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Drone pilot gets 15 years for prison flight BY MEG KINNARD The Associated Press COLUMBIA — A man has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars for trying to use a drone to smuggle contraband into a maximum security South Carolina prison, officials said Tuesday. Department of Corrections spokeswoman Stephanie Givens told The Associated Press that Brenton Lee Doyle has been sentenced to 10 years for trying to bring contraband into prison and five years for marijuana possession. She said he pleaded guilty in a Lee County court. In April, officials found a crashed drone in bushes outside the walls of Lee Correctional Institution in Bishopville. Officers also found materials that inmates are not supposed to have, including phones, tobacco products, marijuana and synthetic marijuana. The drone never made it inside the 12-foot-high, razor-wire fence. At the time, officials said they weren’t sure exactly where the drone would have gone if it made it over the wall. Corrections officials have long said that the use of banned cellphones behind bars is a security threat to correctional officers and the public. In 2010, then-Corrections Capt. Robert Johnson was shot six times at his Sumter home in a hit police said was orchestrated by an inmate using a cellphone smuggled into prison. Johnson, who worked at Lee, survived and has since retired. The department has been trying to take measures to stop future drones from infiltrating the state’s correctional facilities. In December, Corrections officials began installing new surveillance towers and thermal imaging cameras to cut down on contraband at Lee. Officials have said most attempts to throw items over the fence for the inmates occur at night, so the thermal technology cameras should help detect such incidents. “Smuggling drugs and cellphones into our prisons jeop-

HAMLET FORT / THE SUMTER ITEM

Customers at Summerton Diner look over the menu on Tuesday at the Church Street landmark.

Summerton restaurant a Church Street pilgrimage BY HAMLET FORT hamlet@theitem.com

n Church Street in Summerton sits the Summerton Diner, and anyone involved with the

community mainstay says its address helps to define the diner’s soul.

“Our intent was for it to be more of a ministry opportunity,” says Shannon Allan, who owns the diner with her husband, Troy, and lifelong friends Ken and Bridget Wells, all four Summerton natives. “Our interests were bigger than just a business.” And the diner is truly more than a business — local regulars, visitors and employees all say that, more than anything, it’s a home. Not long after the foursome bought the diner, they changed the day off from the traditional Thursday to Sunday, despite Sunday being their busiest day of the week. They made the switch to give their employees the opportunity

to go to church, if they wished. Allan says it felt “hypocritical” attending church each Sunday but having employees work. Diane Etheredge, a waitress for 29 years, says that was the best thing the new owners could have done. Christian values are important to them and to the diner. “You just feel the love in the atmosphere,” she said. “You can feel the spirit. It comes from God and goes down to all of us — that’s how we look at it. God is what makes this place.” Prayer is an important part of the

SEE DINER, PAGE A4

Obama barrels into final act of presidency BY NANCY BENAC The Associated Press WASHINGTON — It’s not just the State of the Union speech that President Obama is turning on its head. It’s the whole notion of a lame-duck president. The president is barreling into the final two years of his presidency determined to hold his own and then some against resurgent Republicans.

SEE DRONE, PAGE A6

He’s rejecting any notion that he should be cowed by the midterm election results that gave the GOP a resounding victory. And while Obama has spoken of the need to find common OBAMA ground with Republicans, in the 11 weeks since the November elections he’s dished out seven veto threats — two of them

on Tuesday, just before the speech — and has shown little sign of moving closer to the Republicans on specific policy proposals. Breaking with tradition, the president dispensed with suspense and released the details of his State of the Union proposals well in advance of Tuesday night’s speech to a joint session of Congress and millions of television viewers. With TV audiences for the annual speech shrinking, the White

House decided to reinvent the State of the Union as weekslong campaign rather than cede the spotlight for much of January to the Republicans. Obama’s proposals include higher taxes on the wealthy, making community college free for many students, expanding paid leave for workers and more — measures unlikely to find much Republican support.

SEE OBAMA, PAGE A6

Shiite rebels shell Yemen president’s home, take over palace BY AHMED AL-HAJ The Associated Press SANAA, Yemen — Yemen’s powerful Shiite Houthi rebels shelled the residence of the country’s embattled president Tuesday and simultaneously swept into the presidential palace in the capital, Sanaa, as a top military commander warned that a full-fledged “coup” was underway. President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi was inside the residence as it came under “heavy shelling” for half an hour, but he was unharmed and protected by guards, officials said. In New York, the U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting over the chaos in Sanaa. The shelling was a dramatic development that put the U.S.-backed Hadi into a precarious position and represented the starkest challenge to his authority since the Houthis swept into Sanaa from their northern stronghold

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Houthi Shiite rebels sit in a military truck while patrolling a street in Sanaa, Yemen in 2014. and seized the capital in September. Information Minister Nadia alSakkaf posted on her Twitter account that the shelling started at 3 p.m. local

time “by armed forces positioned over rooftops facing” the president’s house. At the same time, Houthi rebels also raided the president’s offices, sweep-

DEATHS, B7

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ing into the presidential palace and looting the grounds’ arms depots, according to Col. Saleh al-Jamalani, the commander of the Presidential Protection Force that guards the palace. “This is a coup. There is no other word to describe what is happening but a coup,” al-Jamalani told The Associated Press, adding that the rebels were likely aided by insiders. In a starkly different narrative, the Houthis’ TV network al-Masseria claimed the rebels intercepted and foiled attempts by an unspecified group to loot weapons from the presidential palace. The escalation shattered a tense ceasefire that had held overnight and throughout the morning, following Monday’s heavy clashes that engulfed the city, leaving ordinary Yemenis stunned and fearing for their country. The U.N. Secretary-General Ban

SEE YEMEN, PAGE A6

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

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

Sidewalk Prophets will headline youth event BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com

“Romans 5:8 kept bubbling up. The premise is that we come at God with our worst, our yuckiest, our messiest, and he comes at us with His best, the love of Jesus Christ.” Dowling and her husband, Chad, first had the idea for Mountain Movers Ministry as they were driving back from a youth event in Atlanta. They wanted to bring something similar to Sumter, so they partnered with four other families — David and Leanne Lovice; James and Tara Goodson; Greg and Norma Stone; and Ray and Andrea High — and started hosting the concerts seven years ago. For the last six, they have tried to get King to speak, but he was always tied up speaking at a big conference in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Dowling said. “This year when we contacted his ministry, he responded not with a ‘no,’ but with a ‘if you can change the date, I can come,’” she said. Normally, the annual event is held

WANT TO GO? WHAT: Over The Top Youth Event with Sidewalk Prophets and Clayton King WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Saturday; doors open at 5 p.m. WHERE: Alice Drive Baptist Church, 1305 Loring Mill Road COST: $10; Tickets may be purchased at Badcock Furniture, 230 N. Bultman Drive; Olive Tree Christian Bookstore, 600 Bultman Drive; or online at overthetopyouthevent.com FYI: Visit overthetopyouthevent.com

It’s nearly time for the annual Over The Top Youth Event, and organizers are hoping to rock out like last year. Sidewalk Prophets will perform, and Clayton King will be the speaker. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the youth-oriented, Christian celebration kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Alice Drive Baptist Church, 1305 Loring Mill Road. “Sumter really responded to Big Daddy Weave last year,” said Stephanie Dowling, one of the founders of Mountain Movers Ministry, the sponsor of the Over The Top Youth Event. “We decided to be a little more intentional and find something similar to what we had last year. Sidewalk Prophets are played a lot on 89.7, now K-LOVE (Christian radio station), and some of their songs go hand-in-glove with our word this year, ‘Love.’”

The verse of focus is Romans 5:8, which in the King James Version is “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” “From Genesis to Revelations, the entire Bible is a love story,” Dowling said.

the third Saturday in January, but this year it will be on the fourth Saturday. “So we’re super excited,” Dowling said. “He’s a South Carolina boy. It’s someone from our state investing in our students here in Sumter.” In 1987 when he was 14, King sensed his call to be an evangelist, according to claytonking.com. In 1995, he started Crossroads Worldwide from his college dorm room. It has grown into a multifaceted ministry that annually reaches thousands around the world, the website states. Tickets are $10 each and are still available at the following locations: • Badcock & More Home Furniture Store, 230 Bultman Drive, (803) 778-5155; • The Olive Tree Christian Book Store, 600 Bultman Drive, (803) 773-3450; and • Online at overthetopyouthevent.com. Between 600 and 1,000 people typically attend the event.

Break-in at Stanley Welch Clothiers

LOCAL BRIEFS FROM STAFF REPORTS

Historic Preservation Design Review to meet City of Sumter Historic Preservation Design Review Committee will meet Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in the conference room at Planning Department Office, 12 W. Liberty St. The committee will hear requests for: • the construction of a hotel with landscaping property located at 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 N. Main St.; • façade renovations at 117 and 119 N. Main St.; and • an amendment to an article defining administrative and staff level approvals.

Man faces several charges after chase Clarendon County deputies on Saturday arrested a man who faces several charges after leading officers on a short chase. Ricky Coard was charged with failure to stop for blue lights, secCOARD ond offense; resisting arrest; and possession of marijuana in connection with the incident. Coard was wanted on nine drug-related warrants at the time of his arrest. Deputies booked him on those charges as well. According to an email from Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were conducting a traffic safety checkpoint when they encountered Coard. The suspect stopped at the checkpoint, then pulled off as deputies ran his name. At some point during the chase, he exited his vehicle and fled on foot. Officers re-detained the man a short time later by tracking him down with a K-9 unit.

CORRECTION If you see a statement in error, contact the City Desk at 774-1226 or pressrelease@theitem.com.

JADE REYNOLDS / SUMTER ITEM

Sumter Police Department investigates a break-in that took place during the weekend at a high-end clothing store. According to department spokespeople, the burglary took place at Stanley Welch Clothiers, 434 N. Guignard Drive, between 6 p.m. Saturday and 8:30 Tuesday morning. A man who came to the shop Tuesday morning notified authorities after he discovered damage to the clothing store’s front entrance. The suspect(s) made off with an undetermined amount of clothing.

Smith named BHSA legislator of the year FROM STAFF REPORTS State Rep. Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, was named the Behavioral Health Services Association of South Carolina Legislator of the Year for the South Carolina House of Representatives at the 29th Annual BHSA Board Seminar held last weekend at Marriott Grande Dunes Resort, Myrtle Beach. Smith, whose district is in Sumter County, has been instrumental in the sustainability of the alcohol and drug abuse treatment system in South Carolina. He was recognized for his continued support, leadership and promotion of the substance use service delivery system in the areas of prevention, intervention and treatment, the association said. “Rep. Smith understands the value of treating substance use-related disorders and how this disease impacts

the state’s overall health,” said Randy Cole, President of BHSA and CEO, Circle Park Behavioral Health Services. “South Carolina is fortunate to have Smith striving to improve the healthcare environment for its citizens.” The services provided by the local alcohol and drug abuse authorities have produced positive outcomes and allow those affected with this disease to become active, healthy residents. “With last year’s budget we incorporated behavioral health into the Healthy Outcomes and made some money available to them to help integrate services,” Smith said. Smith said a lot of patients come into emergency rooms with behavioral health problems, and the state is making an effort to redirect those patients out of emergency rooms and to the appropriate providers. “We made some funding available,

and they have not had funding available in quite a while,” Smith said. BHSA is comprised of 33 local alcohol and drug abuse commissions providing services in all 46 counties. These agencies were created by Act 301 of the 1973 code and provide services through the SC Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services. The mission of BHSA is to support member agencies in the provision of quality behavioral health services that effectively meet the needs of the client and the community. The vision of BHSA is a healthier South Carolina where the negative consequences of substance use and addictions and other behavioral health problems no longer impact the client and community. For more information, visit www.bhsasc.org.

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Teen: Abusive family was motive for running BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS PANAMA CITY, Fla. — A Kentucky teenager accused of a string of crimes across the South said in a jailhouse interview that he and his girlfriend were trying to escape her abusive family and that he wishes he had bought bus tickets instead of stealing trucks as they moved toward Florida. Officials say Dalton Hayes, 18, and girlfriend, Cheyenne Phillips, 13, began their run from the law and their families earlier this month when they vanished from their small hometown of Leitchfield, Kentucky. Hayes told The News Herald of Panama City that they just wanted to escape Phillips’ family, who he said were beating her, and planned to make it to Miami. Officials and others said Tuesday that they did not know of any allegations of abuse. “All I had to do was tell her to go home and none of this would’ve happened, but it’s hard to tell someone getting beat on to go home,” Hayes said. “But, if I could go back, I’d be paying for bus rides instead of stealing trucks.” The abuse allegations are “something we’ll talk about when they get back to Kentucky,” Grayson County Sheriff Norman Chaffins told The Associated Press. He said he was unaware of any previous accusations of abuse. No phone number was listed for the girl’s father, and an email was returned as undeliv-

erable. Her mother was in jail Tuesday on a charge of custodial interference. She has denied interview requests from media outlets, according to the jail. The pair’s travels took them to South Carolina and Georgia and included a night in a frigid barn, Hayes said. The pair were arrested late Saturday in Panama City Beach after authorities found them sleeping in a stolen vehicle. Hayes agreed in court Monday to return to Kentucky to face charges. He is expected to be charged in Kentucky with burglary, theft, criminal trespassing and criminal mischief. Phillips will face charges in juvenile court. “It ain’t like we were killing cops and robbing stores,” unlike the notorious outlaws Bonnie and Clyde, to whom the couple were compared in some media reports, Hayes said. “We just went on a few high-speed chases.” Tammy Martin, Hayes’ mother, said she did not know of any abuse allegations. “I have no idea about any of that. ... She was here pretty much every day,” she told The Associated Press in a phone interview. “I never got any hints of that whatsoever. Met both her mother and father, and they both seem like, you know, nice people.” On Saturday afternoon, a Panama City Beach resident alerted police after recognizing Phillips as she left a Target. She was wearing the same pink and brown boots in pictures posted online.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

The casket bearing Willie Montgomery proceeds down Layfette Drive in Sumter on Friday afternoon. The Sumter High Steppers club escorted him to White’s cemetery on Airport Road.

POLICE BLOTTER STOLEN PROPERTY A 2004 GMC Yukon was reportedly stolen from a Lynchburg bar in the 1900 block of Narrow Paved Road between 1 and 11:20 a.m. Sunday. A 65-inch LED television valued at $1,000 was reportedly stolen from a Rembert home in the 6500 block of Spring Hill Road about 12:45 a.m. Friday. An air conditioning unit valued at $1,500 was reportedly stolen from a vacant Shaw residence in the first block of Ideal Circle just after 4 p.m. Friday. PROPERTY DAMAGE An unidentified vehicle parked in the 800 block of Nevada Court sustained $1,000 in estimated damage after someone reportedly through a brick

through its window about 2:30 p.m. Monday . A vacant rental residence in the 4200 block of Granada Drive sustained $1,000 in estimated damage after reportedly being vandalized at 3:30 p.m. Monday. A 2010 Ford Fusion sustained an estimated $2,000 in damage after reportedly being scratched with an unknown object in the 100 block of Myrtle Beach Highway at 5:15 p.m. Saturday. CHARGES Amos Small, 58, of Florence, was arrested Sunday night and charged with illegal distribution of recording after Sumter County deputies found about 520 suspected counterfeit DVDs, microphones, cables and $379 in cash in a 2015 Chevrolet

Malibu the suspect was driving southbound along Interstate 95. Small reportedly told deputies he made the videos and sells them at flea markets. Quinton Cross, 22, of Sumter, was arrested Sunday night and charged with his third offense of driving under suspension after a traffic stop during which deputies reportedly spotted him driving near the 5400 block of Broad Street. Kendal Dwyer, 30, of Sumter, was arrested about 9:30 a.m. Sunday and charged with his third driving under suspension offense and failure to stop for a blue light after a traffic stop near the 1100 block of White Horse. Dwyer reportedly tried to escape from deputies and jumped out of his vehicle

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

DINER

for the doors to open.” That would be at 7 a.m., 6 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and some FROM PAGE A1 will sit for hours or come in and out until it closes at 8:30 p.m. diner’s routine, says EtherCustomers rave about the edge, and keeping that at the fried chicken, the cornbread forefront makes the Summermuffins and the red chicken ton Diner the special and stew. Everything is made homey place that it is. Her from scratch daily; including apron is personally stitched with her first name, but every- pies and cakes, usually by Cat, a cook who’s been there one knows her anyway. more than 30 years. Daily speThe Summerton Diner has cials have stayed mostly the been on Church Street since the 1950s, and it changed hands only same for decades, classically southern and home-cooked, twice before the Allans and the and some customers say the Wellses bought it in 2005. food is so The diner good that has a very they’ve never faithful and found anyregular custhing like it tomer base, anywhere some of else. whom Allan Jeri Reid says some and Randi have been HAMLET FORT / THE SUMTER ITEM Wynne-Perry coming since work with the The Summerton Diner, on Church Street in Summerton, has been a local landmark for more than six debefore even Ladies Profes- cades. Its newest owners have embraced the diner’s tradition. she was born. sional Golf Before they Association closed SunPUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF SOUTH CAROLINA and find days, the afterthemselves in church crowd CLERK’S OFFICE Summerton slammed the JERI REID, regular customer often on busiplace, and NOTICE OF HEARING AND PREFILE TESTIMONY DEADLINES ness. “We’re Allan says it Yankees,” has always DOCKET NO. 2015-1-E been popular with duck hunters says Reid, “and we’ve traveled all over the country, but this is for breakfast after Wednesday Annual Review of Base Rates for Fuel Costs of Duke Energy Progress, Inc. our No. 1 place to eat breakfast. and Saturday morning hunts. The food is awesome, the perThe local flavor is truly local S.C. Code Ann. Section 58-27-865 (Supp. 2013) established a procedure for annual hearings sonalities are amazing, and you — taxidermied wildlife perch to allow the Commission and all interested parties to review the fuel purchasing practices and feel at home when you walk in the walls and a framed picture policies of the Company and for the Commission to determine if any adjustment in the fuel cost the front door.” of diving ducks hangs above a recovery mechanism is necessary and reasonable. More than anything, the booth. diner is fun. A sign stating “There will PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a hearing, pursuant to 10 S.C. Code Ann. Regs. 103-817, on the “I love the free entertainment be a $5 charge for whining” above matter has been scheduled to begin on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at 10:30 a.m., before in here,” says Etheredge. “If we rests above the swinging door the Commission in the Commission’s Hearing Room at 101 Executive Center Drive, Saluda can’t laugh and cut up and have into the kitchen, and you get a good time, then we don’t need the sense that they won’t hesiBuilding, Columbia, South Carolina. to be here. People don’t want to tate to enforce the rule if you see a dull face; they want to see do complain. The place feels Any person who wishes to participate in this matter as a party of record, should file a Petition to smiles and good spirits. You’re so much like family, customIntervene in accordance with the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure on or before gonna find that in here.” ers say, and sometimes you March 20, 2015. For the receipt of future Commission correspondence, please include an Beth Hinson is the former feel like your mother is servemail address in the Petition to Intervene. Please refer to Docket No. 2015-1-E and mail mayor of Summerton and a ing you a home-cooked meal. a copy to all other parties in this docket. Any person who wishes to testify and present regular customer at the diner. Allan says local kids will evidence at the hearing should notify, in writing, the Commission; the Office of Regulatory “Positive relationships build ride bikes and golf carts to the Staff at 1401 Main Street, Suite 900, Columbia, South Carolina 29201; and Heather S. Smith, communities,” says Hinson. diner on Saturday mornings Esquire, Duke Energy Progress, Inc., 550 South Tryon Street – DEC45A, Charlotte, North Car“The diner has always providfor breakfast. “We want it to olina, 28202, on or before March 20, 2015. Please refer to Docket No. 2015-1-E. ed an environment where peofeel that way,” Allan says of ple can come in and feel good the family style environment. For the most recent information regarding this docket, including changes in scheduled dates about who they are and what There’s a daily Breakfast they can contribute. It’s not all Club, unofficially named, that included in this Notice, please refer to www.psc.sc.gov and Docket No. 2015-1-E. about feeling good in your pulls tables together and dines tummy — you’ve got to feel early in the mornings. “EveryINSTRUCTIONS TO ALL PARTIES OF RECORD (Applicants, Petitioners, and Intervegood in your heart. That’s body knows each other,” says nors only): All Parties of Record must prefile testimony with the Commission and with all ParAllan. “A lot of the time, they’re what this diner represents — ties of Record. Prefiled Testimony Deadlines: Applicant’s Direct Testimony Due: 5/7/2015; sitting in the parking lot waiting the heart of this community.” Other Parties of Record Direct Testimony Due: 5/28/2015; Applicant’s Rebuttal Testimony Due: 6/4/2015; and Other Parties of Record Surrebuttal Testimony Due: 6/11/2015. All prefiled testimony deadlines are subject to the information as posted on www.psc. sc.gov under Docket No. 2015-1-E.

