Happening Now
Coroner Robbie Baker is seen at the Sumter County morgue in 2018. Baker predicts the number of deaths because of drug overdoses will rise this year.
Sumter coroner predicts fatal overdoses to rise again throughout 2019
Sumter County gets clean audit with drop in revenues
AP FILE PHOTO Allison Johnson, an employee of Buckeye Relief LLC, works on topping a marijuana plant in Eastlake, Ohio.
S.C. law enforcement still against medical marijuana

A true and courageous leader: U.S. Army Central headquarters at Shaw Air Force Base holds Martin Luther King Jr. observance

Retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Allen J. Jamerson talks to an audience Wednesday at U.S. Army Central headquarters at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter about the leadership values Martin Luther King Jr. demonstrated that can be translated to the military.
When Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "I Have Dream" speech in 1963, the U.S. military had been desegregated by public policy for 15 years. There was still work to be done. On Wednesday, that speech that was delivered to an estimated …
Sumter United Ministries offers help to kerosene users
Sumter committee to consider plans for Main Street property
MICAH GREEN / THE SUMTER ITEM
Sumter FSA will soon be able to offer limited transaction services

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

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Studio Sumter

Sumter Today: Alice Drive Middle School students see their art on exhibit to the public

Alice Drive Middle School seventh and eighth graders who take art with Ms. Hoffman recently got to see their work displayed for the public at Central Carolina Technical College's main campus gallery …

WILLIAMS
USC FOOTBALL
Gamecocks' Ty'Son Williams enters NCAA Transfer Portal
New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera acknowledging the crowd's standing ovation after coming off the mound in his final appearance in a baseball game in New York. Rivera has become baseball's first unanimous Hall of Fame selection.
PRO BASEBALL
Rivera 1st unanimous Hall pick
Sumter's Andre Amaker secures his hold on his Berkeley opponent during a recent match at the Sumter High gymnasium. Amaker, unbeaten and ranked third in the state in the 182-pound weight class, won his bout, although the Gamecock grapplers lost the match.
PREP WRESTLING
Wrestling program sees resurgence at Sumter High
Lakewood boys, Crestwood girls split district showdown games
Thomas Sumter's Lindsay Daniel brings the ball up court during the Lady Generals' 43-24 victory over Williamsburg Academy on Tuesday at TSA's Edens Gymnasium in Dalzell.
Thomas Sumter sweeps Williamsburg
Poll of the Week

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Vote on our poll, and look for what our readers answered for this and other polls at TheItem.com, our Facebook and Instagram pages and in The Sumter Item. Have a question you want us to ask? Email …

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More local news
Need a mattress? Check out Sumter High's fundraiser
Sumter woman faces federal charges in $9M fraud scheme
Two middle-school students race to put on Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear at Shaw Air Force Base in January. The 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron Deployment Processing Center airmen taught students how to put on MOPP gear as part of a hands-on demonstration.
Shaw Air Force Base tour unites Team Shaw and Sumter community
Sumter Ward 3 City Councilman and New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church associate pastor Calvin K. Hastie Sr. kneels down to help clean an elderly church member's yard on Martin Luther King Jr. Day as part of a community service project.
Sumter Baptist church devotes Martin Luther King Jr. Day to community service projects
Voting now open for Best of Sumter 2019 contest
More Sports
HARRIS
Former SHS standout Harris continues to impress at Lander
Clarendon Hall's boys remain undefeated with win over Wardlaw
TV SCHEDULES, STANDINGS & MORE: Jan. 22, 2019
Cooper pours in 37 as Lady Wolverines edge No. 3 Mullins 58-56
Sumter’s CeCe Wells (4) watches a shot during the Lady Gamecocks’ 61-45 loss to Spring Valley in a showdown between the top two teams in Region IV-5A on Friday at the Sumter High gymnasium.
Spring Valley knocks off Sumter girls 61-45
Food
Carl Tremblay/America's Test Kitchen via AP

1-pan chili starts with toasted rice, ends with maximum flavor
Joe Keller/America's Test Kitchen via AP
Pork butt absorbs orange juice, tomato paste
Joe Keller/America's Test Kitchen via AP
Never have dry salmon again; use a multicooker

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Panorama
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Fifth-grade teacher Heather Dalton works with students Julian Ryno, left, and Ma'Kenley Burns doing math problems on the DreamBox system at Charles Barnum Elementary School in Groton, Connecticut. A wide array of apps, websites and software used in schools borrow elements from video games to help teachers connect with students living technology-infused lives.

