Local, South Carolina briefs

Body of man found in Francis Marion forest

Berkeley County officials found the body of a 73-year-old Georgetown man Saturday near where authorities found his pickup truck bogged down in the Francis Marion National Forest near Honey Hill.

Authorities discovered John Hearne’s body about a half-mile from where officials located his truck Friday evening. Coroner Bill Salisbury said the cause of death is under investigation, but there is no evidence of foul play.

About 45 people from the Berkeley County Rescue Squad, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, S.C. Department of Natural Resources and local fire departments searched for Hearne on Friday night and Saturday morning using dogs, horses, an airplane and four-wheelers.

Restaurant fire forces traffic to be diverted

A kitchen fire at A.W. Shuck’s seafood restaurant in Charleston diverted traffic Saturday afternoon around South Market and State streets. No injuries were reported in the 4:42 p.m. blaze, according to Charleston Fire Department spokesman Mark Ruppel. The cause remains under investigation.

Authorities respond to possible bridge jumper

Authorities with several agencies searched in the water around the Ravenel Bridge early Saturday for a possible jumper.

An S.C. Highway Patrol trooper found a car unoccupied and running on the bridge around 5:30 a.m.

According to Charleston police, Elizabeth Ashley Ward, 23, is the last known driver of the vehicle. She is black, 5 feet, 9 inches tall and 180 pounds. She was last seen in a multicolored beanie, a plaid shirt, a denim jacket and blue jeans. Anyone with information about her can call Charleston Police at 577-7434.

Officials from Highway Patrol, Mount Pleasant Police, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to the scene. Authorities suspended the search later Saturday.

Grant will help train youths after foster care

Youngsters aging out of foster care will benefit from a program created by a grant to Carolina Youth Development Center.

The $82,000 grant from the Andrus Family Fund of New York will allow the CYDC, in partnership with One Economy Corp., to bring technology access, training and resources to foster children who are becoming independent.

The grant is the third in four years that CYDC has received from the Andrus Family Fund.

Staff reports