“The food is awesome, the personalities are amazing, and you feel at home when you walk in the front door.”

Please be advised that failure to comply with the instructions contained herein could result in your proposed witnesses’ testimony and exhibits being excluded in the subject proceeding. Additionally, please note that failure to comply with the above on or before the dates indicated may result in the DISMISSAL of your pleading. Persons seeking information about the Commission’s procedures should contact the Commission at (803) 896-5100 or visit its website at www.psc.sc.gov. 12/9/14

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

Pope: Catholics don’t have to breed ‘like rabbits’ BY NICOLE WINFIELD The Associated Press ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE — Pope Francis is firmly upholding church teaching banning contraception but said Monday that Catholics don’t have to breed “like rabbits” and should instead practice “responsible parenting.” Speaking to reporters en route home from the Philippines, Francis said there are plenty of church-approved ways to regulate births. But he said most importantly, no outside institution should im-

pose its views on regulating family size, blasting what he called the “ideological colonization” of the developing world. African bishops, in particular, have long complained about how progressive, Western ideas about birth control and gay rights are increasingly being imposed on the developing world by groups, institutions or individual nations, often as a condition for development aid. “Every people deserves to conserve its identity without being ideologically colonized,” Francis said.

The pope’s comments, taken together with his defense of the Catholic Church’s ban on artificial contraception during the trip, signal that he is increasingly showing his more conservative bent, which has largely been ignored by public opinion or obscured by a media narrative that has tended to highlight his populist persona. On the trip, Francis gave his strongest defense yet of the 1968 encyclical Humanae Vitae, which enshrined the church’s opposition to artificial birth control. He warned against “insidious

attacks” against the family — a reference to gay marriage proposals — echoing language often used by overwhelmingly conservative U.S. bishops. And he insisted that “openness to life is a condition of the sacrament of matrimony.” At the same time, however, he said it’s not true that to be a good Catholic “you have to be like rabbits.” On the contrary, he said “responsible parenthood” requires that couples regulate the births of their children, as church teaching allows.

New privacy concerns over health care site WASHINGTON (AP) — The government’s health insurance website is quietly passing along consumers’ personal data to outside websites, just as President Obama is calling for stronger cybersecurity protections. It works like this: When you apply for coverage on HealthCare.gov, dozens of data companies may be able to tell that you are on the site. Some can even glean details such as your age, income, ZIP code, whether you smoke or if you are pregnant. HealthCare.gov contains embedded connections to multiple data firms that the administration says generate analysis to improve the consumer experience. Officials say outside firms barred are from using the data to further

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A bridge collapse on Interstate 75 on Tuesday in Cincinnati killed a worker and injured a truck driver.

Bridge collapses on Ohio interstate CINCINNATI (AP) — A collapsed overpass covered southbound lanes of Interstate 75 with hundreds of tons of concrete and steel Tuesday after a construction incident that killed a worker and injured a truck driver. The Ohio Department of Transportation said the busy artery through downtown Cincinnati will be closed at least two to three days.

“The debris needs to be removed, and we have to determine if there is damage to the pavement,” spokeswoman Sharon Smigielski said. “The cause is still under investigation.” Work was going on Monday night to remove an overhead exit ramp that had recently been replaced by a new one when it came down at about 10:30 p.m. on top of south-

their own business interests. Still, ever-evolving technology allows for individual Internet users to be tracked, building profiles coveted by advertisers. Connections to third-party tech firms were documented by technology experts who analyzed HealthCare.gov and confirmed by The Associated Press. There is no evidence that personal information from HealthCare.gov has been misused, but the high number of outside connections is raising questions. “As I look at vendors on a website ... they could be another potential point of failure,” said corporate cybersecurity consultant Theresa Payton. “Vendor management can often be the weakest link in your privacy and security chain.”

bound lanes some five miles north of the Ohio River. “Something happened, and it collapsed,” she said. A tractor-trailer driver suffered minor injuries when his rig ran into the collapsed section. Cincinnati’s police chief says the driver probably was seconds away from serious harm. His and the construction worker’s names weren’t immediately released.

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LOCAL | NATION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

YEMEN FROM PAGE A1 Ki-moon expressed concern over the “deteriorating situation” in Yemen and urged all sides to cease hostilities. The latest spasm of violence followed apparently unsuccessful negotiations earlier in the day between Hadi and a representative of the Houthis at his residence. Also earlier Tuesday, Houthi fighters roamed the streets on foot and in pickup trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns, manned checkpoints across Sanaa and near the prime minister’s residence, and beefed up their presence around other key building, including the intelligence headquarters. The show of force came after they seized control of state media in Sanaa and clashed with Yemeni soldiers near the presidential palace on Monday.

Heavy machine gun fire and artillery shells struck around the presidential palace and sent civilians fleeing as columns of black smoke rose and sirens wailed throughout the city. Monday’s violence left at least nine people dead and 67 were wounded, Yemen’s deputy health minister, Nasser Baoum, said, while both Houthis and Hadi’s forces blamed each other for the outbreak. Houthis’ power grab has been long anticipated and analysts say they are only “finishing the job” they began in September. “What is happening now is just one more step toward (the Houthis’) consolidation of power,” said Abdel-Bari Taher, a veteran Yemeni journalist and writer. Tuesday’s negotiations at Hadi’s residence focused on the shake-up of an 85-member commission tasked with

OBAMA FROM PAGE A1 But Obama has burst into a new year with unbounded confidence before, only to run smack into the same old Washington gridlock. And indignant Republicans stand ready to offer the president a stern reality check this time around. The new Senate majority leader, Republican Mitch McConnell, pointedly referred back to the November elections results Tuesday. He said in advance of Obama’s speech that he hoped the president would adopt a more conciliatory tone than “the path he’s been on for so many years.” Asked whether it’s possible to put tone aside and still be able to focus on areas ripe for agreement, McConnell said: “That’s really a question you ought to ask the president. I think ever since the election he’s ... indicated he’s not for much of anything the American people voted for last November.”

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coming up with the outline of Yemen’s future federation, as stated in the draft constitution, Cabinet spokesman Rageh Badi said. Reforming the commission has long been overdue and was part of a U.N.brokered peace deal following the Houthis’ capture of Sanaa. The Houthis accuse Hadi of violating that deal by calling in the current members of the commission to a meeting days ago, prompting the rebels to retaliate and abduct his top aide, Ahmed bin Mubarak, and setting the wheels in motion for the latest violence. But one of Hadi’s advisers, Yassin Mekkawi, claimed a “deal” to resolve the violence had been struck during the talks at the president’s residence and that it would be announced later Tuesday. He declined to elaborate.

Whatever the hopeful rhetoric of his speech, Obama and his team have to know that his legislative proposals on tax increases for the wealthy, education and more have little chance of becoming law. And his recent burst of unilateral action on immigration, Cuba policy and other issues can only take him so far. William Galston, a former Clinton administration official, thinks Obama is working two parallel tracks — a more confrontational path setting the stage for national elections in 2016, and a more conciliatory one aimed at getting things done in 2015. The latter is less evident so far, but both sides have spoken of the potential for compromise on matters like trade, infrastructure and perhaps tax reform. Says Galston: “The question for 2015 is whether the president and the Republican leaders will be able to walk and chew gum at the same time. Will they be able to seal off the areas of guaranteed confrontation from the areas of possible cooperation?”

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

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

COMMENTARY

Will the West defend itself? L

COMMENTARY

When the pope talks ... W

ASHINGTON — Forget E.F. Hutton. It’s P.F. (Pope Francis) these days who, when he talks, people listen. And then they get busy trying to figure out what he was really saying. Even nonCatholics are keen to study his words, so surprised and delighted are they to hear a pope say things that suggest to them a more enlightened view of the world, even if those views are attitudinal rather than tangible. Each time Francis speaks, his words are as shiny objects on a desert floor. We scramble to examine them, turning them over, looking for hidden meanings, holding them up to the light in search of codes and encryptions. Perhaps Francis finds this amusing. Then again, perhaps he is as shrewd as he seems to be guileless. Kathleen He says what he means to Parker say, and if people want to argue over the implications of what he says, well, so be it. Once he has said something, the light he sheds travels with the speed of a meme. Many examples come to mind, but the most recent was about women, always treacherous territory for a pope — or any man. Speaking to a crowd of students at the University of Santo Tomas during his recent visit to the Philippines, Francis noted with gentle disapproval that there weren’t many women in attendance. Then he said a series of things so simple and true that they were at once obvious and sublime. “Women have much to tell us in today’s society. Sometimes we’re too macho, and we don’t leave enough room for women.” And, “Women are able to see things with different eyes than us. Women are able to ask questions that men can’t understand.” Well, now, that’s a mouthful. But what was he really saying? On MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” co-anchor Mika Brzezinski postulated that Francis was hinting at changes in the church that might allow women to become priests. Many people, including Catholics, think it’s time, but it’s not likely to happen under Francis’ watch. The pope has said that the issue is settled and “that door is closed.” But, wait, what does that mean? Didn’t he say “door”? See how fertile the pope’s words are?

Robert McClory, Northwestern University journalism professor and author of “As It Was in the Beginning: The Coming Democratization of the Catholic Church,” explored the door as metaphor in an article for the National Catholic Reporter. Francis didn’t say the issue is behind a wall or a barbed-wire fence, McClory wrote. A door can be opened. Might Francis have been hinting as much? In the same vein, writer Lorena O’Neil said in her article “Catholocism, Women and the Winds of Change” that Francis is “touching the doorknob to see how hot the fire is on the other side.” Perhaps they are right. But while we’re speculating, there’s yet another possibility. Maybe he was signaling to followers of Islamic fundamentalism, which subjugates and dehumanizes women. I doubt he was, but I like this idea. Does the Taliban pay attention to what the leader of the Catholic Church has to say? To those who would suggest that the church also dehumanizes women by keeping them in subordinate positions, there’s the problem of Mary. She wasn’t just the mother of Jesus but the mother of God, no secondary role. In the church, Mary is the mediator of all grace and in the hierarchy of heaven, she is higher than all men. Even non-believers believe this, or so goes the joke (wit unknown) beloved by Catholics: “There is no God and Mary is His Mother.” This is to say, Mary holds an exalted position in the church that can never be compromised. Herein lies the conflict for modern feminists, who long ago renounced women’s status as the revered object on a pedestal and traded the favors of chivalry for the mundane privilege of full participation in the machinations of “mankind,” for lack of a better word. And, though Francis wishes to soften the language of the church and welcome all to the pew, he isn’t likely to budge that door. Whatever his intent in Manila, which, someone has to say, may have been only an observation intended for his immediate audience, Francis got people thinking and talking about a subject the larger world still needs to hear: Women have much to say. Kathleen Parker’s email address is kathleenparker@washpost.com. © 2015, Washington Post Writers Group

eftists and progressives believe that the U.S. should become more like Europe. They praise Europe’s massive welfare state, socialized medicine and stifling economic regulation and accept its unwillingness to defend itself against barbarism. I wonder whether America’s leftists and progressives want to import some of Europe’s barbaric extremism associated with its Muslim population. Several European countries have what are called “no-go zones.” No-go zones function as microstates governed by Shariah. The host countries’ authorities have lost control over these areas. In some cases, they are unable to provide even police, firefighting and ambulance services. In France, no-go zones are officially called Zones Urbaines SenWalter sibles, or SenWilliams sitive Urban Zones. According to some reports, there is hardly a city in France that does not have at least one ZUS. There are estimated to be more than 750 such zones in France. According to The Washington Times, “France has Europe’s largest population of Muslims, some of whom talk openly of ruling the country one day and casting aside Western legal systems for harsh, Islam-based Shariah law.” France is by no means by itself. Sweden has some of the most liberal immigration laws in Europe. Malmo is Sweden’s third-largest city, with a population over 300,000, of which 25 percent is Muslims who have created large no-go zones for non-Muslims. Fire and emergency workers refuse to enter Malmo’s mostly Muslim Rosengaard district without police escort. Gothenburg is Sweden’s second-largest city. In Angered, one of the city’s districts, Muslim youths pelt police cars with Molotov cocktails and have already destroyed more than 15 police cars. They use green lasers to temporarily blind police officers by pointing them at their eyes. The Gatestone Institute reports that an Islamist group called Muslims Against Crusades has launched an ambitious campaign to turn 12 British cities into independent Islamic states, including Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and what the group calls “Londonistan.” The so-called Islamic Emirates would function as autonomous enclaves ruled

by Shariah and operate entirely outside British jurisprudence. Several years ago, The Telegraph reported: “Islamic extremists have created ‘no-go’ areas across Britain where it is too dangerous for non-Muslims to enter. ... People of a different race or faith face physical attack if they live or work in communities dominated by a strict Muslim ideology.” No-go zones have also emerged in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy. The basic question is: Does the Western world have the power to control its countries? In terms of capacity, as opposed to will, the answer is a clear yes. Western lack of will is a result of our having been paralyzed by the doctrine of multiculturalism. Diversity worship and multiculturalism have currency and are cause for celebration among our elite. Multiculturalists teach that cultural values are morally equivalent, such as those of Islam and the West. To suggest that Western values are superior to others would win one opprobrium by the know-it-all elite. Western values are indeed superior to all others because they hold the individual as supreme. Though Western values are superior to all others, one need not be a Westerner to hold Western values. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has declared that in Germany, multiculturalism has “utterly failed.” Both Australia’s ex-prime minister John Howard and Spain’s exprime minister Jose Maria Aznar reached the same conclusion about multiculturalism in their countries. British Prime Minister David Cameron has warned that multiculturalism is fostering extremist ideology and directly contributing to homegrown Islamic terrorism. UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage said the United Kingdom’s push for multiculturalism has not united Britons but pushed them apart. It has allowed for Islam to emerge despite Britain’s Judeo-Christian culture. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said the roots of violent Islamism are not “superficial but deep” and can be found “in the extremist minority that now, in every European city, preach hatred of the West and our way of life.” I wonder whether America’s leftists and progressives see multiculturalism as a success or failure. Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University. © 2015 creators.com

LETTER TO THE EDITOR SHS MUST PONY UP TO GET TOP-NOTCH FOOTBALL COACH Dennis Brunson is correct that it’s time to hire a Sumter High School football coach with a commitment to Sumter. Since being closer to family has been, in part, a reason for the last two coaches to leave, the new coach must move to Sumter and move his family to Sumter too. If Sumter is good enough for a coach to work in then it should be good enough to live in and educate his children in. Sumter School District must be

willing to do its part to attract the most qualified coach as well. This comes down to money. It is highly unlikely that we will find a coach of the caliber that is necessary to coach at one of the largest high schools in the state for the SHS coach’s salary alone. When the district removed the athletic director’s position from the coach’s position last year it immediately eliminated the most qualified finalists. Either the salary must be raised or there must be some other monetary incentives beyond just the coach’s sal-

ary to get the kind of person capable of moving Sumter High School football back in to ranks of the best football programs in the state. There is no need to pretend like money doesn’t matter. The kind of coaches we want will likely be experienced, older and have families with children. They simply cannot be expected to come to Sumter for a 50 percent pay cut. If we don’t want a qualified coach because it is too expensive then the district just needs to be honest and say that. Some people think sports is a waste of money.

Maybe in hard times we cannot afford it. The point is you can’t have it both ways. Either our district commits to find and pay for the best coach or we acknowledge that this is not what we are willing to do and state the reasons. Even a young coach with great potential who has some success won’t stay here long without adequate compensation. It’s simple economics. It comes down to honesty and commitment on both sides. JACK BARNES Sumter

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

SUPPORT GROUPS AA, AL-ANON, ALATEEN: AA — Monday-Friday, noon and 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., 1 Warren St. (803) 775-1852. AA Women’s Meeting — Wednesday, 7 p.m., 1 Warren St. (803) 775-1852. AA Spanish Speaking — Sunday, 4:30 p.m., 1 Warren St. (803) 775-1852. AA “How it Works” Group — Monday and Friday, 8 p.m., 1154 Ronda St. Call (803) 494-5180. Al-Anon “Courage to Change” Support Group — Tuesday, 7 p.m., Alice Drive Baptist Church, Room 204, 1305 Loring Mill Road. Call Dian at (803) 316-0775 or Crystal at (803) 775-3587. 441 AA Support Group — Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 8:30 p.m., Hair Force, 2090-D S.C. 441. AA Summerton Group — Wednesday, 8 p.m., town hall. Manning Al-Anon Family Group — Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Behavioral Health Building, 14 Church St., Manning. Call Angie Johnson at (803) 435-8085. C/A “Drop the Rock” Group — Thursday, 9:30 p.m., 1154 Ronda St. Call Elizabeth Owens at (803) 607-4543.

MONDAY MEETINGS: Sumter Vitiligo Support Group — second Monday of each month, 5:45-6:45 p.m., North HOPE Center, 904 N. Main St. Call Tiffany at (803) 316-6763. Find us on Facebook at Sumter Vitiligo Support.

TUESDAY MEETINGS: Sumter Connective Tissue Support Group — 1st Tuesday of Jan., March, May, July, Sept. and Nov., 7 p.m., 180 Tiller Circle. Call (803) 773-0869. Mothers of Angels (for mothers who have lost a child) — Every Tuesday, 6 p.m., Wise Drive Baptist Church. Call Betty at (803) 469-2616 or Carol at (803) 469-9426. EFMP Parent Exchange Group — Last Tuesday each month, 11 a.m.-noon, Airman and Family Readiness Center. Support to service members who have a dependent with a disability or illness. Call Dorcus Haney

at (803) 895-1252/1253 or Sue Zimmerman at (803) 847-2377.

WEDNESDAY MEETINGS: Sickle Cell Support Group — last Wednesday each month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., South Sumter Resource Center, 337 Manning Ave. Call Bertha Willis at (803) 774-6181.

THURSDAY MEETINGS: TOPS S.C. No. 236 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) — Thursdays, 9 a.m., Spectrum Senior Center,1989 Durant Lane. Call Diane at (803) 775-3926 or Nancy at (803) 469-4789. Asthma Support Group — Every 1st Thursday, 6 p.m., Clarendon County School District 3 Parenting Center, 2358 Walker Gamble Road, New Zion. Call Mary Howard at (843) 659-2102. Alzheimer’s Support Group through S.C. Alzheimer’s Association — Every 1st Thursday, 6-8 p.m., McElveen Manor, 2065 McCrays Mill Road. Call Cheryl Fluharty at (803) 905-7720 or the Alzheimer’s Association at (800) 636-3346. Journey of Hope (for families members of the mentally ill), Journey to Recovery (for the mentally ill) and Survivors of Suicide Support Group — Each group meets every 1st Thursday, 7 p.m., St. John United Methodist Church, 136 Poinsett Drive. Call Fred Harmon at (803) 905-5620.

FRIDAY MEETINGS: Celebrate Recovery — Every Friday, 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. program, Salt & Light Church, Miller Road (across from Food Lion). For help with struggles of alcohol, drugs, family problems, smoking, etc. Wateree AIDS Task Force Support Group — Every third Friday, 11:30 a.m. Contact Kevin Johnson at (803) 7780303.

SATURDAY MEETINGS: Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Support Group — 1:30 p.m. every third Saturday, 3785 Blackberry Lane, Lot 7. Call Donna Parker at (803) 481-7521.

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

AccuWeather® ﬁve-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Mostly sunny and pleasant

Clear to partly cloudy

Sunny to partly cloudy

Cooler with periods of rain

Morning rain; cloudy

Mostly sunny

68°

40°

62° / 41°

49° / 42°

55° / 34°

57° / 39°

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 65%

Chance of rain: 85%

Chance of rain: 10%

WNW 6-12 mph

NNE 4-8 mph

ENE 4-8 mph

ENE 8-16 mph

N 8-16 mph

W 4-8 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaﬀney 61/35 Spartanburg 64/36

Greenville 64/35

Columbia 69/40

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 68/40

Aiken 68/38

ON THE COAST

Charleston 70/44

Today: Mostly sunny; pleasant in southern parts. High 65 to 70. Thursday: Sunshine and patchy clouds. High 59 to 64.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Today Hi/Lo/W 62/38/s 35/24/sn 61/40/c 28/18/sn 66/54/pc 74/51/pc 66/49/pc 32/28/sn 76/56/pc 34/29/sn 74/49/pc 60/45/s 39/33/sn

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest. 357.74 74.21 73.14 95.79

24-hr chg -0.03 +0.01 +0.20 +0.04

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

0.00" 3.68" 2.60" 3.68" 2.50" 2.60"

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

66° 43° 55° 32° 76° in 1951 11° in 1994

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

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 57/42/pc 35/24/pc 45/37/r 31/22/c 56/43/r 76/52/s 58/45/r 39/25/pc 78/61/pc 42/25/pc 68/45/s 62/47/pc 48/30/pc

Myrtle Beach 67/43

Manning 69/42

Today: Mostly sunny and delightful. Winds west-northwest 4-8 mph. Thursday: Some sun. Winds southwest becoming west 3-6 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 67/41

Bishopville 67/39

Flood 7 a.m. stage yest. 12 8.45 19 4.49 14 12.97 14 4.92 80 79.11 24 9.03

24-hr chg +0.06 +0.03 +1.14 +1.29 -0.62 -5.14

Sunrise 7:25 a.m. Moonrise 7:59 a.m.