U.S. classrooms are starting to resemble arcades

WALLINGFORD, Conn. - It's 1 o'clock on a Wednesday afternoon in Wallingford, Connecticut, and about 20 children are watching a screen at the front of the room as they take turns navigating challenges and collecting virtual currency to unlock powers, …

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Nation/world
Nurse arrested in case of incapacitated woman who gave birth PHOENIX (AP) — A nurse who was supposed to be looking after an incapacitated woman at a long-term health care facility has been charged with raping her, weeks after she stunned her caregivers …
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Furloughed EPA worker Jeff Herrema holds a sign outside the offices of U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell in Park Hills, Kentucky, on Tuesday.
Senate set to vote on competing plans to end shutdown WASHINGTON - Senate leaders on Tuesday agreed to vote this week on two competing proposals to end the government shutdown, including President Donald Trump's plan to have Congress pay for the long-stalled wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. It's …
A Highlands County Sheriff's SWAT vehicle is stationed out in front of a SunTrust Bank branch Wednesday in Sebring, Florida, where authorities say five people were shot and killed.
Police: 5 fatally shot inside Florida bank, suspect arrested SEBRING, Fla. (AP) — A gunman opened fire inside a Florida bank Wednesday, killing five people before surrendering to a SWAT team, police said. The shooter called police to report that he …
Julian Castro, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and candidate for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, right, shares a laugh with Ray Buckley, chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic party, before speaking at Saint Anselm College on Jan. 16 in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Democrats lurch left on top policies as the 2020 primary begins NEW YORK - Democratic presidential contender Julian Castro launched his campaign by pledging support for "Medicare for All," free universal preschool, a large public investment in renewable energy and two years of free college for all …
Handguns are displayed at the Smith & Wesson booth at a past Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in Las Vegas.
Political shifts, sales slump cast shadow over gun industry When gunmakers and dealers gather this week in Las Vegas for the industry's largest annual conference, they will be grappling with slumping sales and a shift in politics that many didn't envision two years ago when gun-friendly Donald Trump and a …
State news
Gov. Henry McMaster
South Carolina group can deny gay couples as foster parents

COLUMBIA (AP) — The federal government agreed Wednesday to allow federally funded foster care agencies in South Carolina to deny services to same-sex or non-Christian couples. The waiver issued …

McMASTER
Gov. McMaster's State of State hits on familiar education, tax themes COLUMBIA — Gov. Henry McMaster's vision for South Carolina laid out Wednesday in the State of the State address was the continuation of his themes of education reform, tax relief and …
In this June 18, 2015, file photo, a group of women pray together at a makeshift memorial on the sidewalk in front of the Emanuel AME Church, in Charleston, S.C. Dylann Roof, shot a killed nine people while they were in a bible study at the church.
Victims of mass shootings at church, synagogue meet CHARLESTON (AP) - Members of a congregation from a Pittsburgh synagogue where 11 died in a mass shooting by an anti-Semitic gunman last fall have traveled to Charleston, South Carolina, to worship with members of the church where nine black …
Honda celebrates 20 years in S.C., starts new line of utility vehicles at Timmonsville plant TIMMONSVILLE (AP) - A 20-year-old Honda plant in South Carolina has started a new line of utility vehicles. Honda of South Carolina celebrated Wednesday the start of production on its new Honda Talon 1000X and 1000R. The two-passenger off-road …
South Carolina's unemployment rate steady at 3.3 percent COLUMBIA (AP) - South Carolina's unemployment rate remained unchanged in December. The Department of Employment and Workforce said in a news release Friday that the state's jobless rate remained at 3.3 percent. Nationally, unemployment …
Obituaries
CHAPPELL
DAVID LEE CHAPPELL ALEXANDRIA, Va. - David Lee Chappell, 55, beloved husband of Deborah Chappell, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, at his son's residence in Alexandria. Mr. Chappell was born on March 9, 1963, in Henderson, Nevada. He moved to …
WOTRING
LAURA LEE YOUNG WOTRING Laura Lee Young Wotring, 53, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 22, 1965, at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia, she was a daughter of Gabrielle A. Carraway Young …
KATHARINA CLARK Katharina "Kate" Clark, 93, of Sumter, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, at her home. Kate was born in Mittelbaar, Germany, to Nikolaus and Helena B chel Schlich. She was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church in Sumter. Kate met and married …
GERLEAN BENNETT PEARSON SUMMERTON - Gerlean Bennett Pearson, 80, widow of Ferdenan Pearson, died on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, at Lake Marion Nursing Home, Summerton. She was born on March 3, 1938, a daughter of the late Thomas Bennett Sr. and Ebenezer Clark …
MAUREEN A. TAYLOR COOPER Maureen Annette Taylor Cooper, 70, widow of Anthony Thomas Cooper, died on Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital. Born in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Everette Taylor Jr. and Eileen Toner Taylor. Private graveside …

