TV: Dangerous animal behavior continues as ‘Zoo’ returns A9

STATE Class-action suit focuses on

SERVING SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE OCTOBER 15, 1894 Turbeville fines TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2016 75 CENTS A3 Runoff elections will be held today

Drayton and She also urged residents to make Voters will choose candidates for Sumter County FIND YOUR Will Wheel- sure they bring a photo ID to help the POLLING PLACE er. voting process run quickly and Council District 1, coroner, state House District 50 Patricia smoothly. Jefferson, di- The runoff elections are being held BY ADRIENNE SARVIS Sumter County coroner candidates Go online to find where rector of today because none of the candidates [email protected] incumbent Harvin Bullock and Rob- you need to vote. Sumter running during the primaries in those bie Baker; Democratic Sumter http://bit.ly/28Z2gk6 County Voter three races received enough votes to Voters can cast their ballots for County Council District 1 candi- Registration secure a position for the Nov. 8 gener- three runoff elections from 7 a.m. to 7 dates Chris Sumpter and Caleb Ker- and Elec- al election. p.m. today at their polling places. shaw Jr.; and Democratic state tions, said all 58 polling places will be The races include Democratic House District 50 candidates Tom open. SEE VOTE, PAGE A7 Ham radio operators have annual Field Day BY JIM HILLEY [email protected]

hen Hurricane Hugo devastat- Wed South Caro- lina in 1989, emergency personnel turned to ham radio operators to stay in touch with isolated com- munities and the outside world. It is a partnership that has lasted for decades.

“Part of the reason the fed- eral communications division gives us ‘real estate’ is be- cause of our ability to provide voluntary services in emer- gencies,” said Sumter Ama- teur Radio Association Vice President Hap Griffin. Ham radio, or amateur radio, dates to the beginning of radio, when inventors such as Guglielmo Marconi were first unraveling the mystery KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM of how electromagnetic waves Dee Stone, right, calls out to amateur radio operators across the United States during Field Day on Saturday at the Sumter Enduro Riders Mo- travel through the atmo- torcycle Association clubhouse near Wedgefield. When Stone makes a contact, his reporter Jim Barnard writes down the operator’s call sign to sphere. score points for the Sumter location. The competition is judged by which club can make the most contacts in 24 hours. “Basically what we are doing is the continuation of American Radio Relay The field day is a competi- Mike Dunlap, a member what the pioneers started,” League’s annual Field Day ac- tion, which includes setting of the Sumter Amateur Griffin said. tivities. up a transmitter at a location Radio Association, tight- Since ham radio operators Each year during the last which does not normally have ens an uncooperative are transmitting signals that weekend in June, ham radio one. The competition is judged bolt as the club erects a can travel around the planet, operators and amateur radio by which operators and clubs broadcast antenna dur- operators must be licensed by clubs such as Sumter Ama- can log the most contacts in a ing the annual Field Day taking tests that show their teur Radio Association set up 24-hour period — from 2 p.m. exercise Saturday. proficiency with the equip- broadcasting stations and at- Saturday to 2 p.m. Sunday. ment, including how to avoid tempt to make contact with Griffin said some clubs get JIM HILLEY / THE SUMTER ITEM interfering with other elec- other ham radio operators really into setting up in re- tronic signals. across the country and mote locations with tents and Several members of the around the globe. electric generators. local amateur radio club were “It’s part of our training,” “We are a little older, and at the Sumter Enduro Riders Griffin said. “That’s the whole we try to find a place with air Motorcycle Association club- idea, to keep skills sharp and conditioning, electric power house near Wedgefield on Sat- make sure we have the neces- urday to take part in the sary equipment.” SEE RADIO, PAGE A7 Good Samaritans comfort others after being comforted themselves

BY JIM HILLEY stopped to talk to them perienced years ago. mercies and God of all comfort, who [email protected] and heard this “Samari- Similar to Cham- comforts us in all our affliction, so tan” giving instructions. pagne’s experience, the that we may be able to comfort those Sumter United Ministries Executive He introduced himself surgery was needed be- who are in any affliction, with the Director Mark Champagne said as he to Sam — the name we cause of trauma. The comfort with which we ourselves are was riding his motorcycle downtown, will give for the Samari- emotions from his own comforted by God.” he decided to stop by the shelter for tan — and found out Sam accident intertwined Conversations like this just don’t the first time. The shelter was not was also a guest of the with his words. happen every day. When you meet scheduled to open for a few hours, so emergency shelter. He Champagne quoted 2 someone who has lived and breathed he thought he would have a moment also learned Sam was Corinthians, chapter 1, some of the most hurtful things of solitude. using a cane because he versus 3-4: “Blessed be you’ve experienced, you tend to listen To his surprise, he found a man had undergone a spinal the God and Father of helping someone on the sidewalk. He surgery similar to one Champagne ex- our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of SEE CARING, PAGE A7