Sunset Moonset

5:41 p.m. 7:22 p.m.

First

Full

Last

New

Jan. 26

Feb. 3

Feb. 11

Feb. 18

TIDES AT MYRTLE BEACH

High 9:32 a.m. 9:44 p.m. 10:22 a.m. 10:36 p.m.

Today Thu.

Ht. 3.6 3.2 3.6 3.2

Low 3:45 a.m. 4:26 p.m. 4:37 a.m. 5:14 p.m.

Ht. -1.1 -1.0 -1.1 -1.0

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 56/31/pc 66/35/s 69/37/s 70/44/s 58/40/c 70/44/s 63/34/pc 66/38/s 69/40/s 66/39/s 61/37/c 66/38/pc 64/36/pc

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 52/33/pc 57/41/pc 62/43/s 64/47/s 50/39/s 64/46/s 57/37/pc 57/42/pc 62/42/s 59/41/s 55/35/pc 58/38/s 58/37/s

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 67/41/s Gainesville 73/49/pc Gastonia 63/35/pc Goldsboro 63/35/pc Goose Creek 70/44/s Greensboro 58/33/pc Greenville 64/35/s Hickory 60/34/pc Hilton Head 64/48/s Jacksonville, FL 71/47/s La Grange 66/38/s Macon 67/37/s Marietta 60/34/s

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 60/42/s 71/54/pc 57/37/pc 57/37/s 64/46/s 53/33/pc 56/38/pc 53/34/pc 61/49/pc 68/52/pc 59/45/c 60/44/pc 55/40/pc

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 60/32/pc Mt. Pleasant 69/46/s Myrtle Beach 67/43/s Orangeburg 68/42/s Port Royal 68/46/s Raleigh 59/33/pc Rock Hill 63/35/pc Rockingham 63/34/pc Savannah 71/42/s Spartanburg 64/36/s Summerville 66/47/s Wilmington 67/38/pc Winston-Salem 58/33/pc

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 55/32/pc 64/47/s 59/44/s 62/43/s 63/48/s 55/35/pc 57/36/pc 58/36/pc 66/49/pc 56/39/pc 61/49/pc 60/39/s 53/33/pc

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

PUBLIC AGENDA SUMTER COUNTY DEVELOPMENT BOARD Thursday, 7:45 a.m., Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce boardroom, 32 E. Calhoun St.

For Comfort You Can Count On, Better Make It Boykin!

HISTORIC PRESERVATION DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE Thursday, 3:30 p.m., Conference Room, Planning Department Office, 12 W. Liberty St.

803-795-4257 www.boykinacs.com License #M4217

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Step outside EUGENIA LAST your boundaries, and you will discover you have more going for you than you thought. A challenge coupled with a little competition will spark the incentive to improve and excel. Love is on the rise.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Listen carefully and ask questions if something confuses you or seems far-fetched. Emotions will run high and should be channeled wisely if you want to avoid a misunderstanding. Moderation will be in your best interest in all aspects of life. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Keep your mind on your goal and avoid being tempted to let someone take care of something that requires your undivided attention. Love is highlighted, and romantic plans will ensure that your personal life heads in the right direction. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Look over your personal papers, investments and how safe your current position or standing in your community is with regard to longterm benefits. Communication can help clear up any misconceptions you have. Let your intuition guide you when it comes to partnerships. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Check out your options and take care of responsibilities early in the day to allow time to address the things you want to do as the evening rolls around. Romance is apparent, and socializing or making plans for two will pay off. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): No matter what task you are given, take ownership and do the best job possible and you will advance. It’s up to you to make things happen if you want to impress someone who can help you advance. Show your

value. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Plan a gathering or social outing. Get together with people who have something to contribute, and brainstorm to come up with a plan to advance. Romance will greatly improve your day if you put aside some time to spend with your loved one. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t make a move or share too much personal information. Work on a creative project that allows you the freedom to indulge in the things you enjoy doing most. Take care of responsibilities, but avoid demanding people. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Talks will lead to greater knowledge and insight into what everyone around you wants, thinks or is planning to do. The changes you bring about personally will help you advance and improve your standard of living. Love conquers all. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Run your ideas by someone who can offer assistance or help you identify any flaws in your plan. Taking a different path to reach your goal will help you outsmart the competition. Take charge, but don’t let impulse cost you.

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 TUESDAY

POWERBALL SATURDAY

4-7-8-18-24 PowerUp: 2

15-16-23-27-36 Powerball: 9; Powerplay: 2

PICK 3 TUESDAY 3-0-3 and 6-0-3

MEGAMILLIONS numbers were unavailable at press time

PICK 4 TUESDAY 4-4-8-0 and 6-6-4-3

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC Hal Tuttle comments on his photo submission, “Dead trees along the upper Mississippi River. For an unusual view, turn the picture counterclockwise one quarter.”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Find someone who is willing to listen. An experiment will help you reach your ultimate goal. Opportunity is within reach, making it vital that you do not procrastinate or leave anything to chance. Love is in the stars. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A fresh look at an old idea will help you see problem areas. Present what you have to offer to a diverse group of people who can and will appreciate what you are proposing.

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 Call: (803) 774-1241 | E-mail: sports@theitem.com

CHS girls bounce back; Knights win

PREP BASKETBALL

BY EDDIE LITAKER Special to The Sumter Item

fidence tonight,” English said. “We played all 11 guys and I thought, especially in the second half, we played good defense. Our defense is really our offense – that’s what gets us going and we were able to create a lot more offense in the second half.”

After seeing its 25-game Region VI-3A winning streak snapped with a 47-41 loss to Lakewood High School on Friday, Crestwood’s varsity girls basketball team entered The Castle for Tuesday’s region game with Darlington hungry to get the bad taste of that loss out of its system. WILSON The Lady Knights, who fell to No. 9 in the latest 3A girls poll, met little resistance from the turnover-plagued Lady Falcons and EDWARDS used a balanced scoring attack to come away with a 50-17 victory. “What we talked about yesterday was coming together as a team,” said Crestwood head coach Tony Wilson, whose team improved to 12-4 overall and 3-1 in region play. “We said that we’d be a great team if we were all on the same page. Tonight they came out and everybody had enthusiasm, everybody was excited, everybody was into the game, everybody did what they were told to do and I was proud of the way that we fought back (after the loss to Lakewood).” While neither team set a blistering offensive pace in the first half, Crestwood took advantage of 10 Darlington turnovers to lead by 14, 26-12, at the break. The Lady Knights had success from long range, with Ladazha Cole and Lindsey Rogers both popping from 3-point land, and Jahche Whitfield closed the half with a traditional 3-point play after scoring on the low post with one second on the clock. Crestwood also hit on six of eight free throws, including Tyana Saunders connecting on all four of her attempts.

SEE CONFIDENCE, PAGE B3

SEE KNIGHTS, PAGE B3

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter’s Brandon Parker, left, dribbles past Carolina Forest’s Jared Lembcke during the Gamecocks’ 52-29 victory on Tuesday at the SHS gymnasium.

Finding their confidence SHS boys rebound after 1st region loss; girls rout CF BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS justin@theitem.com After an abysmal first half of outside shooting, Sumter High School boys basketball head coach Jo Jo English stressed a simple message to his players in the locker room. “On offense or defense –

we play from the inside out,” English said. “We have to get the ball inside.” The message spurred a game-turning third quarter – sparked by Quentin Kershaw’s eight points -- as the Gamecocks built a doubledigit lead en route to a dominant second half and a 52-29 victory over Carolina Forest

on Tuesday at the SHS gymnasium. The win came on the heels of Sumter’s first region loss on Friday against Conway. SHS improved to 8-5 overall and 2-1 in Region VI-4A while the Panthers fell to 5-11 and 0-3. Sumter travels to Socastee on Friday. “The guys played with con-

CLEMSON BASKETBALL

Rathan-Mayes’ 17 leads Seminoles past Tigers BY PETE IACOBELLI The Associated Press CLEMSON — Devon Bookert thinks Florida State’s backs are still against the wall, even if the Seminoles gained a bit of space with its latest win at Clemson. The Seminoles got 17 points from Xavier Rathan-Mayes THE ASSOCIATED PRESS and 14 from Bookert to end a Florida State’s Xavier Rathan-Mayes (22) drives by Clemson’s Sidy three-game losing streak with Djitte in the Seminoles’ 59-55 victory on Monday at Littlejohn Colise- a 59-55 victory Monday night. um in Clemson. Florida State saw its 12-

PRO FOOTBALL

Seahawks’ Kearse was there when it counted in overtime BY TIM BOOTH The Associated Press RENTON, Wash. — Jermaine Kearse was having an NFC championship game to forget. The first two times Kearse even got his fingers on a pass from Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson, the ball ended up in the hands of a Green Bay defensive back.

Those two deflected interceptions were sandwiched around two other attempted passes from Wilson to Kearse that were also picked off. Four targets. Four interceptions. Four miserable moments for Kearse and the Seahawks. “I just told myself not to feel sorry for myself, to keep pushing through,” Kearse said.

“Things aren’t always going to be perfect, things aren’t always going to go your way, but it tells a lot about a person’s character on how they respond when things aren’t going well. Things are easy when things are going well, but how do you respond when they’re not?”

SEE KEARSE, PAGE B4

point, second-half lead slip to 56-55 on Rod Hall’s foul shot with 23.3 seconds left. But the Seminoles (10-9, 2-4 Atlantic Coast) held on for their third straight win at Littlejohn Coliseum and sixth victory in their past seven meetings with the Tigers (10-8, 2-4). “I don’t think we’re satisfied yet because we’re still in a tough position,” Bookert said. “We feel like our backs are against the wall still, but we feel like we have a sense of ur-

gency.” After Hall drew Clemson with a point, Bookert made one of two foul shots and Rathan-Mayes had a breakaway layup for the final margin. Clemson had two chances to tie or pull ahead, first when Hall went to the foul line and missed his first attempt. Then trailing 57-55, Damarcus Harrison missed a 3-pointer with 16 seconds left in the

SEE TIGERS, PAGE B2

Seattle wide receiver Jermaine Kearse, right, catches the game-winning touchdown pass during the Seahawks’ 28-22 overtime victory in the NFC Championship game on Sunday in Seattle. Kearse was having a game to forget until the final play. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

SCOREBOARD

SPORTS ITEMS

Pittsburgh N.Y. Rangers Washington Columbus Philadelphia New Jersey Carolina

TV, RADIO TODAY

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall (14) said he could make the move to the defensive secondary in the upcoming NFL draft.

Auburn QB Marshall expects to be defensive back in NFL MOBILE, Ala. — Auburn’s Nick Marshall is making the move from quarterback to cornerback at the Senior Bowl. Marshall came out to Tuesday’s practice in a yellow quarterback’s jersey initially but then worked with the defensive backs and also as a gunner on special teams. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Marshall started as a defensive back at Georgia, before getting dismissed from the team. Marshall said he made the decision to make the switch from quarterback for the draft after talking to his mother and other family members. MEMPHIS’ REVIEW FINDS 12 TO BE PUNISHED FOR BRAWL

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis will punish 12 Tigers for their role in the brawl after their double overtime win at the inaugural Miami Beach Bowl following an internal review by the university. BYU officials aren’t saying how many Cougars will be disciplined or how. Memphis officials announced Tuesday that they had identified 12 Tigers who took part in the brawl that followed Memphis’ 55-48 double overtime win over BYU on Dec. 22. BYU said in a

statement later Tuesday that the players being punished will be “handled internally.” CHAN GAILEY HIRED AS JETS’ OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

NEW YORK — The New York Jets have hired Chan Gailey as their offensive coordinator, a move that had been expected since Todd Bowles became head coach last Wednesday. REDSKINS HIRE JOE BARRY AS DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Redskins’ meandering search for a defensive coordinator ended Tuesday with the hiring of Joe Barry, the linebackers coach for the San Diego Chargers who was once in charge of the only 0-16 defense in NFL history. DEL RIO TABS MUSGRAVE AS RAIDERS NEXT OC

ALAMEDA, Calif. — Jack Del Rio picked the same offensive coordinator to start his tenure in Oakland as he did more than a decade ago in Jacksonville naming Bill Musgrave two years into his stint with the Jaguars. Musgrave said Tuesday he harbors no hard feelings toward Del Rio over his firing 10 years ago and said he looks forward to working with Del Rio again with the

Oakland Raiders. RAVENS HIRE TRESTMAN AS OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Ravens have hired fired Bears coach Marc Trestman as their offensive coordinator. Ravens coach John Harbaugh made the announcement Tuesday. Trestman was fired by Chicago last month after going 5-11 in his second season leading the Bears. DAVIDSON 77 (22) DAYTON 60

DAVIDSON, N.C. — Freshman Peyton Aldridge had 22 points and senior Tyler Kalinoski added 21, and the sharp-shooting Davidson Wildcats knocked off No. 22 Dayton 77-60 on Tuesday night for their first win over a ranked opponent this season. GEORGIA 69 OLE MISS 64

ATHENS, Ga. — Marcus Thornton scored 16 points and came up with a huge steal late in the game, helping Georgia rally for its third straight Southeastern Conference win with a 69-64 triumph over Mississippi on Tuesday. From wire reports

6 a.m. -- Professional Golf: European PGA Tour Qatar Masters First Round from Doha, Qatar (GOLF). 3 p.m. -- Professional Tennis: Australian Open Men’s and Women’s Second-Round Matches from Melbourne, Australia (ESPN2). 3 p.m. -- College Football: Senior Bowl Practice from Mobile, Ala. (NFL NETWORK). 5:30 p.m. – International Soccer: CONCACAF Under-20 Championship Match – Trinidad & Tobago vs. United States (FOX SPORTS 2). 6:05 p.m. -- Talk Show: Sports Talk (WPUB-FM 102.7, WDXY-FM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Massachusetts at St. Joseph’s (CBS SPORTS NETWORK). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: North Carolina at Wake Forest (ESPN2). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Houston at Cincinnati (ESPNEWS). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Memphis at Tulsa (ESPNU). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Marquette at St. John’s (FOX SPORTS 1). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Missouri at Texas A&M (SEC NETWORK). 7 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Miami at Charlotte (SPORTSOUTH). 8 p.m. – College Basketball: Southern Methodist at Tulane (CBS SPORTS NETWORK). 8 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Oklahoma City at Washington (ESPN). 8 p.m. – College Basketball: HustonTillotson at Baylor (FOX SPORTSOUTH). 8 p.m. – NFL Football: Pro Bowl Draft (NFL NETWORK). 8 p.m. – NHL Hockey: Chicago at Pittsburgh (NBC SPORTS NETWORK). 9 p.m. -- Professional Tennis: Australian Open Men’s and Women’s Second-Round Matches from Melbourne, Australia (ESPN2). 9 p.m. – College Basketball: Texas Tech at Oklahoma State (ESPNU). 9 p.m. – College Basketball: Creighton at Butler (FOX SPORTS 1). 9 p.m. – College Basketball: Mississippi State at Auburn (SEC NETWORK). 10:30 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Houston at Golden State (ESPN). 10:30 p.m. – NHL Hockey: Los Angeles at San Jose (NBC SPORTS NETWORK). 11 p.m. – College Basketball: New Mexico at Nevada-Las Vegas (CBS SPORTS NETWORK). 1:30 a.m. -- Professional Golf: European PGA Tour Qatar Masters Second Round from Doha, Qatar (GOLF). 3 a.m. -- Professional Tennis: Australian Open Men’s and Women’s Second-Round Matches from Melbourne, Australia (ESPN2).

NBA STANDINGS By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION Toronto Brooklyn Boston Philadelphia New York SOUTHEAST DIVISION Atlanta Washington Miami Charlotte Orlando CENTRAL DIVISION Chicago Cleveland Milwaukee Detroit Indiana

W 27 17 13 8 6

L 14 24 26 33 36

Pct .659 .415 .333 .195 .143

GB – 10 13 19 211/2

W 34 29 18 17 15

L 8 13 22 25 29

Pct .810 .690 .450 .405 .341

GB – 5 15 17 20

W 27 22 21 16 15

L 16 20 20 26 28

Pct .628 .524 .512 .381 .349

GB – 41/2 5 101/2 12

L 12 13 13 16 21

Pct .707 .690 .690 .619 .488

GB – 1/2 1/2 31/2 9

L 11 20 23 27 33

Pct .738 .500 .439 .341 .175

GB – 10 121/2 161/2 23

L 6 14 18 25 30

Pct .846 .667 .581 .390 .286

GB – 61/2 10 18 221/2

WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION W Memphis 29 Dallas 29 Houston 29 San Antonio 26 New Orleans 20 NORTHWEST DIVISION W Portland 31 Oklahoma City 20 Denver 18 Utah 14 Minnesota 7 PACIFIC DIVISION W Golden State 33 L.A. Clippers 28 Phoenix 25 Sacramento 16 L.A. Lakers 12

MONDAY’S GAMES

TIGERS FROM PAGE B1 Tigers final opportunity. “We don’t have enough shot makers,” Clemson coach Brad Brownell said. “We need shot makers.” Rathan-Mayes had a game-high nine assists, along with five rebounds and four steals. Bookert said RathanMayes has shown that ability since the season began and is growing more comfortable in his role. “He’s a fantastic player who can do it all on the court,” Bookert said. Hall led Clemson with 12 points, Donte Grantham had 11. The team’s leading scorer, Jaron Blossomgame, was held to 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting. Florida State looked like it might have an easy finish after stretching its lead to 56-46 on Bookert’s foul shots with 2:39 to play. But Clemson rallied with nine consecutive points to tighten the game. Florida State has had nine straight winning seasons under coach Leonard Hamilton, yet has struggled in ACC play this season, with its lone league victory coming two weeks back over winless Virginia Tech. The Tigers, meanwhile, came into this one off a dominating victory over Syracuse this past Saturday. But it was the Seminoles — they’ve won five of their

FLORIDA STATE 59, CLEMSON 55 FLORIDA ST. (10-9)

Cofer 1-4 3-4 5, Bookert 4-9 4-5 14, Rathan-Mayes 7-15 2-2 17, Brandon 2-5 3-3 7, Ojo 1-2 0-0 2, Watkins 0-0 0-0 0, Smith 3-6 0-0 6, Turpin 3-4 0-0 6, Bojanovsky 1-1 0-0 2, Berwick 0-0 0-0 0, Allen 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 22-46 12-14 59.

CLEMSON (10-8)

Blossomgame 3-10 3-4 10, Hall 3-9 5-8 12, Grantham 5-10 0-3 11, Harrison 2-10 1-4 7, Nnoko 1-1 0-2 2, Ajukwa 0-0 0-0 0, DeVoe 0-0 1-2 1, Roper 1-7 0-0 2, Smith 0-1 2-2 2,

past six over Clemson — who started quick. RathanMayes and Kiel Turpin, the son of former Kentucky AllAmerican Mel Turpin — fueled a 13-3 run over an eight-minute stretch of the opening half. The 7-foot Turpin had two inside buckets, RathanMayes a basket and when Devon Bookert hit a 3-pointer, Florida State led 26-14. Clemson picked up a late spark from 6-10 reserve Sidy Djitte, who scored his team’s final eight points of the period as the Tigers cut things to 28-22 at the half. CHANGING DEFENSES

Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton said he switched to zone with Clemson down by two to prevent a drive to the basket. “It made them take the next best shot,” he said of Harrison’s missed three-point try. “Fortunately, it didn’t go in.” FOUL SHOT TROUBLE

Clemson was just 16 of 31 from the free throw line, including 8 of 17 in the second

Djitte 2-2 4-6 8. Totals 17-50 16-31 55. Halftime_Florida St. 28-22. 3-Point Goals_Florida St. 3-13 (Bookert 2-6, Rathan-Mayes 1-4, Cofer 0-1, Smith 0-1, Brandon 0-1), Clemson 5-19 (Harrison 2-6, Grantham 1-4, Hall 1-4, Blossomgame 1-4, Roper 0-1). Fouled Out_Bojanovsky. Rebounds_Florida St. 32 (Rathan-Mayes 5), Clemson 31 (Blossomgame 8). Assists_Florida St. 11 (RathanMayes 9), Clemson 8 (Hall 3). Total Fouls_Florida St. 24, Clemson 16. A_6,993.

half. Clemson coach Brad Brownell said his team’s inability to make foul shots cost them chances to set up their press and take advantage of their defense. TIP INS

Florida State: Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton collected two milestones against Clemson. He tied Hugh Durham for second all-time at Florida State with 229 coaching victories and he notched his 100th ACC win. Clemson: The Tigers had won the rebounding battle in their past four ACC contests. They outrebounded Pittsburgh 39-22 in a victory there on Jan. 10, then did a similar job in their Syracuse win two days ago, outrebounding the Orange 4030. FSU outrebounded the Tigers 32-31. UP NEXT

Florida State plays at No. 15 North Carolina on Saturday. Clemson finishes a threegame homestand with Wake Forest on Saturday.

