FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2003 PLAY FROM PAGE 1A "That's our main emphasis, making use of the natural resources we have to offer," said Priscilla 1 Haile, an English professor at Central Carolina Technical College who cochaired the committee. "Surrounding cities have similar budgets and ideas, but we can capitalize on our natural resources." The county's main attraction is Swan LakeIris Gardens, a 70-acre garden with walking trails, tennis courts and several species of swans. "Sumter is very strong in things to do outdoors, and ecotourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry at this time," said Collette Daniels, tourism development manager for the Sumter Convention and Visitors Bureau. Likewise, events and performances at the Sumter 'Opera House, Brody Pavilion and Patriot Hall need better advertising to fill seats and sustain community interest. The play committee's plan emphasizes the develop- FROM PAGE 1A miles of linear corridors.
The city and county would plant 400 shade trees in part, public areas, continue work on a bike and hiktrail plan and partner with state agencies to protect and preserve Manchester State Forest, Poinsett State Park, Woods Bay State Park and Lake Marion. Promote a "Center of Recreation" through the construction of a tennis complex at Palmetto Park and renovating two existing parks with new equipment and landscaping. Create "Vital Public Spaces" by enhancing lighting in streets, parking lots and public spaces, and opening the recreation facilities at local schools for public use. The plan also calls for the RTA to expand its daily service to parks and events, and the organization of a Memorial Day parade in conjunction with Shaw Air Force Base. Make Sumter a "Place for the Arts" by promoting local events and offering monthly family movie matinees at local theaters.
Al- follower sentenced to life in prison for trying to down jetliner with shoe bomb BOSTON Richard Reid, the al-Qaida follower who tried to blow up a trans-Atlantic jetliner with explosives hidden in his shoes, was sentenced to life in prison Thursday by a judge who warned him: "We are not afraid. We are Americans. We have been through the fire before." The 29-year-old British citizen OBITUARIES By DENISE LAVOIE Associated Press Writer cried, "You will be by Allah!" before being dragged from the courtroom in handcuffs. Reid received the maximum sentence after declaring himself a soldier of war and denouncing U.S. foreign policy toward Islamic countries.
"Your government has sponsored the rape and torture of Muslims in the prisons of Egypt and Turkey and Syria and Jordan with their money and with their weapons," said Reid, who con- ROBERT L. DICKINSON BISHOPVILLE Robert L. Dickinson, D.V.M., 85, widower of Mary Belle Turner Dickinson, died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, in Florence. Born in Bishopville, he was a son of the late Jake Dickinson and the late Eloise S.
Dickinson. Dr. Dickinson graduated from Bishopville High School, attended Clemson University and graduated from Auburn University's School of Veterinary Medicine. He was a member of the Alpha Psi Fraternity while attending Auburn. He was employed by both the South Carolina and North Carolina State Veterinary Programs before going into private practice and farming in Lee County.
Survivors include two sons, Robert L. Dickinson Jr. of Irmo and Gerald L. Dickinson of Bishopville; a daughter, Kay D. Keziah of Bishopville; two sisters, Lib D.
Darby of Walhalla and Eloise D. Stuckey of Summerville; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold Dickinson and Buddy Dickinson; and two sisters, Gussie D. Seymore and Ruth D. Gentry.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the chapel of Hanco*ck-Elmore-Hill Funeral Home with the Rev. David Spears officiating. Burial will be in the Bethlehem United Methodist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
today at Hanco*ck-Elmore-Hill Home and other times at the home of his son, 612 Wisacky Highway, Bishopville. Memorials may be made to the Bethlehem United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 167, Bishopville, SC 29010. Hanco*ck-Elmore-Hill Funeral Home of Bishopville is in charge of arrangements. JUDY H.
HOOVER WEDGEFIELD Judy Ann Huff Hoover, 60, widow of Ronald E. Hoover died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, at the Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born in Cherryvale, she was a daughter of the late Roger Huff Sr. and the late Nina Ann Royer Huff.
Mrs. Hoover attended Wedgefield Baptist Church. Surviving are two sons, Ronald Hoover Jr. and his wife, Arnika, of Richmond, and Michael James Hoover and his wife, Maria, of Wedgefield; four daughters, Brenda Ditty and her husband, Allan, of Wedgefield, Linda Corminer and her husband, Bruce, of Knoxville, Pam Richardson and her husband, Ricky Miller, of Dalzell, and Nina Nelligan and her husband, David, of Lebanon, two brothers, Roger Huff of Wichita Falls, and Gary Huff of Neodesha, and 17 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m.