VISIT US ONLINE AT DEATHS, B5 and B6 WEATHER, A10 INSIDE George C. Howell Tilman H. Rushing Bonnie Lou P. Tucker STORMS RETURN 2 SECTIONS, 18 PAGES the .com VOL. 121, NO. 213 Lenward Braxton Robert Andrews Sammie Durant Showers and a heavy Darlene J. Earp Loyd P. Bowman William James thunderstorm today; humid Classifieds B8 Izona Mae Roberts William L. Stover John Ochs and stormy tonight Comics B7 Pearlie C. Haynesworth James Lee Reed Daphne Ann H. Swick Nathaniel Joe Paul Shaw HIGH 85, LOW 71 Opinion A8 Television A9 A2 | TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2016 THE SUMTER ITEM

Call: (803) 774-1226 | E-mail: [email protected] Crotts named 2015-16 Rotarian of the Year

BY ADRIENNE SARVIS tion throughout the Cham- With the Rotary club's new [email protected] ber's more-than-100-year his- year starting Friday, Lund- tory. berg also became Rotary club Jeanie Crotts, administra- "This is the greatest honor president on Monday as tor of NHC Healthcare of I've ever received," Crotts Croft's term came to an end. Sumter, was named Sumter said. What an honor it is to Croft said he is thankful to Rotary Club's 2015-16 Rotari- be part of this Rotary club everyone in the club for their an of the Year during the that does so much in the hard work. They made it easy club's meeting on Monday. community, she said. by doing their part, he said, Jack Osteen, editor and Also, former Rotary presi- referring to serving as presi- publisher of The Sumter Item dent William Croft presented dent. and 2014-15 Rotarian of the former Rotary treasurer It's the year of the woman, Year, spoke of Crotts' dedi- Shelly Lundberg with the Lundberg said at the lectern cated service to the Rotary Avenue of Service Award. as the new Rotary president club and its members before This is the second year following Crotts' award. presenting her the award. that Lundberg has received As president, Lundberg Whenever you call her, she the award. said she plans to serve the always gets things done with While presenting the best she can and to do what is no fuss and no need for acco- award, Croft said Lundberg best for Sumter Rotary Club. lades, Osteen said. has been a contender for the In other news, Croft report- "This person has pushed award for just about every ed that Sumter Rotary Club some boundaries, none more year she has been a member raised $30,000 for the Coins impressive than right here as of the club. for Alzheimer's Research the first female president of She takes the Rotary four- Trust for the current year Sumter Rotary Club," he way test to heart, he said. and $15,000 for the 2016 Farm added. After the meeting, Lund- to Table event. Funds raised Osteen commented that berg said she was surprised during Farm to Table went to Crotts acquired her passion ANGUS MCDUFFIE / SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM to receive the award again. Sumter United Ministries, 4H for community service from Jeanie Crotts, left, received the Sumter Rotary Club’s 2015-16 Rotarian She said there are so many and Shaw Air Force Base her parents, who were in- of the Year Award from last year’s winner, Jack Osteen. people in the club who also Warm Hearts Fund and volved with her high school put in so much effort it is CART. alma mater, which later humbling to be the one who The club also provided 140 named its annual service Crotts also serves as chair- Chamber of Commerce, the is recognized. "I'm very grate- pairs of shoes for local ele- award in their memory. woman of Greater Sumter fifth woman to hold the posi- ful," she said. mentary school students.

Giveaway Sheriff Dennis takes a pie to the face for needy on Saturday

FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Good Samaritans for All People Inc. will give away items to needy families at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Old Bish- opville High School football field on U.S. 15. The Rev. Eddie Thomas Jr., president of the organization, said the events are planned to help poor people and especially single-parent families. It will be the 22nd year of having giveaways, Thomas said. Among items to be given away are new school uni- forms, new electric fans and other new clothing items, Thomas said. Also given away will be household items, fur- niture and food. “Everything is free,” Thom- as said. “You had better come early because we will start at 8 a.m. sharp if not a little ear- lier.” KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM Anyone wishing to donate Felisha Dukes, executive administrative assistant to Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis, smashes a cream pie in his face during the toys, clothing or other items Women and Wives Behind the Badges picnic on Saturday at Mill Creek Park. The group was formed in October and seeks to introduce is encouraged to do so, he families of officers to each other. said. Thomas said Good Samari- tans for All People partners with the Red Cross, the Bish- opville Fire Department, the and-run that killed two teens who were 15-year-old Leonardo Suarez-Perez, both S.C. Department of Social STATE BRIEF riding skateboards. of Summerville. They died at the scene. Services and emergency med- FROM WIRE REPORTS Maj. Eric Watson said Monday the in- Watson said the two were riding skate- ical services to put on the cident happened about 10 p.m. Saturday boards along S.C. 162 when they were giveaway events. Deputies: 2 skateboarders dead in the community of Hollywood about 20 struck by a Jeep that was trying to pass For more information or to in hit-and-run miles west of Charleston. another vehicle and the driver sped make a donation, call Thomas Deputy Coroner Sara Senn told local away. The vehicle was later found aban- at (803) 428-4448 or (803) 459- CHARLESTON — Charleston County media outlets that the victims were doned nearby, and the owner reported it 4989. sheriff’s deputies are investigating a hit- 16-year-old Deandre Richardson and stolen to the Charleston police.