Washington 111, Philadelphia 76 Charlotte 105, Minnesota 80 Atlanta 93, Detroit 82 L.A. Clippers 102, Boston 93 Golden State 122, Denver 79 Dallas 103, Memphis 95 Houston 110, Indiana 98 New York 99, New Orleans 92 Cleveland 108, Chicago 94 Toronto 92, Milwaukee 89 Portland 98, Sacramento 94 Phoenix 115, L.A. Lakers 100

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Oklahoma City at Miami, 7:30 p.m. San Antonio at Denver, 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

New York at Philadelphia, 7 p.m. Miami at Charlotte, 7 p.m. Utah at Cleveland, 7 p.m. Indiana at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m. Orlando at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at New Orleans, 8 p.m. Toronto at Memphis, 8 p.m. Dallas at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Oklahoma City at Washington, 8 p.m. Portland at Phoenix, 9 p.m. Brooklyn at Sacramento, 10 p.m. Houston at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

San Antonio at Chicago, 8 p.m. Utah at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. Boston at Portland, 10 p.m. Brooklyn at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

NFL PLAYOFFS By The Associated Press CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Sunday Seattle 28, Green Bay 22, OT New England 45, Indianapolis 7

PRO BOWL

Sunday, Jan. 25 At Glendale, Ariz. Team Irvin vs. Team Carter, 8 p.m. (ESPN)

SUPER BOWL

Sunday, Feb. 1 At Glendale, Ariz. New England vs. Seattle, 6:30 p.m. (NBC)

NHL STANDINGS By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION GP W Tampa Bay 47 29 Detroit 46 26 Montreal 44 28 Boston 46 24 Florida 44 20 Toronto 47 22 Ottawa 44 18 Buffalo 47 14 METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP W N.Y. Islanders 46 31

L OT Pts GF GA 14 4 62 152 126 11 9 61 134 115 13 3 59 121 105 16 6 54 121 117 14 10 50 107 122 22 3 47 139 146 18 8 44 120 122 30 3 31 89 167 L OT Pts GF GA 14 1 63 151 129

44 26 43 26 45 24 44 20 47 18 47 17 46 16

12 13 13 21 22 22 25

6 4 8 3 7 8 5

58 134 111 56 131 104 56 133 115 43 113 138 43 127 144 42 107 134 37 98 120

WESTERN CONFERENCE CENTRAL DIVISION GP W L OT Pts GF GA Nashville 44 30 10 4 64 136 102 St. Louis 46 29 13 4 62 148 111 Chicago 45 28 15 2 58 139 105 Winnipeg 47 25 14 8 58 131 117 Dallas 45 21 17 7 49 143 148 Colorado 47 19 18 10 48 122 135 Minnesota 45 20 20 5 45 124 132 PACIFIC DIVISION GP W L OT Pts GF GA Anaheim 46 30 10 6 66 133 121 Vancouver 44 26 15 3 55 123 110 San Jose 47 24 17 6 54 127 130 Calgary 46 25 18 3 53 133 119 Los Angeles 46 20 14 12 52 127 122 Arizona 45 16 24 5 37 104 150 Edmonton 46 11 26 9 31 104 154 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

MONDAY’S GAMES

N.Y. Islanders 7, Philadelphia 4 Carolina 4, Toronto 1 Vancouver 2, Florida 1 St. Louis 3, Colorado 1 Columbus 3, Minnesota 1 Calgary 2, Los Angeles 1, OT New Jersey 5, San Jose 2

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Ottawa at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m. Edmonton at Washington, 7 p.m. Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m. Nashville at Montreal, 7:30 p.m. Minnesota at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. Vancouver at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. Arizona at Chicago, 8:30 p.m. Boston at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Toronto at Ottawa, 7 p.m. Chicago at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m. Columbus at Winnipeg, 9 p.m. Boston at Colorado, 10 p.m. Calgary at Anaheim, 10 p.m. Los Angeles at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

No games scheduled

TENNIS AUSTRALIAN OPEN RESULTS The Associated Press Tuesday At Melbourne Park Melbourne, Australia Purse: $32.9 million (Grand Slam) Surface: Hard-Outdoor Singles Men First Round Santiago Giraldo (30), Colombia, def. Jan Hernych, Czech Republic, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. Kei Nishikori (5), Japan, def. Nicolas Almagro, Spain, 6-4, 7-6 (1), 6-2. Alejandro Gonzalez, Colombia, def. Fabio Fognini (16), Italy, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4. Adrian Mannarino, France, def. Blaz Rola, Slovenia, 7-6 (7), 6-3, 6-2. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, Spain, def. Peter Gojowczyk, Germany, 6-7 (1), 7-5, 6-4, 1-0, retired. Steve Johnson, United States, def. Kyle Edmund, Britain, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3. Stan Wawrinka (4), Switzerland, def. Marsel Ilhan, Turkey, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2. Feliciano Lopez (12), Spain, def. Denis Kudla, United States, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 10-8. Donald Young, United States, def. Tim Puetz, Germany, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. Milos Raonic (8), Canada, def. Illya Marchenko, Ukraine, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3), 6-3. John Isner (19), United States, def. Jimmy Wang, Taiwan, 7-6 (5), 6-4, 6-4. Gilles Simon (18), France, def. Robin Haase, Netherlands, 6-1, 6-3, 6-4. Andreas Haider-Maurer, Austria, def. Laurent Lokoli, France, 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 6-3. Gilles Muller, Luxembourg, def. Pablo Carreno Busta, Spain, 6-4, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (3). Marcel Granollers, Spain, def. Stephane Robert, France, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. Fernando Verdasco (31), Spain, def. James Ward, Britain, 2-6, 6-0, 7-6 (6), 6-3. Roberto Bautista Agut (13), Spain, def. Dominic Thiem, Austria, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-6 (5). Novak Djokovic (1), Serbia, def. Aljaz Bedene, Slovenia, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. Matthias Bachinger, Germany, def. Pablo Cuevas (27), Uruguay, 7-6 (1), 6-3, 6-1. Ivan Dodig, Croatia, def. Joao Souza, Brazil, 6-4, 7-5, 6-4. David Ferrer (9), Spain, def. Thomaz Bellucci, Brazil, 6-7 (2), 6-2, 6-0, 6-3. Marius Copil, Romania, def. Pablo Andujar, Spain, 6-2, 6-2, 7-5. Jarkko Nieminen, Finland, def. Andrey Golubev, Kazakhstan, 6-1, 6-2, 7-6 (6). Go Soeda, Japan, def. Elias Ymer, Sweden, 1-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. Sergiy Stakhovsky, Ukraine, def. Dusan Lajovic, Serbia, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-4. Benjamin Becker, Germany, def. Julien Benneteau (25), France, 7-5, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4. Vasek Pospisil, Canada, def. Sam Querrey, United States, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. Jerzy Janowicz, Poland, def. Hiroki Moriya, Japan, 7-6 (5), 2-6, 6-3, 7-5. Paolo Lorenzi, Italy, def. Alexandr Dolgopolov (21), Ukraine, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2. Andrey Kuznetsov, Russia, def. Albert Ramos-Vinolas, Spain, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3). Lleyton Hewitt, Australia, def. Zhang Ze, China, 6-3, 1-6, 6-0, 6-4. Gael Monfils (17), France, def. Lucas Pouille, France, 6-7 (3), 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4. Women First Round Denisa Allertova, Czech Republic, def. Romina Oprandi, Switzerland, 6-0, 6-2. Sam Stosur (20), Australia, def. Monica Niculescu, Romania, 6-4, 6-1. Victoria Azarenka, Belarus, def. Sloane Stephens, United States, 6-3, 6-2. Alize Cornet (19), France, def. Zhang Shuai, China, 6-3, 6-2. Garbine Muguruza (24), Spain, def. Marina Erakovic, New Zealand, 7-5, 6-0. Tsvetana Pironkova, Bulgaria, def. Heather Watson, Britain, 6-4, 6-0. Chang Kai-chen, Taiwan, def. Zheng Jie, China, 6-1, 6-2. Daniela Hantuchova, Slovakia, def. Zheng Saisai, China, 6-4, 6-4. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (25), Czech Republic, def. Timea Babos, Hungary, 6-4, 6-4. Dominika Cibulkova (11), Slovakia, def. Kirsten Flipkens, Belgium, 3-6, 6-3, 6-1. Caroline Wozniacki (8), Denmark, def. Taylor Townsend, United States, 7-6 (1), 6-2. CoCo Vandeweghe, United States, def. Francesca Schiavone, Italy, 6-2, 6-2. Irina Falconi, United States, def. Kaia Kanepi, Estonia, 2-6, 6-4, 7-5. Petra Kvitova (4), Czech Republic, def. Richel Hogenkamp, Netherlands, 6-1, 6-4. Casey Dellacqua (29), Australia, def. Yvonne Meusburger, Austria, 6-4, 6-0. Vera Zvonareva, Russia, def. Ons Jabeur, Tunisia, 6-2, 6-3. Nicole Gibbs, United States, def. Olivia Rogowska, Australia, 6-4, 6-1. Elina Svitolina (26), Ukraine, def. Yulia Putintseva, Kazakhstan, 6-3, 7-5. Tereza Smitkova, Czech Republic, def. Mirjana Lucic-Baroni, Croatia, 6-1, 6-1. Mona Barthel, Germany, def. Donna Vekic, Croatia, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. Timea Bacsinszky, Switzerland, def. Jelena Jankovic (15), Serbia, 6-1, 6-4. Madison Brengle, United States, def. Andrea Petkovic (13), Germany, 5-7, 7-6 (4), 6-3.

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

GIRLS AREA ROUNDUP

Lady Gators stay unbeaten in region play with 69-32 victory The Lakewood High School varsity girls basketball team remained undefeated in Region VI-3A with a 69-32 victory over Marlboro County on Tuesday at The Swamp. Kamryn Lemon and Sonora Dengokl led the Lady Gators, 13-3 on the season and 4-0 in region play, with 14 points apiece. Taja Randolph had a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds. Dengokl also had five assists. WILSON HALL 52 AUGUSTA CHRISTIAN 34

Lauren Goodson had 17 points, nine rebounds and five steals to lead Wilson Hall to a 52-34 victory over Augusta Christian on Tuesday at Nash Student Center. Hayley Smoak added 15 points for the Lady

Barons, who improved to 12-4. Emily Roberson led Augusta Christian with 12 points.

AUGUSTA CHRISTIAN Roberson 12, Marchant 3, Spratling 4, Hansen 4, Fortunto 2, Spratling 2, Martin 3, Drake 4. WILSON HALL Goodson 17, Smoak 15, Jordan 6, Alderman 2, Cunningham 2, Munn 2, Fisher 4, Scott 4.

PREP SCHEDULE TODAY

Junior Varsity Basketball Sumter at Carolina Forest, 6 p.m. Crestwood at Darlington, 6 p.m. Lakewood at Marlboro County, 6 p.m. Hartsville at Manning, 6 p.m. B Team Basketball Sumter at Orangeburg-Wilkinson (Boys Only), 5 p.m. Wilson Hall at Laurence Manning, 5 p.m. Robert E. Lee at Timmerman, 5 p.m.

THURSDAY

Varsity Basketball St. Francis Xavier at Clarendon Hall (Boys Only), 6 p.m. Varsity and JV Basketball Florence Christian at Laurence Manning, 4 p.m.

Junior Varsity Basketball Socastee at Sumter, 6 p.m. Crestwood at Hartsville, 6 p.m. Manning at Lakewood, 6 p.m. Manning at Lakewood, 6 p.m. B Team Basketball Laurence Manning at Heathwood Hall, 4 p.m. Robert E. Lee at Carolina, 5 p.m. Middle School Basketball Alice Drive at Lee Central, 5 p.m. Furman at Bates, 5 p.m. Mayewood at Chestnut Oaks, 5 p.m. Ebenezer at Hillcrest, 5 p.m. Scott’s Branch at C.E. Murray, 5:30 p.m. Varsity Bowling Wilson Hall, Laurence Manning, Robert E. Lee in SCISA Team State Championship (at Royal Z Lanes in Columbia, 2:20 p.m.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL CALHOUN 20 DALZELL – Thomas Sumter Academy improved to 10-0 with a 25-20 victory over Calhoun Academy on Tuesday at Edens Gymnasium. Carmen Silvester led TSA with eight points. Taja Hunley added 10 rebounds.

White helps Lakewood even conference record JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL AUGUSTA CHRISTIAN 46 WILSON HALL 26

Wilson Hall fell to 4-8 with a 46-26 loss to Augusta Christian School on Tuesday at Nash Student Center. Brandon Carraway led the Barons with seven points.

Sumter’s Jessica Harris (20) puts up a layup over Carolina Forest’s Jordan Martin during the Lady Gamecocks’ 80-32 rout on Tuesday at the SHS gymnasium. Sumter improved to a perfect 3-0 to begin Region VI-4A play. KEITH GEDAMKE /THE SUMTER ITEM

CONFIDENCE FROM PAGE B1 It was a distinct turnaround from the first half. The Gamecocks led just 21-15 at the break due in large part to a rough shooting night from beyond the arc. Sumter was just 2-for-11 in the game on 3-pointers and 1-for-9 in the first half. “We were settling for too many outside shots,” English said. “We had to establish an inside presence with Quentin and Brandon (Parker) and some of our post guys and we started to do that in the third quarter.” A 13-5 run to close out the third frame proved the difference. Kershaw had three inside buckets and Cedric Rembert connected on just the second 3-pointer of the game for SHS as the Gamecocks took a 35-24 lead into the fourth. Foul shooting and pressure defense did the rest. Sumter went 9-for-12 from the free throw line and forced six turnovers over the final eight minutes to pull away. “I think we started to wear them down with our pressure and take away the passing lanes,” English said. “Then

THOMAS SUMTER 25

BOYS AREA ROUNDUP

Lakewood High School’s varsity boys basketball team evened its record in Region VI-3A at 2-2 with a 43-42 victory over Marlboro County on Tuesday at The Swamp. Jalen White led the Gators, who are 7-10 overall, with 10 points. Jarvis Johnson added nine and Terrell Steele had seven.

we got the rebounds and got out in transition and were able to attack the basket.” Rembert and Andrew Tiller led Sumter with 10 points each followed by Kershaw with eight and Charles Patton with seven. Kershaw also had eight rebounds while Parker added six. Carolina Forest’s Duane Moss led all scorers with 17 points. The Lady Gamecocks entered the day ranked third in the latest 4A coaches poll and looked every bit like it early and often against CFHS during an 80-32 rout. SHS’ full-court press produced 12 turnovers in the first half and Cy Cooper and company took full advantage. Cooper had nine of her 18 points in the opening quarter as Sumter quickly built a double-digit lead. That lead continued to grow, almost reaching 30 just before the half, as the Lady Gamecocks rolled to a 45-18 lead at the break and cruised from there behind three players who posted double figures. Sumter improved to 15-2 overall and 3-0 in Region

VI-4A while the Lady Panthers dropped to 5-10 and 0-3. “We actually started out kind of sluggish, compared to what we have been doing the last four or five weeks,” Sumter head coach Jason Loudenslager said. “But Cy scored I think nine points in the first two and half minutes and that really got us going from there. “Defensively, in order to get where we want to be, we have to have five players running the floor from beginning to the end of the game. I thought we were missing a few players early on, but by the second quarter, we were all on the same page and I think that showed the rest of the game.” Cooper had 10 rebounds to push her consecutive games with a double-double streak to five. Jessica Harris added 16 and Kyra Wilson finished with 12. Harris also finished with eight steals while Kadejuha Kennedy added nine points and five rebounds. SHS had 24 steals as a team and only seven turnovers. The score would have been greater if not for the play of Allen Nordella, who led the Lady Panthers with a gamehigh23 points that included six 3-pointers.

KNIGHTS FROM PAGE B1 Cawasha Ceasar opened Crestwood’s scoring in the third quarter with a 3, but that would prove to be hallf of the Lady Knights’ output for the quarter. Rogers added a free throw and Destinee Jamison a late layup for Crestwood, which held the Lady Falcons without a field goal and carried a 32-15 lead to the final quarter. The bomb squad returned for Crestwood early in the fourth as Shannon Martin and Cole connected for back-to-back 3s to stretch the lead to 27, 4215. The 3s were part of a 17-0 run spreading over two quarters. Darlington’s only basket of the second half came from Deja Turner with 41 seconds left. Venecia Nickens was the 11th Crestwood player to break into the scoring coulmn when she scored the game’s final basket on the low post with eight seconds left. Cole led the way for the Lady Knights with eight points. Shaquandra MillerMcCray closed with seven points, seven blocked shots and 15 rebounds while Ceasar added seven points and three steals and Rogers chipped in with six points. “Ladazha is one of our seniors and I told Ladazha yesterday that she’s got to start stepping up. She’s got the ability to play and she’s got the ability to shoot the ball well,” Wilson said. “I was proud of the way everybody just competed tonight. Everybody did an excellent job. The girls came out and responded and let everybody know that we’re still fighting for a region crown. We’re going to come out and fight for 32 minutes, and we’re going to take it one game at a time.” Courtney Graham scored six to pace the Lady Falcons, who dropped to 7-11 and 1-3. Next up for Crestwood is a home date with Hartsville on Friday.

In what could be termed an upset, Crestwood’s boys dealt No. 5 Darlington its first region loss of the season as the Knights held on for a 74-62 victory in a seesaw affair . Crestwood led 17-13 after one quarter before Darlington rallied for a 35-28 halftime lead. Darlington’s Frankie Johnson and Crestwood’s Dakota Jennings were the offensive catalysts for their respective teams in the opening half, with Johnson scoring 15 of his team-high 19 and Jennings connecting for 13 of his 22 points. A 15-5 run to open the second half gave the Knights a 43-40 lead with 2:40 to go in the third and Crestwood held the lead for the remainder of the game. “We knew coming into tonight that Darlington was playing good ball and they were shooting the ball well,” said Crestwood head coach Dwayne Edwards, whose squad moved to 14-4 and 3-1 while dropping Darlington to 13-5 and 3-1. “Tonight they were not quite as successful shooting the ball as they had been in previous games. I felt like it came down to the end with defense. I think the guys stepped up and played pretty good defense and caused Darlington to miss a few shots. But at any time they can get back into the game quick because they have pretty good perimeter shooters.” Devin Nelson topped the Knights with 23 while Ja Morant closed with 15. Louis Richardson added 14 for the Falcons and J.J. Jackson chipped in with 12. “I think my guys played hard, the Darlington guys played hard,” Edwards said. “I just think it came down to two teams that had a very tough battle and we came out on top in the end. We feel like this was a good, positive win for us.”

