Happening Now
Honduran asylum seekers are taken into custody by U.S. Border Patrol agents after the group crossed the U.S. border wall into San Diego, California, seen from Tijuana, Mexico, on Sunday.
Clock ticks to partial U.S. government shutdown; Trump meets with team ahead of Friday deadline
State Priority List includes 6 Sumter School District schools needing help, support
Sumter man sentenced to 57 months for firearm charge

Oakland Primary School students sing for the Christmas season

Students at Oakland Primary School in pre-K through first grade gathered Monday morning for their annual Holiday Singalong featuring about five songs they had been practicing as the weather has cooled down. …
Restaurant news: Food grades for Dec. 6-14
Sumter City Council to discuss grant budget
Col. Derek J. O'Malley has goals of positivity, continuing winning mentality at Shaw

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

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Studio Sumter

Sumter Today: Students get in the holiday spirit with songs and dance

Oakland Primary School students gathered in the parking lot this morning with teachers to host their annual Holiday Singalong. They sang, danced and even were visited by a special someone.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESSFurman University's Clay Mounce blocks a shot by North Carolina Wilmington's Jay Estime in Saturday's game in Greenville. The Paladins travel to LSU on Friday night.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Furman hopes to end NCAA tourney drought
KORNBLUT
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
O-lineman Moore commits to Carolina
MICAH GREEN / THE SUMTER ITEM Sumter High School defensive end/linebacker Eric Watts has committed to play collegiately with Connecticut. He is one of three Gamecocks scheduled to sign with their college choices on Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period.
Sumter High's Watts is UConn bound
KELLY
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Notre Dame's Kelly wins AP Coach of the Year for 2nd time
THE ASSOCIATED PRESSNew York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia
PRO BASEBALL
Sabathia gets $500,000 bonus despite ejection
Poll of the Week

How far will you be traveling for the holidays?

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
Let the show begin with Furman Middle School Standing Ovation at Sumter district meeting
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Sondra Saul, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft metals technician apprentice, fills a bucket with liquid nitrogen in the metal shop at Shaw Air Force Base. Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze aircraft pieces tightly together.
Success has no limit for women at Shaw Air Force Base
Sumter City-County Planning Commission will meet at 3 p.m. Wednesday in Sumter City Council Chambers, fourth floor of Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St., to consider design review approval for a Wesmark Boulevard office building among other items.
Sumter City-County Planning Commission to consider Wesmark office building
Aidan Waite, Rational USA executive chef, demonstrates the capability of the Rational Self-Cooking Center at Shaw Air Force Base on Dec. 4. The center will provide the 20th Force Support Squadron Emerson E. Williams Dining Facility with a means to cook food in a mass batch while keeping quality.
Shaw Air Force Base receives innovative new equipment for dining facility
Sumter County Genealogical society will meet Monday
More Sports
Gilmore’s 41 leads Clarendon Hall to victory
Saints remain unbeaten with 84-32 win over Patrick Henry; Gators' streak snapped in 50-41 loss to West Florence
Manning's Star Logan puts up a second-chance shot during the Lady Monarchs' 65-38 victory over Scott's Branch on Friday at Manning's John F. Thames Arena.
Lady Monarchs still perfect after 65-38 victory over Scott's Branch; Manning boys move to 8-0 with 67-55 win
Gators' streak snapped in 50-41 loss to West Florence
Lady Stallions roll over Chesterfield 56-29; Lakewood girls handle West Florence
Food
Daniel J. van Ackere / America's Test Kitchen via AP Chipotle Pork and Hominy Stew

Chipotle Pork and Hominy Stew is full of flavor
Carl Tremblay/America's Test Kitchen via AP Honey-Wheat Dinner Rolls
A tender, fluffy alternative to dinner rolls
Daniel J. van Ackere/America's Test Kitchen via AP Monkey Bread
Go ahead, eat Monkey Bread with your hands

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Panorama

Sumter club digest: Dec. 16, 2018

NU MASTER CHAPTER OF BETA SIGMA PHI A business meeting to discuss service projects was held on Oct. 18 at the home of Dot Edwards, where a soup and cornbread lunch was served. The chapter supported The Salvation Army with a monetary donation …