Saturday at Wedgefield Baptist Church with the Rev. Darryl Davids officiating. Burial will be in the Troublefield Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mike Ardis, Allen Harrelson, Terry Barr, Bud Ivey, Bill McCracken and Brett D. Hawkins.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Elmore-Hill-McCreight Funeral Home and other times at the home, 2246 S.C. 261, Wedgefield, or 3 Melrose Drive, Wedgefield. Elmore-Hill-McCreight Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. ABE DENNIS Jr.
The Rev. Abe Dennis 57, widower of Arlean McCray Dennis, died Jan. 30, 2003, at his residence, 708 Boulevard Road. Born Oct. 16, 1945, in Sumter County, he was a son of the Rev.
Abe Dennis Sr. and Sarah Alston Dennis. The family will receive friends at his home, 708 Boulevard Road, Sumter. Services will be announced by Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter.
JAMES NELSON PINEWOOD James Nelson died Jan. 29, The Item PAGE 7A ment and distribution of an events calendar by a local agency. Printing the calendar on the place mats of local restaurants, on the side of Santee-Wa-ing teree Regional Transportation Authority vehicles and on leaflets in hotel lobbies are a few ways to advertise upcoming performances, the committee determined. Between 11 and 15 additional events and performances would be scheduled in Sumter's concert halls. The plan also calls for more venues for outdoor performances, including the landscaping of an amphitheater at Palmetto Park and the addition of a large stage at Dillon Park.
"We don't have to go out and re-invent the wheel. Some of these facilities just need a facelift," Mixon said. These other recommendations were outlined in the committee's play presentation during the chamber's recent retreat in Augusta, Develop a "Green Community" by acquiring 100 acres of passive park land and 10 verted to Islam eight years ago. U.S. District Judge William Young would have none of it.
"We are not afraid of any of your terrorist co Mr. Reid," said the judge. "We are Americans. We have been through the fire before. "You are not an enemy combatant you are a You are not a soldier in any war you are a terrorist.
To call you a soldier gives you far too much stature. You are a terror- Medical Center, Scranton; 12. grandchildren. at the home, Funeral the St. John by Community with burial in Church cemetery.
ist and we do not negotiate with terrorists. We hunt them down one by one and bring them to justice." The judge then pointed to the American flag behind him and said: "You see that flag, Mr. Reid? That's the flag of the United States of America. That flag will fly there long after this is long forgotten." "That flag will be brought down on the day of judgment," Reid replied. grandchildren; and four greatservices will be at 2 p.m.
Saturday in United Methodist Church, Sumter, the Scranton United Methodist The family will have visitation from 6 to 8 p.m.today in the funeral home. Brockington Funeral Home, Lake City, is in charge. ALAIN H. LAREAU Alain H. Lareau, age 84, husband of 59 years to Constance Mathurin Lareau, died on Wednesday, Jan.
29, 2003, in Mt. Pleasant. He was born in Burlington, a son of the late Sylva Lareau and Helene Moreau Lareau. He served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II and was president and general manager of Model Dye Southern Inc. He was a member of St.
Anne's Catholic Church. Surviving in addition to his wife are: four sons, Alain. H. Lareau Jr. of Charleston, Noel E.
Lareau and his wife, Carol, of Asheville, N.C., Blaise S. Lareau and his wife, Ashley, of Sumter and Neil W. Lareau and his wife, Dianne, of Duluth, four daughters, Leslie A. DeWitt of Mt. Pleasant, Sister Donna F.
Lareau OLM of Charleston, Jane E. Lareau of Charleston and Paula A. Lareau of Greenville; one brother, Francis L. Lareau of. Narragansett, R.I.; two sisters, Pauline Lea of Texas and Irene Jacques of Rhode Island; 14 grandchildren; and four greatgrandchildren.
He was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Anne's Catholic Church with Father Carboy, CSsR, and Father Aschmann, CSsR, officiating. Burial will follow in the St.
Lawrence Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Otis Atkinson, Pete Masi, Ralph McDonald, Harry McKeown, Jimmy Richardson and A. B. Stern. The family will receive friends today from 6 to 8 p.m.
at Bullock Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to S.C. Coastal Conservation League, P.O.: Box 1765, 485 East Bay Charleston, SC 29402, The Sisters of Charity OLM Outreach, P.O. Box. 607, Johns Island, SC 29457 or to St.
Anne's Catholic Church, "521 Building Fund," 216 E. Liberty Sumter, SC 29150. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.bullockfuneralhome.com. Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements. ELIZABETH B.
BRUNSON MANNING Elizabeth "Chic" Briggs Brun- son, 84, widow of William Hartwell Brunson died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, in Clarendon Memorial Hospital. Born May 7, 1918, in Summerton, she was a daughter of the late Arthur Brailsford and Lalla DesChamps Briggs. She was retired bookkeeper. at Brunson's Pharmacy, a member of Manning United Methodist Church, past president of the Azalea Garden Club and past recording secretary of the Garden Club of S.C.