SCBCA TOP 10 POLLS BOYS

4A 1. Hillcrest 2. Wade Hampton 3. Wando 4. Byrnes 5. Irmo 6. Dorman 7. Spring Valley 8. Conway 9. James Island 10. Ft. Mill 3A 1. A.C. Flora 2. South Pointe 3. Dreher 4. Midland Valley 5. Darlington 6. Travelers Rest 7. Orangeburg-Wilkinson 8. Wilson 9. Southside 10. Airport 2A 1.Ridgeland-Hardeeville 2. Battery Creek 3. Cheraw 4. Keenan 5. Chesnee 6. Timberland 7. Edisto 8. Strom Thurmond 9. Lake Marion 10. Garrett Tech 1A 1. Burke 2. Calhoun County 3. Christ Church 4. Fox Creek 5. Great Falls 6. Southside Christian 7. Latta 8. Hannah-Pamplico 9. Branchville 10. St. Joseph’s

GIRLS

4A 1. West Florence 2. Greenwood 3. Sumter 4. Irmo 5. Spartanburg 6. Dorman 7. Spring Valley 8. Wando 9. Westside 10. Ridge View 3A 1. Lancaster 2. Orangeburg-Wilkinson 3. Eastside 4. South Pointe 5. Southside 6. Lakewood 7. Myrtle Beach 8. Dreher 9. Crestwood 10. Lower Richland 2A 1. Dillon 2. Mullins 3. Bishop England 4. Newberry 5. Pendleton 6. Edisto 7. Andrew Jackson 8. Abbeville 9. Columbia 10. Indian Land 1A 1. Christ Church 2. Carvers Bay 3. Latta 4. St. Joseph’s 5. Hemingway 6. Ridge Spring-Monetta 7. Allendale-Fairfax 8. Timmonsville 9.Green Sea-Floyds 10. Southside Christian

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SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

AREA SCOREBOARD BASEBALL SPRING REGISTRATION

The Sumter County Recreation Department will take registration for its spring baseball program beginning on Monday. Registration for children ages 4-12 will run through Feb. 12. The last day to register for ages 13-14 will be March 20. Players will be placed in leagues bases on their ages as of April 30, 2015. The cost to register will be $35 for ages 4-6, $40 for 7-8, $45 for 9-10, $45 for 11-12 Traditional, $50 for 11-12 O-Zone and $50 for 13-14. A birth certificate is re-

quired if one is not on file at the recreation department. A mandatory coaches meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m. at the recreation department, which is located at 155 Haynsworth Street. For more information, call the recreation department at (803) 436-2248 or visit its website at www.sumtercountysc. org. SCISA UMPIRES NEEDED

The South Carolina Independent School Association is looking for anyone who might interested in becoming a baseball umpire. Experienced umpires are preferred. For those who are interested, contact SCISA District Director of Umpiring, Teddy Weeks at TWeeks51@ aol.com.

SOFTBALL SPRING REGISTRATION

The Sumter County Recreation Department will take registration for its spring softball program beginning on Monday. Registration for children ages 5-12 will run through Feb. 12. The last day to register for ages 13-18 will be March 27. Players will placed in leagues based on their ages as of Dec. 31, 2014. The cost to register will be $35 for ages 5-6, $40 for 7-8 and $45 for 9-18. A birth certificate is required if one is not on file at the recreation department. A mandatory coaches meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m. at the recreation department, which is located at 155 Haynsworth

THE SUMTER ITEM Street. For more information, call the recreation department at (803) 436-2248 or visit its website at www.sumtercountysc. org. SCISA UMPIRES NEEDED

The South Carolina Independent School Association is looking for anyone who might interested in becoming a softball umpire. Experienced umpires are preferred. For those who are interested, contact SCISA District Director of Umpiring, Teddy Weeks at TWeeks51@aol.com.

BOWLING GAMECOCK LANES SCORES

Nov. 21-27 Industrial Mixed: Otha Johnson 573; Phil June 639; Rowland Yates 686. Friday Night Mixed: Kenny Smith 268714; Dustin Hodge 289-741; Richard Roarick 258-647; Romania Myers 235;

Darryl Fleming 234-622; Lynn Fanning 257; Dorothy James 169-421; Tyrone Bailey 268-745; Danielle Riles 426; Lynette Allen 545; Richard Allen 259; George Russ 224; Tony Friday 624; Tim Hudnall 685; Sean Chapman 699; Phillip June 692; Henry Watkins 559; Danielle Riles 426. Bantams/Preps: Matt Bickley 87-/213; Zayd McColgin 135-339; Liam Dickson 84; Faith Livingston 84-203; Haley Carter 120-306; Cameryn Gregory 243. Jr./Maj./Sr.: Keonta Bethea 167-403; Ghassen Green 216-575; Connor Batey 184-474; Shiem Blackmon 223609; Ian Morris 136-378; Jordyn Griffin 147-347; Arianna Parker 138; Emily Batey 488. Sunday Night Mixed: Harold Allan 668. Hot Shots: Gwen Cofield 226-572; Linnie Singleton 484. NFL: Brian Jackson 216-567. Holy Bowlers: Lee Fifield 171-418; Bill Eaker 201-536; Julie Baldaf 457. Tuesday Night Mixed: Bobby Hagood 247-589; Gregg Anderson 300-784; Claude Corbett 239-598; Joann Goins 269-685; Tanya Foster 234-580; Eva Jackson 216-543; Phillip June 257-753; “SCP” Parker 163-456; Stephanie Barbare 505; Jay Gillion 247-641; Steve Witherspoon 243; Scott Keisling 266710; Joe Spangler 265; Loisann Horne 246; Darryl Fleming 235; Steve Shirley 639; Troy Blake 569; David McGowan 647; Carll Field 623; Tina Gathers 374. Afternoon Delight: Bill Cockerill 212514; Jerry Coker 212-572; Eva Jackson 231-599; Elias Wells 580; Donna Jones 448.

PRO FOOTBALL

Most of head coach openings went to defensive minds BY ARNIE STAPLETON The Associated Press

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

New England wide receiver Brandon LaFell (19) dives over Indianapolis cornerback Greg Toler (28) while reaching for the end zone during the Patriots’ 45-7 AFC Championship game victory on Sunday in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots will face Seattle in the Super Bowl.

Pats’ path to Super Bowl capped by another rout BY HOWARD ULMAN The Associated Press FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Once Tom Brady gets their offense rolling, the New England Patriots are tough to stop. Some of the NFL’s top teams — Denver, Detroit, Cincinnati and Indianapolis — all lost to the AFC champions by at least 22 points. Now the Patriots are in the Super Bowl against the defending champion Seattle Seahawks, whose four losses were by a total of 22 points. “This is an incredible defensive unit,” Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said. “They can take the ball away from you. They can get to the quarterback. They can stop the run. It will be an incredible challenge.” The Seahawks, with the NFL’s best defense, could stage their second straight Super Bowl blowout, having beaten the Broncos 43-8 last year.

Pretty close to the Patriots’ 45-7 pasting of the Colts in last Sunday’s AFC title game. “It feels great to impose your will on a team,” wide receiver Brandon LaFell said in a clubhouse filled with smiles, “and that’s what we did all night.” The route to the Super Bowl on Feb. 1 takes the Patriots to Glendale, Arizona, where they’ll try for their fourth NFL title and first in 10 years. “The coaches prepare us for whatever we need to get the win,” said fullback James Develin. Even if it involves him catching a 1-yard touchdown pass, his 11th reception in 37 NFL games, as he did Sunday. Or offensive tackle Nate Solder being eligible in that game to catch a 16-yard scoring pass, the first reception in his four seasons. Or having backup offensive lineman Cameron Fleming line up as an eligible receiver nearly 30 times

KEARSE FROM PAGE B1 Kearse’s response was a moment that will be remembered in Seattle Seahawks history in the same regard as Richard Sherman’s deflection in the NFC championship game against San Francisco a year earlier. In the same end zone as Sherman’s play, Kearse caught Wilson’s 35-yard TD toss 3:19 into overtime to send Seattle to its second straight Super Bowl. Wilson noticed Green Bay with all of its defenders near the line of scrimmage and no safety covering the middle of the field. He made a check with Kearse, who also noticed the coverage. Kearse’s job was simply to beat cornerback Tramon Williams to the inside, keep position to the post and wait for Wilson’s pass to arrive. “I’ve seen him make so many plays before. When you see a guy that makes so many plays in practice, so many plays throughout big-time games, NFC championship game last year ... Doug Baldwin, too, you just continue to trust those guys,” Wilson said. “They show me every day in practice and so

against Indianapolis. “I certainly think it’s been a staple of our team that when we need a play, different guys have stepped up all year long and we’ve been able to produce points to win games,” said special teams captain Matthew Slater. “It’s not how you get those points. It’s just having them.” And they’ve had plenty. In consecutive games, the Patriots beat Cincinnati 43-17 and Buffalo 37-22. After a 27-25 squeaker over the New York Jets, the runaways resumed — 51-23 over Chicago, 43-21 over Denver, 42-20 over Indianapolis and 34-9 over Detroit. In those 20-plus point wins, the Patriots scored on their first six possessions against Chicago, three of their first four of the second half against Denver, all four of the second half against Indianapolis before running out the clock and four in a row to end the first half against Detroit.

when somebody messes up or I mess up or don’t throw the ball right, whatever happens, I’m just going to keep coming back to them. “That was the first thing I told Kearse after that last interception. I said, ‘Hey, we’re going to win this game. I’m going to keep coming back to you and we’re going to find a way to win the game.’ That’s what we were able to do.” Two of the four interceptions that were intended for Kearse were Wilson’s fault. He underthrew Kearse on a deep pass into double coverage early in the second quarter and later was short with a throw to the front corner of the end zone. Seattle coach Pete Carroll said he believed Wilson misjudged the wind on both of the underthrown passes. But the other two interceptions hit Kearse in the hands. The most costly — it appeared — was the pass that was deflected to Green Bay safety Morgan Burnett with 5:04 left and Green Bay holding a 19-7 lead. Kearse couldn’t even get to all the negative reactions on Twitter from the first four quarters. There was too much praise for his one catch of the day.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — John Elway broke the mold. The Denver Broncos general manager bucked this year’s trend when he hired his former backup QB and offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak as his head coach. Every other head coach vacancy that’s been filled has gone to men with defensive roots: John Fox in Chicago, Jack Del Rio in Oakland, Jim Tomsula in San Francisco, Rex Ryan in Buffalo and Todd Bowles with the Jets. Oddly, every one of those teams also had trouble on offense in 2014. So did the Falcons, the only head coaching vacancy that hasn’t been filled. It appears that offensive coordinators Josh McDaniels of New England and Adam Gase, Peyton Manning’s co-architect in Denver, will have to keep waiting as defensive coordinators Dan Quinn of Seattle and Detroit’s Teryl Austin are the only candidates to get follow-up interviews with the Falcons.

If Quinn is the choice, the Falcons will have to wait to offer him the job until after Seattle plays New England in the Super Bowl on Feb. 1. Quinn’s star rose with the Seahawks’ 43-8 walloping of Elway’s Broncos in last year’s Super Bowl, something NFL Network analyst Terrell Davis believes has driven this defensive shift, along with the aerial fireworks show the league has become. “One, you look at who won the Super Bowl last year. They’ve got a formula people want,” Davis said. “They’ve got a good quarterback and their offense was good; it just wasn’t as good as their defense. If you have a good defense, you can mask a lot of deficiencies on offense. And two, it really is about offenses in this league and if you can stop them.” Then again, Davis said, it could just be coincidence. “Maybe it just happens to be the best candidates are defensive coaches,” Davis said. There’s no ambiguity about it, insisted former NFL executive and current ESPN analyst Bill Polian.

Quinn’s 2nd interview with Falcons goes ‘very well’ BY CHARLES ODUM The Associated Press AN QUIATLANTA — Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s second interview with the Falcons appears to have strengthened his chances of becoming Atlanta’s next coach. Quinn’s agent, Rick Smith, told The Associated Press that Monday’s interview “went very well.” “There’s definitely mutual interest,” Smith said Tuesday. The Falcons can’t offer the job to Quinn until after the Seahawks play New England in the Super Bowl on Feb. 1. Atlanta fired coach Mike Smith after a 6-10 season. QUINN Quinn is the second candidate to have a follow-up interview with the Falcons. Detroit defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is the other. The Falcons have waited for Quinn while seeing other candidates, including Rex Ryan, hired by other teams. Ryan, the former Jets coach, joined Buffalo following his first interview with Atlanta. The Falcons also have interviewed New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase, former Bills coach Doug Marrone and Atlanta special teams coach Keith Armstrong. Seattle has advanced to the Super Bowl in each of their two seasons with Quinn as de-

fensive coordinator. Quinn’s defense shut down Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos to win last year’s Super Bowl. The Seahawks granted permission for Monday’s interview. “I am pretty wide open and flexible in hoping that it works out, and that it won’t be a distraction,” Seattle coach Pete Carroll said Monday. “There will be questions and stuff like that, but we have such a big mission that we are on, and Dan wants nothing more than doing exactly right for what we have to do these next couple of days and the next week. “He has no intention other than that, and he is dead solid on that, and that’s what we will get, but lots of questions will come out.” While the Falcons appear willing to wait two weeks for Quinn, there are reports the team already is building a staff. The Falcons have not confirmed multiple reports the team has an agreement to hire Kyle Shanahan as offensive coordinator. Shanahan resigned as the Cleveland Browns’ offensive coordinator following the season. Carroll said Quinn has what it take to be a head coach. “Dan has tremendous character,” Carroll said. “He has great leadership qualities. He is an excellent communicator. He has great experience behind him. He has worked with a lot of guys who have influenced him and helped him along the way.

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

PRO GOLF

Golf Channel hires English co-host for ‘Morning Drive’ BY DOUG FERGUSON The Associated Press

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jimmy Walker hits a shot on the 15th fairway during the final round of the Sony Open in Honolulu on Sunday. Walker won the tournament by nine strokes, the largest margin of victory in a PGA tour event in almost six years.

Walker hopes Ryder Cup springs him to bigger feats BY DOUG FERGUSON The Associated Press HONOLULU — Some of the best golf at the Ryder Cup occurred in a match hardly anyone noticed. That should be expected. Jimmy Walker was involved. He is becoming more difficult to ignore with each victory. Walker’s nine-shot win at the Sony Open — the largest margin on the PGA Tour in nearly six years — was his fourth victory in the last 15 months, the most of any American in that stretch. His world ranking is No. 13, moving him closer to his goal of playing in the Olympics. More work remains, starting with the majors, and Walker knows this. Last year was his first time playing all four majors, and while he didn’t seriously contend in any, he still had top 10s in the Masters, U.S. Open and PGA Championship. That’s not a bad start, and Walker has shown to be a quick study and a hard worker. Of all the new experiences from 2014, though, what stood out was Sunday at Gleneagles. The Ryder Cup long had been decided when Walker won his singles match against Lee Westwood by making eight birdies in 16 holes. With key wins early from Europe’s two major champions, Rory McIlroy and Martin

Kaymer, there was no reason for television to pay much attention to a match that affected only the final score. But it was a big deal for Walker. He believes his performance on such a big stage, and what he learned from that match, will take him to a higher level. The Sony Open is miles away from the Ryder Cup in so many aspects, though it caused him to reminisce the way he never let up until it was over. “That was huge, that Sunday match against Lee,” Walker said. “That was another day where I didn’t want to let him have anything. After the Ryder Cup I said, ‘I need to figure how to get in that mode, where every shot means so much.’ That’s how it felt. I was so engaged in every shot I hit. I’ve got to try to figure out how to do that week in and week out. And that’s how I felt today.” His second straight victory in the Sony Open was important for a couple of reasons. It was his third straight year with a PGA Tour victory, and it was right after he lost a tournament he felt he should have won. Walker doesn’t feel as if he let up at Kapalua, though he was surprised by the quick turnaround. He missed one shot that led to bogey and missed two birdie putts inside 10 feet as Patrick Reed played the last four holes in 4-under par, including an 80-yard shot he holed for eagle. Reed won with a birdie in the playoff.

PRO BASEBALL

Despite trades, Braves president says team still a contender BY PAUL NEWBERRY The Associated Press ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves are clearly rebuilding. The guy responsible for their overhaul insisted Thursday they can still be a contender. Long one of baseball’s most consistent franchises, the Braves have dealt away three of their top hitters — Justin Upton, Jason Heyward and Evan Gattis — and received only one player assured of being in the majors next season, pitcher Shelby Miller. President of baseball operations John Hart acknowledged that the Braves made all the trades with an eye toward their long-term future. Yet, in a city that has endured only three losing seasons in the last 24 years, the deals have caused major consternation among the fan base, with many complaining that the team has given up on the next two seasons and is more concerned about being competitive when it moves into a new suburban stadium in 2017. Not so, Hart told The Associated Press. “We may not be the prettiest girl at the dance,” he said in a telephone interview, “but we’re going to be a lot of fun to dance with.” On Wednesday, Hart dealt the power-hitting Gattis and a minor-leaguer to the Houston Astros for three pros-

HONOLULU — Golf Channel is adding a familiar face to golf worldwide, but new to America. Cara Robinson, an English sports television host, has been hired as a co-host for Morning Drive and is expected to start her new role in late February as the PGA Tour begins its Florida swing. Robinson most recently was host of Golfing World, a weekly television program on Sky Sports that was available to 20 million viewers in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany and ROBINSON Austria. She traveled extensively to the biggest events for player profiles and features. LEFTY OUT WEST

It was easy for Phil Mickelson to skip the Match Play Championship in Arizona when his kids had spring break because he never cared for the golf courses at Dove Mountain or the fickle, one-and-done format of the tournament. This year he is sacrificing two tournaments that he loves, and where he has won a combined six times. Mickelson, who makes his debut this week in the Humana Challenge, said on his website he will skip the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and the Northern Trust Open at Riviera because of spring break. QUICK PUTT

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Brandt Snedeker should take a bow. And it came from Russell Henley, already regarded as a good putter. He was told at Kapalua that the way he goes through his pre-shot routine on the green looked like Snedeker. Turns out looks were not deceiving. Henley changed his routine. Instead of looking at the ball during his practice strokes, he looks at the hole before he gives it a rap. PLAYER ADVISORY COUNCIL

The PGA Tour has never had a foreign-born player on

its policy board, a streak that will continue. The tour announced its 16-member Player Advisory Council, which advises and consults with the board on competition issues. Three of those players on the council were selected to run for PAC chairman, and the winner will serve a three-year term on the board. The candidates are Davis Love III, Webb Simpson and Kevin Streelman. Voting ends on Feb. 17. SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING HEAVIER

Jimmy Walker went back to his favorite putter for two weeks in Hawaii, and he couldn’t miss on Sunday at the Sony Open. He one-putted 16 of the 18 greens on the back nine at Waialae on the weekend. Why didn’t he use it earlier? It wasn’t heavy enough. Walker won twice on the Nationwide Tour and captured the money title in 2004 using a Scotty Cameron model. He sent the 11-year-old putter to the studios last fall to have it refurbished, and asked if there was a way to add the weight he felt he needed. Tungsten was added to the sole, and Walker fell in love with it again. DIVOTS

In a sponsorship that seemed obvious, LPGA player Brooke Pancake has signed a deal with Waffle House. ... The Latin America Amateur will be held next year at Teeth of the Dog, the Pete Dye design at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. The tournament is for amateurs from South America, Central America and the Caribbean. ... Jimmy Walker says being a professional athlete makes him less prone to criticize when he watches other sports (especially the Dallas Cowboys). STAT OF THE WEEK

Jimmy Walker is 55-under par in his last three tournaments in Hawaii, a scoring average of 65.9. FINAL WORD

“I’m 20 years older.” — Golf Channel co-founder Arnold Palmer on the best part of the network celebrating a 20-year anniversary.

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The Atlanta Braves have been baseball’s most consistent winner over the last 2-plus decades, but they’re in clear rebuilding mode after dealing three of their top hitters, including Jason Heyward, above, mostly for prospects. pects. Already this winter, the Braves got four prospects from San Diego Padres in exchange for Upton, while Heyward and reliever Jordan Walden were sent to the St. Louis Cardinals for Miller and another pitching prospect. Hart, who took over the de factor general manager role after Frank Wren was fired with a week to go in a disappointing 2014 season, said it was imperative that the Braves moved boldly to get something in return for players such as Upton and Heyward, who were entering the final year of their contracts, and bolstered a depleted farm system that ranked among the worst in the

game. Gattis wasn’t a contract issue — he’s still got four more years before he’s eligible to become a free agent — but Hart said the Braves determined he wasn’t a viable full-time player at either catcher or as Upton’s replacement in left field because of defensive limitations. A Texas native, Gattis said he was glad to be heading to a team that seems to have higher goals than the Braves. “It seems like they are going into rebuilding mode,” he said Thursday. “I’m excited to be on a team that is looking to win — this next year, immediately. That’s a really good situation for me.”