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town reported its contacts. Critics say high traffic That’s 45.6 warning tickets for ticket revenue in town every 100 people of driving age in the town. is excessive and illegal By comparison, South Caro- BY JEFF WILKINSON lina sheriffs’ deputies wrote The State an average of 3.35 warning tickets per 100 citizens in 2015, For years, motorists travel- according to the public safety ing down busy U.S. 378 to Myr- data. tle Beach from the Midlands have heard this advice: Don’t ‘HIGHWAY ROBBERY’ speed through Turbeville. On the advice of the town’s Now, a class-action suit has attorneys, Turbeville adminis- been filed, seeking to force the trator Rodney Johnson de- tiny Clarendon County town clined to comment on his to nullify its “town safety” or- town’s ticket-writing practices. dinance. That ordinance al- However, in 2013, Turbeville lows Turbeville to write traffic police chief David Jones said tickets with higher fines than the fines were intended to state traffic tickets and keep “shock the conscience” of the money from the citations. drivers who could be endan- The suit also demands the gering the safety of residents town return millions of dol- by speeding. lars to the tens of thousands “If you knew on the way of drivers who have received down from Columbia, if you municipal tickets since the got stopped you were looking local ordinance was passed in at fines of $288 or $388 and 2003. SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO that was it, I guarantee you Town financial statements Turbeville in Clarendon County is seen in 2006. A new class-action lawsuit seeks to force the town to nulli- wouldn’t be so quick to push included in the civil suit, filed fy the “town safety” ordinance that allows it to write traffic tickets with high fines and also demands Tur- down on the accelerator in state court, show the ham- beville return money to drivers who have received tickets since that ordinance was passed in 2003. pedal,” he told a TV station at let of 804 has raked in about $1 the time. million a year in traffic fines But the violations — which ing to Maj. Florence McCants, summer from constituents in The town’s ordinance states: for 13 years, writing more tick- could result in points against academy spokeswoman. his Lower Richland district. “It shall be unlawful for any ets than cities that are 20 a driver’s record, increasing According to S.C. State “It ruins people’s vaca- person to operate any vehicle times bigger. their insurance costs, if they Treasurer’s records, from De- tions,” he said. “They come without care, caution and full It is a revenue windfall that were state tickets — are not cember 2014 to November back crying.” regard for the safety of per- critics say is not only exces- reported to the state Depart- 2015: sons or property. Any person sive but illegal. ment of Motor Vehicles — and • Turbeville, with a popula- ‘UNJUSTLY ENRICHED’ failing so to do shall be guilty “It’s stealing,” said state thus the driver’s insurance tion of 804, according to the In 2013, 75 percent of Tur- of the Town Traffic Ordi- Rep. Jimmy Bales, D-Richland, company. As a result, drivers U.S Census Bureau, remitted beville’s $1.4 million budget nance. The operation of any who unsuccessfully has intro- — looking to avoid points and $12,215 to the academy, which was raised through traffic vehicle when the same or any duced legislation to block the higher insurance costs — tend translates to 2,443 tickets a fines, according to town finan- of its appliances is not in practice and even advocated to pay the fines without ques- year, or an average of 203 tick- cial statements. Efforts to re- proper or safe condition shall erecting “speed trap” warning tion. ets a month. ceive more recent financial be prima facie evidence of the signs outside Turbeville’s If a driver does challenge • Camden, with a population statements were unsuccessful. violation of the Town Traffic town limits. the ticket — which can carry of 7,085, remitted $6,155. That The town has 10 full-time Ordinance.” “It’s illegal,” Bales said. fines of up to $500 or 30 days is 1,231 tickets a year, an aver- employees, including a police The three Midlands law “But nobody has ever taken in jail — Turbeville’s single age of 103 a month. chief and three police officers, firms are representing two cli- them to court.” town magistrate, hired by the • West Columbia, with a pop- according to town clerk Mar- ents who have received tickets. Now, three law firms have town council, converts it to a ulation of 16,060, remitted gie Edge. More clients likely will come filed suit to stop the practice state citation, lowering the $6,725, which is 1,345 tickets a The town’s 2013 budget said forward after the suit is made and force the town to repay possibility that the town ordi- year, or 112 tickets a month. it had revenues of $1.1 million public, attorneys said. the fines they say were collect- nance will be challenged, the For the four months from from its public safety depart- Neither of the plaintiffs in ed illegally. suit claims. May through August — prime ment and spent $1 million on the case — Rebecca Robbins If successful, the lawsuit “Turbeville has either al- beach time — Turbeville’s law enforcement to ensure the or Marie Babayan — would could deter other towns from tered the citation to a valid monthly average of tickets safety of its 818 residents that comment upon the advice of trying to adopt the local-ticket state traffic ticket or dismissed jumps to 245. That’s more than year. That comes to about their attorneys. But S.C. model or continuing the prac- the charge to avoid judicial re- one ticket — either a local $1,250 for every man, woman Progressive Network direc- tice. views,” said John Warren, of traffic ordinance citation or a and child in Turbeville. tor Brett Bursey, Robbins’ In the past, many South Columbia’s Simmons Law state traffic ticket — for every By contrast, Columbia, with husband, called Turbeville’s Carolina towns have been Firm. Turbeville resident during the an $18 million-a-year police practices “highway rob- scrutinized for their traffic-en- The firm has joined Blueste- vacation season. budget, spends about $130 a bery.” forcement practices, including in, Nichols, Thompson & Del- Turbeville is on U.S. 378, a resident. Hardeeville, Myrtle Beach, gado in Columbia and Jordan, major route for tourists head- The suit claims Turbeville McBee, South Congaree and Rauton & Scott in Lexington ed to Myrtle Beach from Co- has been “unjustly enriched” West Columbia, which still in filing the suit, expecting lumbia and the Midlands. Cov- by writing so many tickets. has a town-safety ordinance heavy public interest and ering only 1.3 square miles Additionally, the town on its books but doesn’t en- lengthy appeals, Warren said. and originally called Puddin’ writes an inordinate number force it. The Turbeville violations Swamp, Turbeville is also near of warning tickets, according Those cities have enacted are not even called speeding the U.S. 378 exit off of Inter- to the S.C. Department of Pub- EVERY DAY town-safety ordinances rang- tickets. state 95, funneling even more lic Safety’s Public Contact Re- ing from the use of photo de- The town’s ordinance tourists through the tiny port. vices to catch speeders to local doesn’t list speeding as a town. Turbeville officers wrote helmet laws. However, the crime. Instead, tickets are is- Bales said he receives nu- more than 1,000 warning tick- towns dropped the local laws sued for “careless operation” merous complaints about the ets in 42 months between 2007 after they were questioned of a vehicle that endangers town’s traffic citations each and 2011, the last year the about them. public safety. The officer sim- “There used to be lots of ply writes in, say, “55/35” to sheriff’s and police depart- indicate to the magistrate that ments across the state who the defendant was driving 20 would develop their own civil miles an hour over the speed fee structures,” said Jeff limit. Moore, a former spokesman for the S.C. Sheriffs’ Associa- ‘THEY COME BACK CRYING’ tion. “But it doesn’t happen so Municipalities must levy much anymore.” and remit a $5 fee on each traf- In Turbeville, the fines lev- fic citation they issue to the ied by the town for driving vio- state treasurer’s office to help lations often are much higher pay for the Municipal Crimi- than typical state traffic fines. nal Justice Academy, accord-