Surviving are a daughter, Beth B. Mathis and husband, Len, of Manning; and a grandson, Lenny Mathis of Spartanburg. Grayeside services will be held at 2 p.m. today In Manning Cemetery. The Rev.
Debra Quilling will officiate. The family will receive friends at the home, 321 Meadow Drive, Manning. Stephens Funeral Home of Manning is in charge of the arrangements. JAMES R. LIGHTY WISACKY James Rufus Lighty died Monday, Jan.
27, 2003, in Baltimore, Md. Born in Lee County, he was a son of the late James and Carrie Lighty and husband of the late Lillie Mae Rogers Lighty. The family will receive friends at the home, 225 Elliott Highway, Bishopville. Services will be announced by Square Deal Funeral Home. SHOOTING FROM PAGE IA The robber fired the gun at least two times, hitting McMillan once.
McMillan, talking on the telephone from his. home Thursday, said the man pushed him to the floor and kicked him in the side several times. "He said 'get on the floor, and if you get up I'll put a cap through your head," he said. The man then took McMillan's wallet containing $180, pulled the phone cord out of the wall and fled the house, reports state. McMillan, who says his house has been burglarized at least twice before, carried a shotgun as he waited for police to arrive.
The robber was described as a 30- to 35-year-old black man measuring about' 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing about, 175 pounds. The man was reportedly wearing green pants, a green jacket and a black skull cap. No arrests had been made Thursday night. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call police at (803) 436-2790 or Crime Stoppers at (803). 436-2718.
CARS to Cpl. Alex Dukes, might be the most FROM PAGE 1A on the force. The Camaro is Keeping patrol cars on the streets plays a vital role in curbing drunken driving and traffic and pedestrian fatalities, Florence said. Sumter County is among the worst in the state in all of those categories. "These cars ought to try and decrease some of that stuff," Florence said.
Next to the high-powered 2001 Chevy Camaro patrol car assigned KINGFEST community brate anniversary those dream Since FROM PAGE 1A to continue to celeKing's legacy following the. of his birth and inspire in attendance to live out his throughout the year." 1982, Thurmond Tillman has served as senior pastor at Historic First African Baptist Church in Savannah, a church that recently held its 225th anniversary celebra- TILLMAN tion. TILLMAN Known for his social activism, Tillman has been recently campaigning for a moratorium of the death penalty in Georgia. He is the president of the Chatham County Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, vice president of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, founder and chief executive officer of Amen Enterprises, and a board member of the Georgia Coalition for the Peoples' Agenda. Tillman is a graduate of the University of Georgia, and he earned his master of divinity degree from the Morehouse School of Religion in the Interdenominational Theological Center in At- high-performance souped-up engine, mph.
Dukes, who signed a Camaro for years, said he isn't change cars. "But the Acura he said. Contact Staff Reynolds at or 803-774-1270. the new Acura sought -after car 'equipped with tires and a and can top 160 has been asthe past four ready yet to is a nice car," Writer Luke 2003, at Tuomey Regional Sumter. The family will receive friends 1640 Panola Road, Pinewood.
Services will be announced Funeral Home. BEULAH S. EPPS DURHAM, N.C. Beulah Samuel of 1004 Carpenter Fletcher. Road, Durham, N.C., widow of Haskell Epps died Jan.
30, 2003, at Durham Regional Hospital, Durham. Born June 21, 1909, in Manning, Clarendon County, she was a daughter of the late Richard Samuel and Elizabeth Bradley Samuel. Services will be announced by Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning. JOHN P. LEWIS Sr.
John Purnell Lewis 71, died Monday, Jan. 20, 2003, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born Sept. 1, 1931, in Newport News, he was a son of the late Albirna and Mary Jane Lewis. A signing service will be held from 1 until 3 p.m.
Saturday in the chapel of Sumter Funeral Service Inc. Sumter Funeral Service Inc. is in charge of arrangements. MURRAY SMILING of SUMMERTON Evelyn Witherspoon Murray Smiling, Smiling, died 83, Jan. widower 29, 2003, at Lake Marion Nursing Facility, Summerton.
Born June 27, 1919, in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Jack Smiling and Sarah Sweat Smiling. The family will receive friends at the home of his son, Jack Smiling, 1343 Herod Drive, Manning. Services will be announced by Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning. HANNIE RICHBOURG CHARLESTON A graveside service for Hannie Althea. Watson Richbourg, 87, of Charleston and formerly of Sumter, will be held at 2 p.m.
Sunday at Salem Presbyterian Church cemetery, Blair, and will be conducted by the Rev. Richard Hodges. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salem Presbyterian Church, 276 S.C. 215 N. Blair, SC 29015.