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RECRUITING

THE SUMTER ITEM

Fields Jr. chooses Clemson after visit T here was a feeling on Sunday evening that defensive back Mark Fields Jr. of Cornelius, N.C., committed to Clemson earlier in the day at the conclusion of his official visit. However, Fields waited until Monday before publicly acknowledging the pledge. “Clemson just offers everything that I want as far as academics, athletics and me accomplishing what I want to get done in three to four years,” Fields said. “I just felt like it was a perfect fit and a chance for me to grow as a football player and an individual. I just wanted to make it happen.” Fields made several visits to Clemson during the recruiting process, and his official visit last weekend sealed in his mind all he needed to know to make his decision. “I committed to Clemson because Clemson has everything that I want,” Fields said. “The visit just reinforced everything that I already knew, and that Clemson is the place that I wanted to be. They are offering me everything that I want to be able to accomplish and get done, so I just said why not just go ahead and make it happen and just end it.” Fields, a one-time University of South Carolina commitment, is the 25th newcomer for the Clemson program and the fourth for the secondary. He has cancelled a scheduled official visit to Texas for this weekend. The idea that Fields may have committed arose when DB Kareem Orr of Chattanooga, Tenn., who had been on Clemson’s board, said he was called by recruiter Dan Brooks and was told the Tigers had gotten a commitment from another DB over the weekend and were now filled up at the position. With that news, Orr said he will visit Mississippi State this weekend and either Georgia or Ohio State the final weekend. He went to Arizona State over the weekend and currently favors the Sun Devils. Wide receiver/DB Denzel Johnson of A.C. Flora High School in Columbia did not commit to Clemson on his official visit because of some academic concerns that were just discovered, according to Paul Strelow of TigerIllustrated. Thus, Clemson was not in a position to take a commitment from Johnson, who had indicated going into the visit one was possible. Johnson will continue with his visits. He has Georgia Southern scheduled for this weekend and North Carolina the following weekend. Clemson offered junior offensive lineman Will Fries from Cranford, N.J., and 2017 linebacker Justin Foster of Shelby, N.C. USC

USC OL coach Shawn Elliott has been searching for replacements for de-commitments Paris Palmer and Austin Clark, and he has gotten on in big tackle Blake Camper (6-feet-7-inches, 280 pounds) of Virginia Beach, Va. Camper made an official visit to USC over the weekend and switched his commitment to the Gamecocks from Rutgers. Camper has ties to USC head coach Steve Spurrier through his father, who played for Spurrier at Duke. He committed to Rutgers last summer after taking his fourth visit to the campus. He also had offers from East Carolina, Louisville, Maryland, Miami, North Carolina State, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and West Virginia. Camper gives the Gamecocks three OLs in the ‘15 class along with Christian Pellage and Zach Bailey. He gives the Gamecocks 29 newcomers in the class.

Pellage, who is from Brooksville, Fla., made his official visit to Florida over the weekend. He remains committed to the Gamecocks and will make his official visit with them this weekend before finalizing his plans. “After my official to South Carolina, I will reevaluate the two visits and make sure I’m making the best choice for myself,” Pellage said. Pellage has been committed to USC since August. Spurrier was scheduled is to have his in-home visit with Pellage on Monday. USC commitment DB Antoine Wilder of Atlanta took an official visit to Tennessee State. He enjoyed the visit, but he remains firmly committed to USC. He takes his official visit to USC this weekend. Wilder is expecting USC recruiters Lorenzo Ward and Grady Brown to visit him on Thursday. He said Spurrier is scheduled to visit on Monday. USC filled one of the openings in its ‘15 recruiting class created by two DB de-commitments by getting a commitment from safety Toure Boyd (6-1, 193) of Chaffey Junior College in California last week. He’s the fifth pledge for the secondary. Boyd was offered by USC secondary coach Brown after all of his academic work passed muster with the university. He was going to go to Boise State out of high school before a 2-year JC detour, first at the College of the Desert and then at Chaffey. Boyd grew up in Birmingham, Ala., before moving to California at age 13 and couldn’t be happier about having the chance to play in a big-time program in the Southeastern Conference. “I’ve always wanted to play in an elite college system and I picture South Carolina as an elite system,” Boyd said. “It’s always been my dream to play in the SEC, so when this opportunity was brought to me I felt it was a dream come true and a blessing. “Me playing behind a coach like Steve Spurrier is just as good as playing behind a coach like (Alabama’s) Nick Saban. I’m getting this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make the most out of my athleticism and the most out of my talent. This is an objective to my ultimate goal. I picture this as a step closer to where I need to be and where I picture myself to be.” This past season, Boyd had 80 tackles, two interceptions and he broke up 10 passes. He also blocked four kicks. He expects to play S at USC. “I’ll bring intensity and I’ll bring a tenacity to the defense, and an attitude to the overall defense,” he said. “I think that’s the most important thing, your mental attitude. You can bring your athleticism; everybody can be athletic. It’s going to be the SEC. I need to come with a different type of attitude, different type of tenacity when I’m on the field.” USC is continuing to recruit defensive end Tega Wanogho Jr. of Elmore, Ala., but currently is not included in his schedule of official visits. Wanogho visited Louisiana State over the weekend and will go to Tennessee this weekend and Auburn on Jan. 30. “We want him to take all five visits,” said Edgewood Academy assistant coach Todd Taylor,with whom Wanogho lives. “He’ll take these three and if he decides he wants to go on the other two, that will be his choice.” Taylor added that Wanogho will not sign on National Signing Day on Feb. 4 because he will not have had

enough time to sort everything out, and he might take one or two more visits. Taylor said Phil Kornblut he will accompany RECRUITING Wanogho on CORNER all of his visits. USC recruiter Kirk Botkin met with Wanogho on Thursday. LSU, Auburn and Tennessee were also in for visits on Thursday. USC offered OL Trey Derouen of Lilburn, Ga., on Thursday. USC recruiter GA Mangus was by to see Derouen on Thursday. He also met with new Florida head coach Jim McIlwain on Thursday along with coaches from Missouri and Louisville. Florida has not yet offered, according to Derouen’s head coach. Kansas State has also come in with a late offer. Derouen visited Louisville over the weekend, will visit USC this weekend and Florida on Jan. 30. He might also work in a midweek visit to KSU. OL Nick Buchanan (6-4, 290) of Dunwoody, Ga., committed to California in December and remains committed, but others are approaching him to see if he might consider a change. USC and UGA are two which recently offered him and are hoping to get him in for an official visit. “I’m still locked into California and I don’t plan on de-committing,” Buchanan said. “Every school that has the courtesy to offer me a full scholarship to play football, I’m going to listen to what they have to say. I’m not going to shut them out and just say, ‘I’m already committed to California; thanks but no thanks.’ ” He has taken an official visit to Cal and will go to UGA this weekend. Penn State is also showing strong interest in Buchanan, but right now Cal still holds the upper hand on the rest and it will be hard to pry him from the Golden Bears. “One of the best educations in the world,” Buchanan said of Cal. “Everybody knows the Berkeley name education-wise. Also, you get to play Power 5 conference football. You get to play Oregon and go to the Rose Bowl. And I really like the coaches, and when I went on my official I liked how the players gelled with each other.” Buchanan played offensive guard and offensive tackle in high school, but the colleges like him for an OT. OL Cory Helms of Alpharetta, Ga., who is transferring after two seasons as a starter at WF, was offered by Mississippi State on Wednesday. That’s the fourth offer for Helms since he announced plans to leave the Demon Deacons. Helms visited Mississippi State over the weekend and went from there to Texas A&M for a Sunday-Monday visit. Helms also has official visits set with USC for this weekend and PSU for Jan. 30. He is not sure if he will take a fifth visit. Helms said he’s in regular contact with USC’s OL coach Elliott. “We keep in touch pretty much every day,” Helms said. “He wants me up there and he’s recruiting me pretty hard right now.” Helms said Elliott planned to visit him this week after he returned from A&M and before his visit to USC. DB Rashad Fenton (6-0, 180) of Miami is scheduled to visit USC this weekend. He was at UF over the weekend and will visit Louisville on Jan. 30. He’s also considering Auburn. He doesn’t have a favorite going into his visits. This

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season, Fenton had 50 tackles, five INTs and returned a combined six punts and kickoffs for touchdowns. Florida Atlantic commitment DB Gerald Robinson Jr. (5-10, 175) of Hialeah, Fla., was offered by USC and he will visit this weekend. He is scheduled to visit FAU the following weekend. “I’m actually thinking about FAU and South Carolina, so I just want to wait and pick out of those two,” Robinson said. “No other schools are really talking to me so that’s the final two right there.” Robinson said USC secondary coach Brown has been recruiting him since his junior year. “They had a few de-commitments, and he told me that they needed me to come in and play right away. He said I can play everywhere, multiple positions on their defense, and play wherever they need me. That’s what they need to bring in to their game.” Robinson said he would be ready for anything the defensive staff threw at him. “Press coverage and cover 3 (formations), I’ve been playing that in high school,” Robinson said. “And man, I can adjust to that fast because that’s what I had to play all day in high school.” This season, Robinson had 30 tackles with two INTs and three forced fumbles. USC commitment DB Damon Arnette of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., visited Michigan over the weekend and DE commitment Quandeski Whitlow visited Louisville. Formerly committed DE Arden Key went to LSU. All three are scheduled to visit USC this weekend. Arnette said he had a good visit to Michigan, but his commitment to USC remains in place. Whitlow has been committed to the Gamecocks since June. “If I feel like something gets comfortable to me, I’ll have to balance it all out,” Whitlow said. “I won’t know until I take my visits. Florida is coming after me hard. I’ve talked to the coaches, and they said they need some ‘Bama boys. I will take the visits and get more into the schools and see if it’s somewhere I can call home for the next three or four years.” Spurrier has an in-home with Whitlow scheduled for Thursday. Key has de-committed from the Gamecocks twice, but recently tweeted that they are still No. 1on his list. He plans to visit USC, Miami, UGA and Auburn before making his final decision, which he will announce on Next Class on Fox Sports South on Feb. 2. “My decision (to de-commit) did not have anything to do with coaches or how the season went,” Key said in an appearance on the show last week. “It’s just something that it’s getting closer to Signing Day and I want to make sure I make the right decision.” Key said USC remains strong with him for the same reasons he originally committed to the program. “The atmosphere on game day is crazy,” he said. “I’ve built a great relationship with Coach Ward and (defensive line) Coach (Deke) Adams. Not Spurrier too much, the main people. The fans there, they have a great fan base.” Key added that UF is also in the mix with him, and he said these upcoming official visits will be very important. “I’m not sure where I want to go right now,” he said. “I’m not 100 percent nowhere.” DB Maurice Smitherman of Adamsville, Ala., said on Sunday he’s 100 percent with his commitment to Mississippi State. He cancelled a visit for this weekend to Texas Tech and won’t

visit USC at the end of the month. Smitherman said he talked with USC recruiter Brown late in the week and told him his heart was with the Bulldogs. Brown was going to make an in-home visit with Smitherman, but that didn’t happen after that conversation. USC offered junior WR Josh Imatorbhebhe (6-2, 202) of Suwanee, Ga., on Thursday. Among his other offers are Ohio State, UF, Michigan and Michigan State. USC and Florida State offered ‘17 WR OrTre Smith of Wando High in Mt. Pleasant. NCSU offered junior LB TJ Brunson of Richland Northeast High in Columbia and USC is showing strong interest. OTHERS

WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside of Dorman High in Roebuck visited Stanford over the weekend and said afterward, “I am 100 percent going to Stanford.” ArcegaWhiteside had to wait until the visit to find out for sure he was being accepted into Stanford. LB Jonathon Sutton of Swansea High made his official visit to UNC over the weekend. He remains firmly committed to the Tar Heels despite the changes on the defensive staff. Also, Swansea WR Craig Johnson committed to Charleston Southern over the weekend while on an official visit. WR Tavin Richardson of Byrnes High in Duncan did not take his scheduled visit to Louisville over the weekend. He is scheduled to visit Kentucky this weekend. He’s also visited Nebraska and Central Florida. Richardson plans to announce his decision on Jan. 30. UGA met with Shrine Bowl DL Eurndraus Bryant of Fort Dorchester High in North Charleston last week. UGA did not offer during the meeting, but Bryant said he hopes to hear something from the Bulldogs soon. He set an official visit to UGA for Jan. 30. He is going to Georgia Southern this weekend. LB Hassan Belton of Blythewood High was scheduled to visit Tennessee State over the weekend. He has also been to Towson and is scheduled to visit Missouri this weekend. Shrine Bowl DL Paul McKiever (6-4, 275) of Batesburg-Leesville High is looking primarily at Georgia Southern and Georgia Military JC. He is scheduled for an official visit to Georgia Southern on Jan. 30. McKiever plans to reach out to USC about going the JC route and then transferring. He feels doing that may be best for him. He also has offers from WF, Appalachian State, South Carolina State and Newberry. This season, McKiever had 104 tackles and four quarterback sacks. Shrine Bowl DB Cedarius Rookard of Spartanburg High committed to Troy. Placekicker Brady Cormier of Beaufort High committed to The Citadel with a scholarship offer and backed off a plan to walk on at USC. DB Seth Nichols of Hillcrest High in Simpsonville, DE Wyatt Rogers of Dorman High and DB Jackson Tipton of Greer High committed to Union College in Kentucky where former Newberry College head coach Zak Willis is the head coach. In-state commitments for CSU to date are tight end Travay Hatton of Pageland Central High, QB London Johnson of Marlboro County High in Bennettsville, OL Zac Evans of South Florence High; DE Jacob Garibay of Hanahan High, OL Stephen Haralambis of Chapin High, Johnson of Swansea and DE Gerald Turner, a transfer from USC.

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SPORTS / OBITUARIES

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

Williams, Djokovic advance at Aussie Open BY JOHN PYE The Associated Press MELBOURNE, Australia — Serena Williams claims to suffer from nerves and jitters before her first-round matches at the Grand Slams. She certainly didn’t show it, winning her first set in 21 minutes on Tuesday night on the way to a 6-0, 6-4 win over Alison Van Uytvanck at the Australian Open. The 18-time major winner has only once lost in the opening round at a Grand Slam tournament, and this is her 58th. One more Grand Slam title and she’ll pass Chris Evert DJOKOVIC and Martina Navratilova on the all-time list of champions. “If I could get to 19 in Australia that would be amazing,” said the top-ranked Williams, who won the last of her five Australian titles in 2010. Four-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic returned to Rod Laver Arena for the first time as a husband and father, shrugging off the effects of a cold to beat No. 116-ranked Aljaz Bedene 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in his first-round match. Djokovic won the first of his seven major titles at the 2008 Australian Open, then won here in three consecutive years from 2011 to 2013. His 25-match winning streak at Melbourne Park ended in a quarterfinal loss last year to Stan Wawrinka, who went on to win the title. Wawrinka began the defense of a major crown for the first time with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win over No. 100-ranked Marsel Ilhan, taking less than 1½ hours to breeze through the first round. “It’s great, bringing me a lot of memories from last

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Serena Williams makes a forehand return to Alison Van Uytvanck during her 6-0, 6-4 victory in the first round of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, on Tuesday. year,” Wawrinka said of his return. “It was great to come back here feeling happy, happy with my game.” Top-ranked Djokovic had the subsequent match on center court and appeared to be tired and still recovering from illness after his match, saying he’d had a “rough two weeks healthwise but I’m getting up there.” His mood changed suddenly when a court-side interview turned to reflections of 2014, when he won Wimbledon for the second time, married his long-time partner, Jelena, and the couple had a son, Stefan. “Well those two events are the two most beautiful events I experienced in my life,” he said. “Stefan, he’s a blessing

OBITUARIES GLADYS B. DENNIS MANNING — Funeral service for Gladys Burkholder Dennis, 87, will be held at 7 p.m. today at Thompson Funeral Home, West Columbia Chapel. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Thompson Funeral Home is assisting the family. Mrs. Dennis passed away peacefully on Jan. 18, 2015, at her home in Columbia. She was born on Feb. 25, 1927, in Farmersville, Pennsylvania, to the late Irvin and Bertha Klein Burkholder. She was married to the late William Clay Dennis for 61 years, until his death in 2011. Mrs. Dennis graduated from East Stroudsburg Teachers College in the late 1940s and became a public school teacher. She enjoyed golfing with her husband and friends. Mrs. Dennis traveled the world with her husband and daughter until her retirement to Manning. Gladys is survived by her daughter, Marilyn-Kay Mark Casto (Anna Russell) of the home; three sisters, Iris, Phyllis and Janice; and best friend, Laura Harrington (Paul) of Manning. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Doris. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322

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HELEN M. WENTLING TURBEVILLE — Helen Margaret Wentling, age 98, died on Jan. 19, 2015, at a Florence nursing facility, after an illness. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Turbeville Southern Methodist Church. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Turbeville Southern Methodist Church. Born in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, she was a daughter of the late Franklin H. and Ada Margaret Long Spang. Mrs. Wentling was member of Turbeville Southern Methodist Church and founder and president of Turbeville 60’s Plus. She attend two years at Columbia Bible College in Columbia. She was co-founder, along with her husband, of Brookland Plantation Home for Boys in Orangeburg. She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Ralph A. Wentling. Surviving are three daughters, Gladys (Richard) Blank of Turbeville, Eileen M.(Charles) Landis of Manheim, Pennsyl-

we received ... now I have even more motivation.” Two other men widely considered to be in the next generation of major winners advanced in straight sets, with U.S. Open finalist Kei Nishikori beating Nicolas Almagro 6-4, 7-6 (1), 6-2 and No. 8 Milos Raonic firing 30 aces in a 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3), 6-3 win against qualifier Illya Marchenko. In night matches, 33-year-old Lleyton Hewitt started his 19th consecutive Australian Open by beating Zhang Ze 6-3, 1-6, 6-0, 6-4, Vasek Pospisil beat Sam Querrey 6-3, 6-7 (5), 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 and No. 17 Gael Monfils rallied from two sets down, and then from a break down in the fifth, to beat fellow Frenchman

Lucas Pouille 6-7 (3), 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4. Monfils’ comeback in the third set include a betweenthe-legs shot from the baseline that set up a winning point. The thought of his parents watching on TV helped with the inspiration. “I was thinking about my parents, looking at me overseas. I promised them I’d be good this year,” he said. “I’m very emotional — we’ve been through a lot. It was tough for me today, but we came through.” No. 9 David Ferrer, No. 12 Feliciano Lopez, No. 13 Roberto Bautista Agut and No. 19 John Isner also advanced, while No. 16 Fabio Fognini, No. 21 Alexandr Dolgopolov,

No. 25 Julien Benneteau and No. 27 Pablo Cuevas were all ousted. Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and No. 6 Agnieszka Radwanska needed only 63 minutes each for their straight-sets wins over Richel Hogenkamp and Kurumi Nara, and No. 18 Venus Williams beat Maria Teresa Torro 6-2, 6-2. No. 11 Dominika Cibulkova, a finalist here last year, opened with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 comeback win against Kirsten Flipkens, and 2011 U.S. Open champion Sam Stosur also advanced, while No. 12 Flavia Pennetta, No. 13 Andrea Petkovic and No. 15 Jelena Jankovic were eliminated.

vania, and Phyllis J. (Guy) Sanders of New Port Richey, Florida; nine grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts may be made to Brookland Plantation, 3105 Five Chop Road, Orangeburg, SC 29115. Online condolences may be made at www.floydfuneral.com.

bert L. Boone officiating, eulogist. The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 1048 Wellington Road, Sumter. The procession will leave from the home at 12:30 p.m. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr. com. Visit us on the web at www. williamsfuneralhomeinc.com. Services directed by the staff and management of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. today at the Clark United Methodist Churchyard cemetery, 2980 Oswego Highway (U.S. 401), Sumter, with the Rev. Frank Williams Jr. officiating, eulogist. Floral bearers and pallbearers will be family and friends. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr. com. Visit us on the web at www. williamsfuneralhomeinc.com. Services directed by the staff and management of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.

NATHANIEL DAVIS SR. Nathaniel Davis Sr., 59, departed this life on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born on Oct. 22, 1955, a native of Sumter, he was a son of the late John Sr. and Eartha Mae Holmes Davis. Survivors include his children, Derrick (Karen) Blackmon, Nathaniel (Monica) Davis Jr. of Charlotte, North Carolina, Christina Davis of Atlanta, Stephen Davis and Isaiha Robinson of Sumter; four brothers, Hope Miller Davis of Lithonia, Georgia, John Davis Jr. of Sumter and Alexander (Joann) Davis of Pinewood; three sisters, Yvonne (Lindsay) Hall of Eastover, Karen Hagler and Vickey Hagler of Decatur, Georgia; a host of grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday at the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel, Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter, with Pastor Her-

READIE MAE HOWARD Readie Mae Howard, 80, departed this life on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, in Hampton, Virginia. Born on July 4, 1934, in Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late Louise Moses. She leaves to cherish her memories: a daughter, Annie Brewer of Carrollton, Virginia; and a host of other relatives and friends.

WAYNE MITCHUM Wayne Mitchum, 69, husband of Susan E. Mitchum, died on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Services will be announced by Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter.

We’re moving to .... 2 N. MAIN STREET EARLY SPRING CORNER OF LIBERTY & MAIN

OAK PARK

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MOVING SALE

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CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

ANNOUNCEMENTS In Memory In Memory of Hammie, Ronnie, and Freddie Truesdale Who Jesus called home so many years ago. Even tho it still hurts today just as it did back in the days. You are in a much better place now along side God and his Heavenly Angels. For now Dad rest well until we meet again. You three will always remain in our hearts. Your: Widow, Sons: Tony, Allen, and David. Written by your son David.

