeler, & marine batteries, starters & alternators. Car dealers/garages ask about special prices.

Auto Electric Co. 803-773-4381

LEGAL NOTICES Summons & Notice SUMMONS (JURY TRIAL DEMANDED) IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS DOCKET NO.: 2013-CP-43-1526 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER MINNIE DICKS, Plaintiff, -vsMELODY DURANT and JOHN DOE, Defendants.

TO: THE DEFENDANT(S) ABOVE NAMED: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint in this action of which a copy is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer to the said Complaint on the subscribers at their office, 1314 Lincoln Street, Columbia, South Carolina, within thirty (30) days after the service thereof, exclusive of the date of such service and ifyou fail to answer, appear, or defend, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

NOTICE RE: Minnie Dicks vs. Melody Durant and John Doe

DOCKET NO.: 2013-CP-43-1526 TO: THE DEFENDANT ABOVE NAMED, YOU WILL PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the original Summons and Complaint in the above-entitled action was filed in the Common Pleas Court of the Third Judicial Circuit on the 23rd day of August 2013, the object and prayer of which is to obtain a monetary judgment against you and other relief as set forth in the Complaint.

BRETT A. OWENS Attorney for Plaintiff

ATTORNEYS LEE, EADON, ISGETT, POPWELL AND REARDON, P.A. Post Office Box 1505 Columbia, South Carolina 29202 (803) 799-9811

Public Hearing PUBLIC NOTICE Oswego Rural Water Co. Inc, proposes to file an application for a loan/grant with Rural Utilities, a division of Rural Development, and will hold a public meeting on Monday May 12, 2014 at its office located at 3060 Oswego Hwy at 7:30pm. The purpose of the meeting is to give an opportunity to become acquainted with a proposed Rural Utilities project, consisting generally of Expanding the system.

Citizen will have the opportunity to comment on such items as economic and environmental impacts, service area and alternatives to the project.

Projects funded by Rural Utilities, Rural Development are equal opportunity programs and discrimination in the program is prohibited by federal law.

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THE ITEM

CLASSIFIEDS

THURSDAY, MAY 01, 2014