Born in Winnsboro, she was the daughter of the late Joe Frank Watson and Irene Blair Watson. She was a member of the Holy Comforter Episcopal Church of Sumter and attended schools in Winnsboro and Sumter. She was also the "First" Welcome Wagon Hostess for the city of Sumter and a former member of the Ladies, Auxilary and Altar Guild of Holy Comforter Church. She is survived by a daughter, Charlene R. Kersey and son-in-law, Robert N.
Kersey III of Charleston; three grandsons, Robert N. Kersey IV and Charles Blair Kersey, both of Charleston, and Brent Edward Kersey of St. Simons, and a sister, Irene W. Armour of Columbia. She was pre-deceased by her husband, C.V.
Richbourg of Anderson; and also by sisters, Frances W. Kolb Younginer and Elizabeth S. Watson; and a brother, Blair Watson. Pope Funeral Home of Winnsboro is in charge of arrangements. NANCY CARROLL F.
BROWN Nancy Carroll Floyd Brown, 70, wife of the late Rev. Robert Allen "Bob" Brown, died Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, in the Tuomey Regional Medical Center after an illness. Mrs. Brown was born in Cades, a daughter of the late Shelton Lee and Sally Bell Winchester Floyd.
She was a licensed practical nurse and a homemaker and member of St. John United Methodist Church in Sumter. Survivors include: 'one son, James S. (Brenda) Floyd of Coward; four daughters, Donna Lynn (Chris) Morien and Beth (James) Lesesne, both of Sumter, Susan (Eddie) Matthews of Knightdale, N.C., and Shelly (Joe) McKnight of Epps, 93, lanta. He joins a list of prestigious past speakers at the event, including Dexter Scott King, a son of the slain civil rights leader; the Rev.
Jesse Jackson; Atlanta Mayor Shirley Clark Franklin; and Sumter native U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, Sunday's program will also include. musical performances by the Lee Central High School Chorus, the Grace 'Cathedral Praise Singers, and Sumter High School student Shane Jones. Also during the program the organization will present its annual MLK awards, given to area restdents and groups working in the fields of civil rights, education, community service and public service.
Formed in 1977 by former Shaw Air Force Base Airman Lew Leary II and community activist E. Mitzi Pringle, the organization originally called the Sumter MLK committee strives to promote the legacy and memory of the slain civil rights leader. Its mission is to simply perpetuate King's memory and not serve as a civil rights organization, Wilson said. The event is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, located at South Main and Bee streets.
Contact Staff Writer Braden Bunch at or 803-774-1222. POOL The city owns most recreation facilities in Sumter, but the counFROM PAGE LA ty's recreation department runs the programs. Officials have The pool, which was given to balked at handling the liablity and the county in the 1960s and later funding issues that come with oprelinquished to Sumter School erating a pool. District 17, was emptied in Sep- "I just don't think Sumter Countember 2000 when its foundation ty needs to get into the swimming cracked. After hearing out several pool business," said Sumter Counconsultants, school officials decid- ty Councilman Charles Edens, who ed the estimated $500,000 need- has voted against the county ased to repair the pool would not fit suming ownership of the pool.
in the district's stretched budget. Before the pool fell into disreElected District 17 board mem- pair, it was the county's only pubbers and city and county officials lic pool and a popular South formed a committee to work out a Sumter spot for relief from sumplan for the pool's repair. But so mer temperatures. Although the far, neither city nor county gov- school district once charged a ernment has shown interest in small fee to use the pool, it annutaking control of the pool, and the ally lost thousands of dollars on committee "is not. making much the pool on maintenance and progress," Newton said.
staffing expenses. Department submits education plan By PAMELA HAMILTON Associated Press Writer COLUMBIA It will be difficult for South Carolina to meet new federal education standards because the state has one of the nation's toughest testing plans and many students who need to improve performance, education officials said Thursday. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires all students to be proficient in math and English and language arts skills in the next 12 years. South Carolina is one of six states with the toughest standards, according to the independent American Institutes for Research. "South Carolina's challenge now is to meet the lofty and laudable goals of No Child Left Behind without lowering the bar on what we consider to be proficiency," state Education Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum said.
An ad hoc committee of educators and lawmakers monitoring the issue met to discuss South Carolina's plan Thursday. The state has sent its plan to the U.S. Department of Education, but the public can make comments on it until Feb. 21. The federal legislation requires states to establish a plan to measure students' performance in subgroups, including low-income, races, or disabled.
The plan will measure the performance of a subgroup at a school only if the school enrolls at least 40 students in each category. Schools only meet standards if every subgroup of students makes continued improvements every year. "The more diverse a school is, demographically speaking, the more challenges it must overcome," Tenenbaum, said. "For some schools in South Carolina, that means that significant improvement must be made each year on as many as 29 different.