Firewood

Help Wanted Full-Time

Unfurnished Apartments

For Sale Tons of fire wood premium seasoned oak. You pick up $40 per pick up load, delivered 1/2 cord $70. Call Collins Tree Service 803-499-2136

Morris College, a private four year Liberal Arts College in Sumter, South Carolina is seeking to fill the following position(s):

3 Bd/ 2 Ba, Newly Renovated Duplex. $700 per mo + sec. Dep. Call 803-236-3897

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $2 FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend. 905-4242

For Sale or Trade Office furniture for sale, in excellent condition, Call for details 803-778-1139 Firewood for Sale Will Deliver. Call 803 651-8672 6 x10 -6x12-6x16 Utility Trailers for sale 803-972-0900 Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364

In Loving Memory Of Estelle L. Ray Efferson 05/10/34 - 01/21/11 Gone yet not forgotten. Although we are apart, your spirit lives within us; Forever in our hearts Your Children & Grands

BUSINESS SERVICES Home Improvements Land Clearing avail. includes: Digging ponds, excavation, and bulldozer work. Call T & N Septic Tank Co. at 803-481-2428 or 803-481-2421

Four Seasons Lawn Care Serving Sumter for almost 20 yrs! Free est. 494-9169/468-4008

Roofing All Types of Roofing & Repairs All work guaranteed. 30 yrs exp. SC lic. Virgil Bickley 803-316-4734.

Septic Tank Cleaning

Massey Ferguson 35 gas, very nice, $3750. OBO Cash only. Call 803-972-0900 Closing Business Sale, several desk like new, lanier copy mach., fax, chairs, sm fridge., drink mach. (12oz cns., 8 flav.) Will sell individually or as a group. Call 803-499-4207 or 803-840-7556. 4 Cemetery Plots for sale in Evergreen near the veteran monument. 4 corner stones Call for details 803-494-3248.

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time Snacktime is taking applications for an established vending machine route. Apply by fax 803-437-2159 or on website: snacktimevending.biz Assistant Manager needed by the Sumter Branch of World Acceptance Corp. Valid Drivers License and Auto required. This is a Manager's Trainee position and a career opportunity that offers excellent salary and a complete fringe benefits package. Promotion to Manager is possible within 15 months. No experience necessary. Apply in person at People's Finance 730-B Broad St. Sumter.

Experienced administrative candidates needed for the following openings:

Septic tank pumping & services. Call Ray Tobias & Company (803) 340-1155.

Tree Service STATE TREE SERVICE Worker's Comp & General liability insurance. Top quality service, lowest prices. 803-494-5175 or 803-491-5154 www.statetree.net Ricky's Tree Service Tree removal, stump grinding, Lic & ins, free quote, 803-435-2223 or cell 803-460-8747. Mention this ad & get 10% off. A Notch Above Tree Care Full quality service low rates, lic./ins., free est BBB accredited 983-9721

MERCHANDISE

A/P CLERK EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT INSURANCE CSR INVENTORY/ACCTG ASST Apply at 344 W. Liberty St. Norman Williams and Associates www.williamstemporary.com

Submit letter of application, personal resume, three letters of recommendation and official academic transcripts to: Director of Personnel, Morris College, 100 W. College St., Sumter, SC 29150-3599. Morris College is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer Locally established Heating & Air condition Co. looking for Exp. Service Tech. Needs to have good driving record. Pay range from $33k-$46k a year plus health insurance, retirement, bonus and commission available. Apply in person at 1640 Suber Street. $$$ AVON $$$ FREE TRAINING! 803-422-5555 Full time Musician Area church is seeking a full time musician. Please call 803-481-4501 to obtain an application or email your contact information to salvation@ftc-i.net and an application will be mailed to you. A background check will be required.

Trucking Opportunities Experienced Diesel Technician Needed. Immediate opening for experienced Diesel/truck Technician for a locally based truck fleet. Duties include trouble shooting, general repair and PM Service. Experience with CAT, Cummins and Detroit along with hydraulic systems a plus. Benefit package includes: medical, dental, prescription plan and life insurance. Paid holidays, paid vacation, 401K, profit sharing and uniforms supplied. Must have tools and pass pre employment physical and have a valid driver's license. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Apply at FCI 132 Myrtle Beach Hwy, Sumter, SC 29153 or e-mail resume to tkrigbaum@freeholdcartage.com or call 803-773-2611 ext. 25 for Todd

Medical Help Wanted PT LPN (Sat night only) To work in the Sumter-Lee Regional Jail Medical Units. Competitive pay. All Applicants are subject to Drug Screening and the Issuance of Security Clearance by the Facility in Which work is to be performed. Apply online at: www.southernhealth partners.com

RENTALS

Metal roofer installers & sheet metal mechanics. Must have own transportation. Only exp. need to apply. Call 968-2459 before 5 pm!!! COMMUNITY MANAGER needed for apartment community in the Sumter area. This is an exciting yet challenging FT position. If you possess supervisory experience, marketing, written and verbal communication plus computer skills, then we need you on our team. Previous property management experience preferred but not required. Must pass criminal check and drug screening. Our company offers competitive salary and benefits. Must live within 25 miles of Sumter. Please fax cover letter and resume to Attn. Ad#31 at 1-888-859-3978 or email jobsearch.2014@outlook.com with Attn. Ad #31 for subject. EOE.

Unfurnished Apartments 2 Apts Avail. 1 Br, 3 Room Apartment, 7A-7B Maney St. No appliances $325 mo. & dep Call 803-775-0776

Autos For Sale

REAL ESTATE Homes for Sale

Unfurnished Homes 2 - 3Bd 2Ba Brick Homes for rent good subdivisions $1350 $1250 mo.+dep. Call 803-469-8147 2BR 1.5BA C/H/A, Stv, Frig, W/D. New carpet, paint. No Pets/Smoking $625mo. & dep. 983-8463. Must see! Large family friendly waterfront home in Deerfield,4BR 2.5BA Lg Rec room $1800 Mo +Dep Call 803-468-4659 or 469-0555

150 Milton, Must Sell, 2 Br, lg. corner lot, great shape. Financing avail. Call 803-775-4391 or 464-5960

Mobile Home Rentals

Early Tax Time Special

3600 Dallas St. Dalzell Must Sell 3 Br 2 Ba lg. lot, lg. shop Financing avail. Call 803-775-4391 or 464-5960

No Payment Til Feb. As Low As $175.00 Per Mo. On Site Rent. For A Limited Time Only.

Moving - Must Sell Make Offer. Immaculate 3Br 2Ba 3455 Oleander Dr. 406-9188

Why Rent When You Can Own?

Sumter School District IFB#15-0001 Maintenance/Custodial Uniforms Sumter School District is seeking qualified vendors to submit sealed bids for maintenance and custodial staff uniforms. The specifications and other pertinent information can be found on the District's website district.sumterschools.net Departments/Procurement Services. You may also pick up specifications from Sumter School District Maintenance Department, 1345 Wilson Hall Road, Sumter, SC 29150. The sealed bids will be opened on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. in the Maintenance Department.

Public Hearing NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE #15-828 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the County Council for Sumter County, South Carolina, will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at 6:00 O'clock P.M., or as soon thereafter as practicable, as said hearing can be convened, in connection with:

“Close to Everything” • AC/Heat

An Ordinance To Abandon And Convey A Portion Of Maxwell Avenue To The City Of Sumter.

Bring back this ad & receive FREE application fee.

6 Middle St. Must Sell 3/4 Br. 2 Ba New construction Financing avail. Call 775-4391 or 464-5960

Call Now! 469-8515

Manufactured Housing

wc.mhcomm.com Oaklawn MHP: 2 BR M.H.'s, water /sewer/garbage pk-up incl'd. RV parking avail. Call 803-494-8350 2, 3 & 4 Br, all appliances, Section 8 accepted. 469-6978 or 499-1500 Beautiful 3 bedroom/1 bathroom mobile home for rent. Only $599.00 per month.Located in Sumter, SC. Available for immediate occupancy, act now this home won't last! Call 803-469-8515 for additional details.

Turn your Tax Refund into your dream home! Low credit score? Been turned down for bad credit? Come try us, we do our own financing.We have 2-3-4 bedroom homes. For more information, call 843-389-4215. For Sale Nice 4Br 2Ba DW w/ lg. lot 803-983-0408

STATEBURG COURTYARD

Commercial Industrial

TRANSPORTATION

306 & 308 Broad St. Each 1200 sq. ft. or could be combined. Immediately available. Call 775-0487 or 464-6235 for appt.

Autos For Sale

1 Acre fenced in repo. car lot on E. Liberty St. $400 month. Bobby Sisson 773-4381.

Dated this 9th day of January, 2015. The County Council for Sumter, S. C. By: Chairman, Sumter County Council Mary W. Blanding, Clerk to Council

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the County Council for Sumter County, South Carolina, will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at 6:00 O'clock P.M., or as soon thereafter as practicable, as said hearing can be convened, in connection with: An Ordinance To Abandon And Convey A Portion Of Paddock Court To The Adjoining Property Owner.

Restaurant for lease. 50 seat dinning room, complete commercial kitchen, Call 803-972-7188

Business Rentals

The said ordinance can be reviewed or a copy obtained from the Clerk to Council at the Offices of County Council on the third floor of the said County Administration Building. The public is invited to attend and participate in the public hearing.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE #15-829

Near Shaw: 2BR 1BA Part. furn. w /lrg porch $400/mo fenced yard 840-3371 494-3573

2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

Farms & Acreage Hunting Land 53.26 Acres (Clarendon Co)Exit 122 Alcolu 4 ponds,established road. 4 in. well for stocked pond. Access to electrical pwr. Ducks, turkeys, fish, deer. $200K Call 803-481-2048 pin# 9129

Commercial Rentals

Senior Living Apartments for those 62+ (Rent based on income) Shiloh-Randolph Manor 125 W. Bartlette. 775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

Buy Here Pay Here, no interest, no credit check, no document fees, Floyds Used Cars, 1640 Toole St. 803-495-9585 or 803-464-2891

This public hearing will be held in the Chambers of the said County Council on the third floor of the Sumter County Administration Building, 13 East Canal Street, Sumter, South Carolina, or at such other location within the said County as proper notice might specify. The said ordinance can be reviewed or a copy obtained from the Clerk to Council at the Offices of County Council on the third floor of the said County Administration Building. The public is invited to attend and participate in the public hearing. Dated this 9th day of January, 2015. The County Council for Sumter, S. C. By: Chairman, Sumter County Council Mary W. Blanding, Clerk to Council

South Carolina Department of Corrections

Swan Lake Apts. Apply now. Remodeled builds. in back, 2Bd 1Ba apts. in quiet, scenic neighborhood. No section 8. 803-775-4641.

CAREER FAIR

Saturday, January 24, 2015 • 9:00am - 1:00pm Hiring All Qualified Applicants for the Position of

Pilgrims

Farm Products Horse Hay for sale. Tight sq. bails $5. Some for $4. Heavy rnd. bails $40. Some $35 Corn oats hog feed. Call Warren 843-319-1884

Secretary; To assist the division chairperson in filing and tracking student performance and records, and to render efficient clerical and data collection activities. Applicant must be proficient in computer skills and office automation and must possess a personable attitude and experience to interact with students. Must have an Associate's degree in Office Automation or related field and two years of general office experience. Effective Immediately.

Martin's Used Appliance Washers, Dryers, Refrig., Stoves. Guarantee 464-5439 or 469-7311

Lawn Service Lifestyles Lawn Service New Year Clean-up Specials! Mil.-Sen. Disc.! Erik 968-8655

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

We are currently seeking an experienced and proven CDL Driver. Qualiﬁed applicants must have a current Class A license and a good driving record with a minimum of 1- year on the road experience. Working knowledge of DOT regulations. Basic reading and writing skills.

Correctional Officer II Requirements: Must be a U.S. Citizen, at least 21 years of age, High School Diploma or GED, No Criminal Record, Must possess a Valid Current Driver’s License. If offered employment, you must pass a physical examination. WORK SCHEDULE: 12 Hour Shift (No Rotation), 2 weekends off per month, work only 14 days per month.

Background and a pre-employment physical/drug screen are required with this position. We have an excellent compensation package which consist of paid holidays, vacation, medical, dental, life insurance, and 401k. If you meet these requirements call for an appointment at 803481-8555 or 803-481 6427. Pilgrims 2050 Highway 15 South • Sumter, SC 29150 Fax: 803-481-8961 EOE-AA-M-F-D-V

4 PIECE PLACEMAT SETS Sale $3.00 per set Reg. $5.00

29 Progress St. - Sumter 775-8366 Ext. 37 Store Hours Mon. - Sat. • 9:30 - 5:00 Closed Sunday

TABLE RUNNERS Sale $2.00 each Reg. $4.00

SELECTED ROUND COTTON BRAIDED AREA RUGS 1/2 OFF Regular Price

Excellent State Benefits • Police Retirement • Training and Uniforms Provided

Lee Correctional Institution

990 Wisacky Highway • Bishopville, SC 29010 For more information or directions, please call Lt. Dobbs at 803-896-1665 or Robin King at 803-896-2440 Come dressed for an interview, take a tour and meet the institutional staff. You must bring your valid driver’s license. www.doc.sc.gov

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SECTION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 Call Ivy Moore at: (803) 774-1221 | E-mail: ivy@theitem.com

Fairy tale princesses face perils The Studio presents ballet with comic twist BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com

Cinderella doesn’t just clean the fireplace and hearth, she “becomes obsesf you’ve ever wanted sive-compulsive,” Boyes said. “Sleeping Beauty develops to know the back stonarcolepsy, and Snow White ries of all those theme gets tired of waiting for her prince to come and gets inpark princesses, this is volved in online dating.” your lucky month. In fact, Show White “jumps the fence” to go meet an onThe Studio, which annualline contact, and the seven ly produces a full-length baldwarfs are sent to retrieve let, will present “Gated Comher. munity (Even Princesses The other storylines are Have Problems)” at the Sumjust as amusing ter Opera in this comic House on ‘GATED COMMUNITY’ production, Jan. 30 and WHERE: Sumter Opera House, Boyes said. 31. Director, 21 N. Main St.. Other charwriter and acters in the chief choreWHEN: The Jan. 30 ballet include ographer performance begins at 7 p.m. Mulan, TinkerPenny Boyes with the doors opening at bell, Sofia the said the 6:30 p.m. The Saturday First, Belle and “dance/thematinee will begin at 2 p.m. others, porater producwith the doors opening at trayed by The tion” shows 1:30 p.m. Studio’s dancwhat hapTICKETS: $10 in advance and ers based here pens to fairy $12 at the door and in Chartale prinlotte. cesses Snow PHONE: Call Penny Boyes at Remember White, Cin(803) 979-3300 or Michael Eloise, the little derella, Hodge at (803) 236-1193 girl who grew Ariel, Raup at the Plaza punzel, Hotel in New Sleeping York City? Beauty, Jasmine and other “She’s grown up to be a familiar princesses when their royal families lose their therapist,” Boyes said. “She’ll be doing counseling castles and money in the recent economic downturn and with the troubled princesses during breaks” — both prihave to live like the middle vate and group therapy. “The class. results are more amusing It’s not an easy life for the than the park.” formerly pampered girls. Cheryl Chandler, who grew “All the real princesses seup in New York, will play Elcure employment with a faoise. mous theme park in FloriLocal artists Michael and da,” Boyes said. Hailey Hodge have designed The lifestyle changes and and constructed the sets of having to work to support “Gated Community,” Boyes themselves proves troublesaid. “It’s been a collaborasome for them, however.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Snow White, played by Megan Jones, contemplates giving up the long wait for her prince to come and trying an online dating site instead in The Studio’s dance/theater ballet titled “Gated Community (Even Princesses Have Problems)” at the Sumter Opera House on Jan. 30 and 31. tive effort. Some of the dancers assisted with choreography, too.” As has been their custom, The Studio dancers will preface their presentation with a performance dedicated to a former company member. “We are remembering Lynn Chapman Rye,” Boyes said. “She died just last year. Lynn danced with us for 10 years.” The music selected for the dedicatory performance is

“Hallelujah” by Vox. So ... . Will Snow White return to the park, and will her prince ever come? Will Sleeping Beauty be able to stop taking those involuntary naps? Can Cinderella reach the point that she can tolerate a little bit of ash on the hearth? Will Belle stop trying to change every guy she dates? Audiences will have two opportunities to discover the answers to those and other

The princesses recall happier times before the recession and their employment at a famous Florida theme park. They are danced by, from left: Caroline Toburen, Bethany McCause, Hannah Chaney, Savannah McCause, Megan Jones and Elizabeth Silvey.

questions, when The Studio presents “Gated Community (Even Princesses Have Problems)” at the Sumter Opera House. The Jan. 30 performance begins at 7 p.m. with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. The Saturday matinee will begin at 2 p.m. with the doors opening at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For more information call Penny Boyes at (803) 979-3300 or Michael Hodge at (803) 236-1193

Princess Aurora (Hannah Chaney) is happy to be away from the Florida theme park where she has to work because of the recent economic downturn.

Patricia Routledge still ‘Keeping up Appearances’ BY NICK THOMAS Tinseltown Talks Produced from 1990-95, the British sitcom “Keeping Up Appearances” quickly crossed the Atlantic, bringing smiles to viewers of American Public Television where the show was widely broadcast. The success of the series, still seen on limited PBS stations today, was mainly due to the formidable acting skills of Patricia Routledge, who created the ludicrously snobbish and comical character Hyacinth Bucket — pronounced “bouquet,” of course. “The basic premise of Hyacinth is pretension, and that’s the source of so much comedy,” Routledge said from London. “While attempting to be a social climber, she also had to deal with members from the other side of her family like Onslow, who sat around in his string vest drinking beer. In a way, the show was a microcosm for society.” Still busy at 85, Routledge has been traveling the U.K., Europe and Australia starring in “Admission: One Shilling,” a stage presentation recounting the life of early 20th-century British pianist Myra Hess. “I don’t depict her but read from her letters and reported conversations to tell the story of the concerts she gave in London during World War II,” she said. “I first saw her in the ‘40s when I was 14 and was impressed with her great gifts as an artist. I was also fortunate to see Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Edith Evans and a whole host of actors who

PHOTO PROVIDED

Patricia Routledge, right, who stars as Hyacinth Bucket — pronounced “bouquet” — in the BBC series “Keeping Up Appearances,” poses with co-star Clive Swift. contributed to my interest in theater.” Regarded as one of Britain’s most eminent theater actresses, Routledge graduated from the University of Liverpool as an English and literature major. “I didn’t have any intention of becoming an actor, although looking back now I can see it was really inevitable,” she said. Best known in the U.S. for her TV roles, including “Hetty Wainthropp Investigates,” Routledge is also a professionally trained singer with many

years’ experience in musical theater. In 1968, she even visited the U.S. to star in the Broadway musical “Darling of the Day.” The production only ran for some 30 performances, but yielded Routledge a Tony Award working alongside an actor known more for his malevolent rather than melodic performances – Vincent Price. “The play was about an artist,” explained Routledge. “Vincent was very knowledgeable about art and a big col-

lector, so I suppose that’s why the management brought him in. But he had not been on stage for many years and basically wasn’t musical, so he did not have a good time. However, he was wonderful to work with and all the company loved him. We shared his pain in the not very positive reviews he had to endure.” The extent of Routledge’s musical background was revealed in Edward Seckerson’s recent British stage production “Facing the Music,” in which the actress appeared for several years. “Edward dug up my history and a lot of my old musical recordings that I had forgotten about. We have a conversation on stage about that aspect of my career,” she said. In sharp contrast to Routledge’s actual singing voice, her Hyacinth character in “Keeping Up Appearances” demonstrated frightful and failed attempts to impress others with her vocal prowess, leading to many comedic situations. When combined with classic British innuendo, clever slapstick and memorable supporting characters, the show has become a treasured comedy import around the world. “I remember reading the pilot script and feeling confident I could knit this character together,” says Routledge. “Hyacinth absolutely leapt from the page.” Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for more than 500 magazines and newspapers.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

FOOD

THE SUMTER ITEM

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Turn burritos into a party finger food BY J.M. HIRSCH AP Food Editor

here is something magical about a burrito, that com-

bination of crispy tortilla edges that turn doughy soft at the center, all concealing a delicious blend of beans and meat and melted cheese. Splash that sucker with some salsa, sour cream, perhaps a spoonful of guacamole, and that’s a pillow of perfection on your plate. Usually, a burrito makes a meal. But for my Super Bowl

party, I decided to turn the dish into a finger food. Using smaller flour tortillas, I rolled up an army of burritos filled with refried beans, ground beef and cheese. Once you have your ingredients arranged, the rest of the prep is easy. The burritos also can be assembled in the morning, arranged in the pan, then refrigerated until ready to bake and serve. Want to make these vegetarian? You can simply leave out the ground beef (make sure you buy vegetarian refried beans) or substitute cooked rice. You can add vegetables, such as onions or mushrooms, but you’ll need to saute them first, otherwise they won’t have time to cook in the oven (and will make your burritos soggy).