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Su- guments that the law covers only in- them from gun ownership. Gun rights groups argued that the preme Court is upholding the broad tentional acts of abuse and not those The dispute drew interest from ad- men should not lose their constitu- reach of a federal law that bans people committed in the heat of an argument. vocates for victims of domestic abuse tional right to bear arms because of convicted of domestic violence from The case involved two Maine men who said the law applies to reckless misdemeanor abuse convictions. owning guns. who said their guilty pleas for hitting behavior as well as intentional mis- A federal appeals court ruled The justices on Monday rejected ar- their partners should not disqualify conduct. against the men. Justices vote 5-3 to strike down abortion clinic regulations Opinion says Texas rules limit women’s rights

BY MARK SHERMAN rules would have cut the The Associated Press number of abortion clinics in Texas by three-fourths if WASHINGTON — The Su- they had been allowed to take preme Court struck down full effect. Texas’ widely replicated reg- When then-Gov. Rick Perry ulation of abortion clinics signed the law in 2013, there Monday in the court’s biggest were about 40 clinics through- abortion case in nearly a out the state. That number quarter century. dropped to under 20 and The justices voted 5-3 in would have been cut in half favor of Texas clinics that had again if the law had taken full argued the regulations were effect, the clinics said. only a veiled attempt to make Texas Attorney General it harder for women to get Ken Paxton said the law “was abortions in the nation’s sec- an effort to improve minimum ond-most populous state. safety standards and