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Nation/world
A Honduran migrant and her daughter peer through the U.S. border wall, moments before suddenly squeezing through a gap and pushing through fencing to exit on the U.S. side, in Tijuana, Mexico, on Dec. 9.
Girl's death shows communication issues on U.S.-Mexico border Shortly before a 7-year-old Guatemalan girl died in U.S. custody, her father signed a form stating that his daughter was in good health. But it's unclear how much the man understood on the form, which was written in English and read to him in …
Pakistan's Chaudhry Javed Atta speaks to The Associated Press in Islamabad, Pakistan. The last time Atta saw his wife was over a year ago - the Pakistani trader in dried and fresh produce was leaving their home in northwestern China's heavily Muslim Xinjiang region to go back to his country to renew his visa.
Muslim Uighur wives of Pakistani men held in 'education centers' ISLAMABAD (AP) - The last time Chaudhry Javed Atta saw his wife was over a year ago - the Pakistani trader in dried and fresh produce was leaving their home in northwestern China's heavily Muslim Xinjiang region to go back to his country to renew …
Thommy Hill stands outside the Cabell County/Huntington Health Department, where he works in the harm reduction program, in Huntington, West Virginia, on Dec. 5. The former drug dealer has become its gatekeeper and central cog in the program. He knows every drug user who visits and constantly tries to persuade them to try treatment.
As U.S. life expectancy falls, W.Va. offers lessons MADISON, W.Va. (AP) - If you want to understand why U.S. life expectancy is declining, West Virginia is a good place to start. The state is a bellwether of bad health, portending major problems years before they became severe nationally. "It …
'Justice,' word of the year NEW YORK - Racial justice. Obstruction of justice. Social justice. The Justice Department. Merriam-Webster has chosen "justice" as its 2018 word of the year, driven by the churning news cycle over months and months. The word follows "toxic," …
People pass a commemorative memorial statue to perpetuating the memory of the 'Kindertransport' (children transport) near Friedrichstrasse train station in central in Berlin, Germany, on Monday. Germany has agreed to one-time payments for survivors, primarily Jews, who were evacuated from Nazi Germany as children, many of whom never saw their parents again.
Germany agrees to compensate hundreds who fled Nazis as children BERLIN (AP) - Germany has agreed to one-time payments for survivors, primarily Jews, who were evacuated from Nazi Germany as children, many of whom never saw their parents again, the organization that negotiates compensation with the German …
State news
Dozens of dead birds wash ashore in S.C.; investigation ongoing

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH (AP) - South Carolina authorities are investigating why dozens of dead birds have been washing ashore. The Post and Courier reported birds of several species washed up during the weekend in North Myrtle Beach. A spokesman …

Rep. Gary Simrill, R-York, stands in the House chamber before the state of the state at the South Carolina Statehouse on Jan. 11, 2017, in Columbia.
S.C. House GOP focusing on education, tax reforms COLUMBIA - Hundreds of bills are filed at the beginning of each legislative session, but only a few ever see the light of day. Some are meant to grab attention or piggyback on a national issue. Others are prewritten and originate from lobbyists' …
Jesse Osborne waits for a hearing to start in the Anderson County Courthouse in Anderson on Wednesday. Osborne pleaded guilty to two counts of murder for shooting his father in their home and a 6-year-old student outside at recess at Townville Elementary School in September 2016 when Osborne was 14. A prosecutor said he will ask for a life sentence without parole when Osborne is sentenced later.
Teen pleads guilty to murder in death of father, 6-year-old A 16-year-old pleaded guilty Wednesday to two charges of murder for fatally shooting his father in their home and a 6-year-old boy at the South Carolina elementary school he once attended. Jesse Osborne faces 30 years to life in prison without …
South Carolina businessman sentenced in $1M fraud scheme
COLUMBIA (AP) - A South Carolina businessman has been sentenced to federal prison for scheming investors out of more than $1 million. The State newspaper reported U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Wade Caughman on Wednesday to …
Arrest made in hit-and-run death of crossing guard
SPARTANBURG (AP) - Authorities said a man has been charged nearly two months after a 73-year-old crossing guard died after being struck while directing traffic outside a South Carolina school. State troopers said 27-year-old Kenneth Sullivan was …
Obituaries
CHRISTOPHER R. BROWN Christopher Robert Brown, age 45, died on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018, at his residence. Arrangements will be announced by Bullock Funeral Home.
MAE FRANCIS W. ADDISON BISHOPVILLE - Mae Francis Wells Addison, 91, widow of Willie Addison, passed on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, at McLeod Health, Florence. Born in Lee County, she was a daughter of the late Alice Wells and Malachi Johnson. The family will receive …
KENNEDY RINEHART COULTER Kennedy Rinehart Coulter, age 93, of McDonough, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018. He was born in Wedgefield to the late Francis Marion and Evelyn Hood Coulter. He was preceded in death by a son, Kennedy Rinehart Coulter Jr.; and …
OSSIE ELIZABETH MCCRAY Ossie Elizabeth McCray, 62, departed this life on Monday, Dec. 17, 2018, at her residence in Philadelphia. She was born on Oct. 27, 1956, in Clarendon County, a daughter of the late Sampson and Elizabeth Capers McCray. The family will receive …
HELEN L. MATTHEWS BELL Helen L. Matthews Bell, 90, widow of Paul I. Bell, died on Monday, Dec. 17, 2018, at Palmetto Health Tuomey. Born on March 4, 1928, in Orangeburg County, she was a daughter of the late Benjamin and Janie Singletary Matthews. Mrs. Bell was a …