BEAN AND BEEF BURRITOS Be sure to let your tortillas warm to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe. Cold tortillas will crack and split when you try to roll them. Alternatively, you can wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven for a few minutes, or until softened but not toasted. Start to finish: 30 minutes (15 minutes active) Servings: 8 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small yellow onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 pound ground beef 1 teaspoon chili powder Salt and ground black pepper Eight 8-inch flour tortillas, room temperature 15-ounce can refried beans 1 cup grated cheddar cheese Salsa, to serve Guacamole, to serve Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. In a large skillet over medium-high, heat the oil. Add the onion and garlic and saute for 4 minutes. Add the

ground beef and saute, breaking it up, until browned, about 6 minutes. Sprinkle in chili powder, then stir well. Season with salt and pepper; set aside off the heat. One at a time, lay a tortilla flat on the counter. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the refried beans evenly over the entire surface of the tortilla. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the ground beef mixture in a line near the edge of the tortilla closest to you, then top that with about 1 tablespoon cheese. To fold the burrito, start with the edge closest to you, lifting it and rolling it toward the center. Halfway into the roll, fold both sides toward the center and over the rolled bottom edge. Now continue rolling the bottom until the burrito is fully formed as a log. The refried beans should hold the burrito together. Place the burrito in the prepared pan, then repeat with the remaining ingredients. Scatter the remaining 1/2 cup cheese over the tops of the burritos, then bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned at the edges. Serve with salsa and guacamole on the side for dipping. Nutrition information per serving: 370 calories; 160 calories from fat (43 percent of total calories); 18 g fat (8 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 50 mg cholesterol; 33 g carbohydrate; 5 g fiber; 3 g sugar; 21 g protein; 660 mg sodium.

Scotch struts its milder side to appeal to bourbon crowd BY MICHELLE LOCKE The Associated Press

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Peated Scotch whisky can be a bit of a polarizer. Plenty of people love the traditional, smoky flavor imbued with centuries of tradition. Plenty of others think it’s a bit like lapping up essence of tire fire. It was a division that didn’t draw much attention until recently, when bourbon sales began to soar. Suddenly, the relatively sweeter, more caramel-driven American whiskey was cultishly popular, particularly with younger drinkers just getting started in the world of brown liquors. And that was a market scotch makers didn’t want to miss out on. Which is why savvy producers are showing their softer side and reaching out to the bourbon crowd by highlighting their more approachable, unpeated scotches. “We are attracting a more open-minded and younger audience who really aren’t used to drinking scotch but would like to try it,” says Chris Bauder, general manager of whiskeys at Beam Suntory, which has the unpeated single-malt Scotch whiskies Auchentoshan and Glen Garioch in its portfolio, both of which offer a smooth and mellow

‘We are attracting a more openminded and younger audience who really aren’t used to drinking scotch but would like to try it.’ CHRIS BAUDER General manager of whiskeys at Beam Suntory approach to scotch. Peat — basically partially decayed vegetation — is burned as a traditional source of heat in Scotland. Peat comes into play in scotch when a peat fire is used to dry the malt (barley grain that has been put in a warm and damp environment to make it germinate). After drying, the malt is ground, fermented and eventually distilled. An unpeated scotch uses hot air for drying. “They’re so dramatic. There’s a romance to it, so big and smoky and memorable,” Kara Newman, spirits editor for Wine Enthusiast magazine, says of peated Scotch whiskies. Though peaty scotches tend to dominate, there are plenty of unpeated options. One that sometimes surprises people is The Macallan. There’s plenty of flavor in the whisky, including at times a slight smokiness, but it’s always been made

with unpeated malted barley; any smoky notes come from cask aging, says Paul Ross, CEO of Edrington Americas. Rare Cask by The Macallan is aged 100 percent in sherry-seasoned oak casks, creating a whisky with hints of spicy cloves and just a whiff of smoke. The Macallan Fine Oak Collection, introduced in 2004, is a lighter style with a profile likely to appeal to bourbon drinkers. “These are new consumers coming into whisky for the first time, that’s the exciting thing,” says Ross. Peated Scotch, meanwhile, is still going strong. One of the smokiest is Laphroaig, also part of the Beam portfolio, and producers have been having fun with its unique taste, running an “Opinions Welcome” campaign and posting a video on YouTube of a Scottish choir singing some of the most vivid descriptions.

FOOD

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

Set your party apart with beef jerky BY J.M. HIRSCH AP Food Editor Sure, you’ll have some guacamole and some chips and some chicken wings. And a plate of nachos isn’t a bad idea, either. But how about something to set your Super Bowl spread apart? How about some homemade beef jerky? Because while it may sound daunting to season and dry your own meat, it actually is a simple process that requires little hands on time. It also can be done well ahead — as in several weeks — and the results are pretty spectacular. And let’s not forget how wonderfully a wellseasoned hunk of jerky goes with all that beer you’ll be drinking. At its most basic, jerky is thinly sliced meat that is slowly dried until most of the moisture is removed. While some people use food dehydrators for this, an oven set at 200 F works just fine, too. But nobody wants plain jerky, and that’s where the marinade comes in. Once the meat is sliced, you give it a bath in something really flavorful for 8 to 10 hours. And those flavors can go in pretty much any direction you like, though big and bold are pretty much the best way to go. Think ingredients like hot sauce, lime juice, soy sauce and coffee. In terms of equipment, all you need are a rimmed baking sheet and a wire rack (the sort you cool cookies on). You set the rack over the pan, lay the marinated meat on the rack, then pop it in the oven for a few hours. Once the jerky is dried, be sure to let it cool fully. It will seem tender at first, but it will be drier and firmer once cooled. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several weeks. Or until you have time to make a beer run for the big game.

the heat? Try this variation on the recipe above. Use the same method for preparing, marinating and drying the beef, but substitute the following marinade. 2 cups strong black coffee 1 cup maple syrup 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper 3 teaspoons kosher salt In a large bowl, stir together the coffee and maple syrup until the syrup dissolves. Stir in the black pepper and salt. Use the marinade as directed in the recipe above. Nutrition information per serving: 150 calories; 45 calories from fat (30 percent of total calories); 5 g fat (1.5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 60 mg cholesterol; 5 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 4 g sugar; 21 g protein; 190 mg sodium.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Maple Coffee Pepper Jerky and Sweet Heat Beef Jerky are a perfect addition to your Super Bowl party.

SWEET HEAT BEEF JERKY When making jerky, you want to get very lean beef. Top or bottom round is good if you want large, wide slices of jerky. For thin strips, flank steak (cut against the grain) is good. Whatever cut you get, be sure to trim away and discard as much fat as possible before slicing and marinating. Start to finish: 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours (30 minutes active), plus cooling Servings: 12 12-ounce can cola (not diet) 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your tolerance) 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper 2 1/2 pounds lean beef In a large bowl, gently whisk together the cola, brown sugar, soy sauce, hot sauce and black pepper. Cut the beef into slices about 1/4 inch thick and add to the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate 8 to 10 hours. When ready to dry the jerky, heat the oven to 200 F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, then set a metal rack over it. Mist the rack with cooking spray. Remove the slices of jerky from the marinade, shaking them lightly to remove excess liquid. Arrange the slices on the prepared rack, leaving just enough space between them so they don’t touch or overlap. Place the baking sheet on the oven’s middle shelf. Leave for 3 hours. Once an hour, rotate the pan front to back. After 3 hours, check the jerky. It should be just barely tender. If not, return to the oven for another 30 minutes to an hour, checking regularly. Remove the pan from the oven and let dry completely on the rack. Refrigerate in an air-tight container for up to 3 weeks. Let come to room temperature before serving.

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COMICS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Swinging parents undermine values taught to kids DEAR ABBY — A short time ago, I discovered my parents are “swingers.” I had picked up my mother’s phone to Dear Abby take a picture and an ABIGAIL incoming VAN BUREN text caught my attention. When I read it and investigated further, I learned the truth. I don’t mind what they do with their marriage, and I respect their choices. However, my siblings and I were raised in a strict Christian home. My parents taught us the opposite of what they are doing. Now I feel they are hypo-

THE SUMTER ITEM

crites. How can they tell me to act a certain way when they don’t practice what they preach? I’m not sure if I should talk to them about it or drop this entirely. Help! Disillusioned daughter DEAR DAUGHTER — What exactly do you mean when you “investigated further”? If it means you searched the history in your mother’s phone, you crossed the same line children do when they search through the drawers and closets of a parent’s bedroom looking for things that are none of their business. Before labeling your parents as hypocrites, please remember that they raised you with basic values that are shared by the majority of

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

people. If they have “strayed from the path,” it’s their choice -- and it may have happened AFTER they taught you your good Christian values. I think you should talk to your mother about what you did and what you found. If you do, she may have a few more lessons to impart. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www. DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 610540447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

JUMBLE

SUDOKU

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

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

ACROSS 1 Band aid 4 “Lohengrin” soprano 8 High-priced 13 Saint-Tropez sea 14 Chicken (out) 15 Wildly impulsive 17 Well-worn, as comfy shoes 19 “Finito!” 20 Stretches on the road 21 Inventor Nikola 23 Director who sued Spike TV for using his name 24 British prep school 25 University of North Carolina city 27 Fives and tens 29 Clueless 30 Lennon’s love 32 Door fasteners 35 TV radio station 39 Firehouse crews 43 Rural road sign silhouette 44 Shellac ingredient 45 Insect egg 46 Not a pretty fruit 49 Surprise for the taste buds 51 Relaxing soak 56 Almost

closed 59 Pee Wee Reese’s number 60 “Chasing Pavements” singer 61 English class lesson 62 Like a plum tomato 64 Lead singer, and a hint to the beginning of 17-, 25-, 39- and 51-Across 66 Royal residence 67 Apple product 68 Gift-wrapping time, often 69 Hinged entrances 70 Beantown hockey great 71 Do needlework DOWN 1 Carefree pace 2 Reason for a raise 3 Virtual coupon, briefly 4 Farm ladies 5 Civil Rights Memorial architect 6 Will of “I Am Legend” 7 Sleep lab study 8 Looks pleased 9 Wrapped cantina food 10 Baseball Hall of Famer Roush

11 Bad bacteria 12 Science fair judges, e.g. 16 Orange coat 18 Hawaii’s __ Coast 22 Some jerks 25 Burn a bit 26 Gibson’s “Bird on a Wire” co-star 28 “__ Will Be Loved”: Maroon 5 hit 30 Word with country or world 31 “You wish, laddie!” 33 Writer on scrolls 34 Usher’s creator 36 Nickname for LeBron 37 Outdoor gear brand 38 L.A. clock setting 40 Shellac 41 Nitty-gritty

42 “Wheel of Fortune” purchase 47 Carom 48 Ibex resting places 50 Political cartoonist Thomas 51 Cartoon flapper 52 Put away, as groceries 53 “Twilight” heroine 54 Michael Caine role 55 U. of Maryland team 57 Tequila source 58 Make one’s Fortune last longer? 61 Counterclockwise arrow function 63 Cereal grass 65 “Alley __”

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Bravo serves up stale ‘Best New Restaurant’ BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH Serving up the same old thing just isn’t good enough. Except when it comes to reality programming. Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Tom Colicchio hosts the new business competition series “Best New Restaurant” (10 p.m., Bravo). Over the course of the season, we’ll get to assess the staffs of 16 high-end eateries as Colicchio and his minions judge the food, decor, service and overall dining experience. This might be a fascinating show if we had access to the time machine used on “12 Monkeys” and could somehow transport ourselves back to 2002, before Rocco DiSpirito and Gordon Ramsay became household names. By the way, Ramsay is a producer of “Restaurant,” along with a gazillion other shows. Everything — and I do mean everything — about “Restaurant” is stunningly familiar. Its music, editing, pacing and approach has hardly evolved from the time when “The Apprentice” was fresh, new and exciting. What if Colicchio walked into a restaurant as stale and uninspired as this series? It certainly wouldn’t be up for an editorial feature in Bon Appetit magazine or vying for a $100,000 prize. To put it in terms the host might understand, “Best New Restaurant” has all of the novelty of a meal at a chain restaurant. This isn’t a Bravo show; it’s a night out at Bennigan’s. • A certain wearisome sameness has also infected “American Horror Story” (10 p.m., FX, TV-MA), concluding its fourth season tonight. Its very audacity and willingness to go over the top have contributed to a numbed reaction. Beautifully produced with an astounding ensemble cast, “Horror” may have exhausted its shock value. How many hideous murders can you watch? When does the use of Weimarera snuff movie pornography begin to seem humdrum? How many dismemberments and disembowelments are one too many? My quibbles aside, I’m among those eagerly awaiting the spinoff series by “Horror” creator Ryan Murphy, “American Crime Story,” a sure-to-belurid retelling of the arrest and trial of O.J. Simpson.

CHUCK HODES / FOX

Lucious (Terrence Howard) raises his glass to toast his family in the “Devil Quotes Scripture” episode of “Empire,” airing at 9 p.m. today on FOX. So far, the cast alone seems interesting, to say the least. Cuba Gooding has the title role, Paulson will play prosecutor Marcia Clark, David Schwimmer will play lawyer Robert Kardashian and John Travolta will return to weekly TV as Robert Shapiro. No debut date has been set, but “Crime” is expected to air in 2015.

CULT CHOICE Bedazzled by an heiress (Elizabeth Taylor), a factory worker (Montgomery Clift) dumps his pregnant girlfriend (Shelley Winters), with ghastly consequences, in the 1951 drama “A Place in the Sun” (8 p.m., TCM), directed by George Stevens. Based on “An American Tragedy” by Theodore Dreiser, itself inspired by actual events.

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • Absence makes Oliver’s friends worry on “Arrow” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14).

• Amaro’s dad’s wedding becomes a crime scene on “Law & Order: SVU” (9 p.m., NBC, TV14). • A trip down memory lane finds some mean streets on “Empire” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14). • “NOVA” (9 p.m., PBS, TV-PG, check local listings) documents the efforts to raise and salvage the capsized cruise ship Costa Concordia. • A home invasion at a network anchor’s house raises eyebrows on “Stalker” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14). • A mother-daughter slaying may be more than meets the eye on “Chicago PD” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

ABC, r, TV-PG) * Tallahassee terror on “Criminal Minds” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * On two helpings of “Modern Family” (ABC, r, TV-PG): video evidence (9 p.m.), a summer idyll ends (10:30 p.m.) * Clarke brokers a deal on “The 100” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14) * On back-to-back helpings of “black-ish” (ABC, r, TV-PG): Dre’s mom (9:30 p.m.), Halloween pranks (10 p.m.).

LATE NIGHT Anne Hathaway is scheduled on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Evan Rachel Wood,

Jason Ritter and Belle & Sebastian appear on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Jennifer Aniston, Bill Gates and Mario Batali on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Ewan McGregor, Lea Michele and Tess Henley appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Jennifer Lopez, Nick Kroll and Lupe Fiasco visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Jim Gaffigan hosts Adam Goldberg and David Koechner on “The Late Late Show” (12:35 a.m., CBS). Copyright 2015, United Feature Syndicate

SERIES NOTES A paid killer stalks a witness on “The Mentalist” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * A possible religious motive on “The Mysteries of Laura” (8 p.m., NBC, r, TV-14) * Richard Kind guest-stars as Sue’s orthodontist on “The Middle” (8 p.m., ABC, r, TV-PG) * A mix-tape medley for the ages on “The Goldbergs” (8:30 p.m.,

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775-6538

1961-B McCrays Mill Rd. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11am-10pm

Sumter’s Oldest FULL SERVICE

Soda Fountain!

Buy a pita and chips and get a FREE drink

EST. 1935 | 78 YEARS STRONG

Breakfast and Lunch Daily Monday-Friday 7am-4pm Saturday 9am-3pm

Sumter Cut Rate Soda Fountain 32 S. Main St. Sumter 7 773-8432 73 843ex2. 3

Expires 2.25.15

1029 Broad Street Sumter, SC

www.SUMTERCUTRATEDRUGS.com

773-4820

Freshest ice cream on earth! Made fresh daily

105 Wesmark Blvd Sumter, SC 29150

(803) 774-7522

Hours: Sun-Thurs: 12-10 • Fri-Sat 12-11

For information about advertising, contact (803) 774-1212 or (803) 774-1284

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Pizza from scratch? Sometimes it’s worth it BY SARA MOULTON The Associated Press Make pizza from scratch for a Super Bowl party? Come on! Why bother when you can snap your fingers and have it delivered to your door? Here’s why: Homemade pizza tastes better than anything you can buy and it takes much less time and effort than you would think. Making the dough takes just 10 minutes. Then, during the next hour while the yeast is working its magic, you have plenty of time to prepare whichever toppings you and your guests are hankering for — shredded cheeses, sliced meats, vegetables, whatever. The trick is to mix and “knead” the dough in a food processor rather than by hand. It’s quicker and cleaner that way. And as long as you measure the ingredients accurately (going by weight, not volume) and don’t add very hot water, this dough is failure-proof. This recipe makes enough dough for six 9to 10-inch pizzas. You’re welcome to invite more adventurous guests to roll out and top

HAVE-IT-YOUR-WAY PERSONAL PIZZAS Start to finish: 1 1/2 hours (30 minutes active) Servings: 6 For the dough: 3 cups (12 3/4 ounces) all-purpose flour 1/4-ounce package (2 1/4 teaspoons) quick-rising yeast 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon table salt 1 cup lukewarm water (95 to 105 degrees) 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce 3 cups coarsely grated mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack or other good melting cheese Optional toppings: Mushrooms, sliced and sauteed in oil Salami or prosciutto, cut into thin strips Roasted red peppers, chopped Green bell peppers, cut into thin strips

their own dough. Otherwise, roll out the dough ahead of time and pre-bake the crusts for them, which speeds up the final cooking time. Pre-baking the crusts also makes them even crispier than usual. For years, I found stretching out pizza dough to be a pretty frustrating process. I’d roll it out in one direction and it would spring right back at me. I’d roll it in another direction and the same darn thing would happen. Then one day a Sicilian pal of mine passed along her mother’s method; she rolled it out on a counter that was lightly oiled, but not dusted with any flour. Eureka! In this scenario, the dough doesn’t roll back; it sticks to the counter. In just a few rolls, you’re looking at a perfectly round, perfectly thin pizza shell. One last note: Encourage your guests to avoid making Dagwood-style pizzas. Piling on too many toppings sogs up the crust. Stick to the amounts I’ve recommended and everyone will end up with his own excellent personal pizza. In fact, chances are the pizza will turn out better than the game.

Red or yellow onion, thinly sliced Loose Italian sausage, browned Fresh tomatoes, chopped To prepare the dough, in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade, combine the flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Pulse once or twice. Add the water and oil, then process until a dough forms. It should be soft and slightly sticky. If it is too sticky, add flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. If it is too stiff, add water 1 tablespoon at a time. Lightly oil a large bowl. Shape the dough into a ball and place in the oiled bowl, turning the dough to coat evenly with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until double in bulk, about 1 hour. Once the dough has risen, heat the oven to 500 F. Arrange a rack on the oven’s lowest shelf. Line multiple baking sheets with kitchen parchment. You may need to work in batches. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. On a lightly oiled surface, one at a time roll out each piece of dough into a 9-inch circle. Transfer

each piece of dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet. If working in batches, transfer, assemble and bake as many pizzas as you can, then repeat the process reusing the baking sheets. Top each pizza with about 1/4 cup of marinara, spreading it evenly to within 1/2 inch of the edge of the dough. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the cheese. Finish with 3/4 cup of optional toppings. Bake the pizzas on the oven’s lowest rack until the bottom is golden and the cheese is melted, about 7 minutes. For a crispier crust, roll out each piece of dough into a 9- to 10-inch circle, transfer it to a baking sheet and smooth it out. Bake it for 3 minutes. Remove the crust from the oven, add the toppings, then bake until the cheese is melted, about another 5 minutes. Nutrition information per serving: 440 calories; 130 calories from fat (30 percent of total calories); 14 g fat (8 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 30 mg cholesterol; 54 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 3 g sugar; 22 g protein; 1110 mg sodium.