Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

Thursday, March 21, 2013  An unemployed man suspected of faking his own drowning at a New York beach to collect on life insurance has pleaded guilty to conspiracy.

Monday, March 04, 2013  Bacteria, drought, heavy crop load: It's been a disappointing year for the citrus crop in Florida

Thursday, November 15, 2012  WACH Fox is teaming up with Harvest Hope Food Bank for our 14th annual holiday food drive. We’re collecting non-perishable food items as well as money for the food bank. But when all those items are collected, have you ever wondered how Harvest Hope processes them? Good Day Columbia Anchor Fraendy Clervaud has the story.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012  The S.C. Peanut Board shed light on the peanut's growing role in the state with daily cooking demonstrations at the 2012 South Carolina State Fair.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012  Squirrel population boom frustrates fruit growers and irritates invaded homeowners

Sunday, July 15, 2012  It's summertime, and one Columbia gathering is celebrating all things tomato.

Saturday, July 14, 2012  It's peach season, and South Carolina is celebrating the fuzzy fruit.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012  Farmers' markets are at a high point in popularity throughout the nation, according to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.  They also offer food, often at a discount from the price of other retail outlets.

Thursday, April 05, 2012  Record high temperatures have strawberries in full bloom 3 weeks earlier than expected.  Strawberry season generally begins in mid April, however, this year the berries were ready in late March.

Friday, February 10, 2012  China-based candy manufacturer Au'some is opening its newest manufacturing plant in Sumter. The firm announced in January that it would invest $6 million and bring 120 jobs to its first and only North American manufacturing plant in the central South Carolina site.

Saturday, November 05, 2011  Officials celebrated a free fruit orchard in Columbia Saturday.

Friday, October 07, 2011  A truck carrying fruits and vegetables from Miami to Charlotte, N.C., overturned early Thursday and the shipping company decided to donate the food to local charities rather than try to get another truck to the scene.

Friday, August 12, 2011  Mayor Steve Benjamin and councilmembers say the orchard will be planted at Owens Field Park on Jim Hamilton Boulevard in the Rosewood area.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011  The Education Department announced Tuesday that 52 schools each received a $3,000 federal grant that will help pay for seeds, soil, garden tools and other essentials. The schools also will buy fresh produce from local farmers twice a month.

Saturday, November 13, 2010  Some Springfield residents are again coming to the defense of fruitcake this weekend.