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Celebrations
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 …
MR., MRS. RALSTON C. MATHEWS
Mathewses celebrate 55 years Mr. and Mrs. Ralston C. Mathews of Sumter celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018. Their three children are Patrice Mathews, Ritchie Mathews and Ralston Mathews. The couple has four grandchildren. Mrs. Mathews is …
Faith
Church News: Friday, Dec. 14, 2018 Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 2571 Joseph Lemon-Dingle Road, Jordan community, Manning, announces: * Sunday - The youth ministry's Christmas praise and worship will be held at 10 a.m. * Wednesday-Friday, Dec. 19-21 - Revival at 7:30 …
SMITH
Famous town, forgotten town Ever heard of Sepphoris? No, it's not a disease; it's a town. In its day, it was a pretty important place. Just off the main road between two important cities, it was full of government offices. There was a military base there, which made everyone …
Seafarers from left Father Len Williams, seaman Jake Corpuz, Father Richard Grimball and Deacon Paul Rosenblum pray together on board the OOCL Korea at Wando Welch Terminal in Mount Pleasant on Nov. 27.
Nearly 200-year-old Christian society in Charleston ministers to big-ship mariners CHARLESTON (AP) - And then, on the deck of the giant container ship OOCL Korea, they prayed together. It only took a moment. Jake Corpuz, the 27-year-old Filipino seafarer with a wife at home and a child on the way, was all smiles. He would …
Church News: Friday, Dec. 7, 2018 Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 2571 Joseph Lemon-Dingle Road, Jordan community, Manning, announces: * Sunday - The Antioch Mass Choir's anniversary will be celebrated at 10 a.m. * Sunday, Dec. 16 - The youth ministry will celebrate their …
Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Toby is a sweet boy who loves attention

Toby is an 8-month-old hound / Labrador mix. He is an active, gentle and sweet boy who loves any kind of attention. Toby is great with other dogs, and he loves to run and play. The Sumter SPCA is …

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 …
MR., MRS. RYAN M. DOLAN
Self-Dolan CHARLESTON - Anna McLaurin Self and Ryan Matthew Dolan, both of Charleston, were united in marriage at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, at The Garden at Ashley Point. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Thomas Self Jr. and the …
Engagements
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 GRAHAM, MR. WHITE
Graham-White Mr. and Mrs. Tad Graham of Manning announce the engagement of their daughter, Haley Lynne Graham of Sumter, to Zachary Isaac White of Sumter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rocky White of Sumter. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Billy …
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 …
MR. TRULUCK, MISS DOLLARD
Dollard-Truluck Mr. Joseph Clark Dollard and Mr. and Mrs. John William Baker Jr., all of Sumter, announce the engagement of their daughter, Megan Danielle Dollard of Sumter, to Ryan Walker Truluck of Hopkins, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Walker Truluck of …
Reflections
The old Sumter County courthouse is seen. Col. Blanding likely worked in the building, as he was admitted to the Bar in December 1842 and was a respected Sumter lawyer.

Remembering Col. James D. Blanding, respected Sumter lawyer, part 2

Editor's note: This is part two of a two-part series that provides a brief sketch of the life of Col. James D. Blanding. According to a publication titled "Men of the Times," Blanding was one of Sumter's most respected law professionals, and he …

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Yesteryear
After Fed's likely rate hike this week, all bets are off WASHINGTON (AP) - Having raised interest rates with steady regularity in recent months, the Federal Reserve may embrace a new message this week: Flexibility. On Wednesday, the Fed is set to announce its fourth rate hike of the year. But after …
1969 - Pranksters put four catfish in the Sumter Holiday Inn's swimming pool during a weekend in March, and guests and members of the motel's staff went fishing. One of the fish was caught with a dip net, but the other three were not receptive to lures that day.
Mural of Sumter dedicated; Hugo-damaged building demolished 75 YEARS AGO - 1944 July 8 - July 14 - The appointment of English S. DesChamps as manager of the regional War Production Board's salvage department was announced by Harry G. Thornton, regional WPB director. Mr. DesChamps succeeds D. E. …
1993 - Students from Sumter High School perform as a show choir in the Pilot Club's 14th-annual lighting of the Swan Lake Christmas tree. The tree lighting attracted a sizable crowd to hear Christmas songs and see the lights.
Shaw Field celebrating July 4; 2 new horses on patrol 75 YEARS AGO - 1944 July 1 - July 7 - All hostesses, guests and service men are invited July 3 to an interesting quiz program, contest and group sing; Professor Martin of Lincoln High School and instructor at Morris College will conduct the …

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From the opinion pages
Columnists
PATRICK BUCHANAN
What lies behind malaise of the West?
Doctors are here to stay in talking about prevention of gun violence
Editorial cartoon: Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018
MARC THIESSEN
There's a word for Democrats' negotiating: Insanity
Kathleen Parker
A vote for animals is a vote for humanity
Your view
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