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Celebrations
BRENNAN MAX McCONNELL
The McConnells announce birth of a son, Brennan Max Jay and Jennifer McConnell of Waxhaw, North Carolina, announce the birth of a son, Brennan Max McConnell, on Nov. 17, 2018, at Carolinas Medical Alliance, Charlotte, North Carolina. Brennan weighed 8 pounds and 4 ounces. He was 21 inches …
MR., MRS. JAMES SCAFFE SR.
Scaffes celebrate 50 years of marriage Mr. and Mrs. James Scaffe Sr. of Sumter celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 24, 2018, at Sam Kendall's in Camden. Mrs. Scaffe is the former Lila Berry of Ashwood.
RUTH C. FRANKLIN
Ruth C. Franklin celebrates 101st birthday Ruth C. Franklin, widow of John "Mr. Sing" Franklin, celebrated her 101st birthday on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018. A pillar in the community of Woodrow for more than 80 years, Mrs. Franklin owned her own beauty shop for more than 40 years, which was …
MISS DUFFY
The Assembly The Assembly will present three debutantes on Monday, Dec. 17, at Sunset Country Club. Katherine Gilland Duffy, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Edward William Duffy Jr., will be presented by her father and escorted by Ronald Hunter Hendrix and Stephen …
MR., MRS. THOMAS FELDER
Felders celebrate 50 years Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Felder, of Pinewood, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 2, 2018, on Hilton Head Island. A celebration was held in their honor by their three children, Thomas Felder Jr., Reginald Felder and Melissa Felder, all …
Faith
Church News: Friday, Jan. 18, 2019 Allen Chapel AME Church, 471 Lynam Road, announces:* Sunday - Women's Missionary Society family and friends day at 10 a.m. First Baptist Missionary Church, 219 S. Washington St., announces:* …
SMITH
Pray for God to solve your problems and a whole lot more It's an occupational hazard: "Pastor, please pray for me." When I first began as a pastor, I said "OK," and went on my way. No one told me people actually expected me to pray with them. Right then. About whatever his or her need was. I was corrected …
AP FILE PHOTO Aasia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman, listens to officials at a prison in Sheikhupura near Lahore, Pakistan.
Freed by court, Pakistani Christian woman still a prisoner ISLAMABAD (AP) - Aasia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian acquitted of blasphemy, still lives the life of a prisoner, nearly three months after her release from death row, awaiting a final ruling on her fate. She spends her days in seclusion for fear of …
Church News: Friday, Jan. 11, 2019 Allen Chapel AME Church, 471 Lynam Road, announces: * Sunday, Jan. 20 - Women's Missionary Society family and friends day at 10 a.m. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 182 S. Pike East, announces: * Friday, Jan. 18 - Prayer and …
Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Silvia, a gorgeous girl, is a huge lump of sugar

Silvia is a gorgeous young lady who weighs 49 pounds and is approximately 4 years old. She is very friendly and gets along with the other dogs at animal control. Silvia has ended up in this situation through no fault of her own. She is very …

