Across South Carolina

Wildfire warning is issued for counties

COLUMBIA -- The South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a red flag alert Saturday for 27 counties in the Pee Dee and coastal plain.

Wildfire danger will be increasing today as high winds and low humidity move into these areas, the commission said.

The alert doesn't prohibit outdoor fires, but the commission urges against burning until conditions improve.

The alert includes Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, and Orangeburg counties.

2 teens face charges in 70-year-old's death

FLORENCE -- Two teens have been arrested on murder, armed robbery and other charges in connection with the death of an Ocala, Fla., man who authorities said had a heart attack after an attempted robbery at an Interstate 95 rest area.

Antron Dominique McRae, 17, and Kenneth White, 16, were taken into custody Friday, Florence County Sheriff Kenney Boone said.

The teens tried to rob 70-year-old James Booras in a bathroom at the rest area shortly before midnight Jan. 14, Sheriff Boone said.

Mr. Booras collapsed and died soon after the teens ran off. Co¤roner M.G. "Bubba" Matthews ruled his death a homicide, saying the stress of the robbery led to the heart attack.

Court upholds award to woman's family

ROCK HILL -- The South Caro¤lina Supreme Court ruled this week that the state Department of Public Safety must pay $250,000 to the family of a Winthrop University student who died during a chase by state troopers.

The court upheld a jury award to the family of Amy Clark, a 21-year-old who died in 1997 after a stolen van crashed into her car. State troopers began chasing the van after the driver, Charles Clyde Johnson, tried to run over a trooper.

Attendance at party forces chief to quit

COLUMBIA -- Irmo Police Chief Andy Blackwell has resigned after some town officials questioned whether his officers should have been allowed to attend a party thrown by a business owner in a dispute with the town.

The town, which is just northwest of Columbia, is trying to mediate a dispute over property lines between Frank Clark, the owner of an exterminating service, and an adjoining homeowner.