Weddings
MR., MRS. NICHOLAS DOYLE
Rogers-Doyle Elizabeth Anne Rogers of Irmo and Nicholas Tolan Doyle of Sumter were united in marriage at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, at St. Anne and St. Jude Catholic Church in Sumter. The bride is the daughter of Mr. Daniel Rogers and Mrs. Karen Rogers …
MRS. EDWIN BELSER JR.
McGill-Belser KINGSTREE - Frances Louise McGill of Kingstree and Roy Edwin Belser Jr. of Summerton were united in marriage at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Julius McGill …
MRS. ROLDAO FERNANDES NETO
Rackley-Fernandes MOUNT PLEASANT - Kristen Elizabeth Rackley and Rold o Bueno Fernandes Neto, both of Charleston, were united in marriage at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, 2018, at Alhambra Hall. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tim Rackley of Sumter and the …
Engagements
MISS SMITH, MR. KENNEDY
Smith-Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Smith of Sumter announce the engagement of their daughter, Nicole Elizabeth Smith of Sumter, to Robert James Kennedy of DeBary, Florida, son of Mr. Ed Kennedy and the late Mrs. Robin Kennedy of DeBary. The bride-elect is the …
MISS ALLEN, MR. BARNES
Allen-Barnes Mr. and Mrs. Mark Harper Allen of Greenville announce the engagement of their daughter, Sarah Margaret Allen of Columbia, to Allen Jackson Barnes Jr. of Columbia, son of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Jackson Barnes of Sumter. The bride-elect is the …
MISS GENTELE, MR. CRAWFORD
Gentele-Crawford Edward Louie Jr. and Melanie Gentele announce the engagement of their daughter, Ashleigh Lynn Gentele, to Brandon Tyler Crawford, son of Mrs. Flori W. Anderson and the late Bruce Allan Crawford Sr., all of Sumter. The bride-elect is the …
MISS ORTMANN, MR. STUART
Ortmann-Stuart Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Chandler Ortmann of Sumter announce the engagement of their daughter, Anna Reid Ortmann of Columbia, to Cory Thomas Stuart of Columbia, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Alexander Stuart of San Diego, California. The bride-elect is …
Reflections
The starting line from end to end for the Ninth Air Force Commanders was, from left, end Doug Goodsell, tackle Harvey Achziger, tackle Stacey Young, center Pete Brown, guard Carl Weiler, tackle John Gordon and end James Wittlesey. Absent at the time was guard Bobby Burrows.

Reflections by Sammy Way: Part III - Shaw football hits its stride

Because of the volume of material about the Shaw football team in the 1950s, there will now be four parts to this series about the team. The third segment of Shaw's football expose spans the years of 1955 to 1956. The team had developed into a …

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Yesteryear
1969 - Steve Stevenson, son of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Stevenson, received a purple ribbon, which is higher than a blue ribbon, for his woodworking project exhibited during the Achievement Days. He made a doorstop with the 4-H emblem on the front and in the 4-H colors of green with white letters. Steve was a seventh-grader at Alice Drive Junior High School and was in 4-H work for four years at the time.
Sumter Boy Scouts meet salvage paper goal; ideas wanted for school names 75 YEARS AGO - 1944 Aug. 12 - Aug. 18 - The following group of YMCA officials and "Y" boys will leave for the Southern YMCA Secretary Conference, to be held at Blue Ridge, North Carolina, near Black Mountain: Carl W. Link, general secretary; …
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO A Sumter High School player goes for two points during the school's game in January 1994.
Morris students, staff X-rayed for 50 cents; height helps Wilson Hall Barons win game 75 YEARS AGO - 1944 Aug. 5 - Aug. 11 - Cpl. Charles McIntosh, USMC, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. B. McIntosh, has been killed in action, according to a wire received by his parents from Lt. Gen. A. A. Vandegrift, commandant of the Marine Corps. The …
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO 1969 - W.E. Covington, left, received the Sumter Sertoma Club's Service to Mankind award. Cecil Crayton, chairman of the club's award committee, made the plaque presentation as club president Ralph Ardis looked on.
Residents urged to collect paper for drive; fire deaths increase 75 YEARS AGO -1944 July 29 - Aug. 4 - Pfc. William D. (Billy) Scott, USMC, son of Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Scott, is at West Coast Hospital recovering from wounds received in fighting on Saipan Island on June 27. Overseas since last November, the …

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From the opinion pages
Columnists
WILLIAMS
Who benefits from Democratic control?
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson speaks to the crowd at a Conservative Leadership Project presidential forum in Columbia in January 2016. On Jan 7, Wilson said he petitioned to join a lawsuit already filed by 16 South Carolina cities and towns opposing the issuance of permits for the use of seismic air guns, a move that's also received the support of the state's governor, Henry McMaster.
Why I joined lawsuit to stop seismic testing off S.C. coast
Editorial cartoon: Jan. 23, 2019
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