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

Saturday, August 25, 2012  Many people waited outside for a chance to attend the Democratic National Convention.

Wednesday, August 08, 2012  Some South Carolina residents may see or hear fighter jets controlled by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) as pilots conduct exercise flights Thursday.

Thursday, April 14, 2011  Charleston businessman Phil Noble is running for chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party.  Noble said Thursday he has spent five months gauging what Democrats around the state want in the party's next chairman. He says Democrats are tired of losing and don't want the same people from Columbia running the party.

Wednesday, September 01, 2010  A local engineering firm says Columbia's procurement process is not fair.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010  A $65,000 city contract awarded to one of Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin's campaign donors was not competitively bid, contradicting the city's explanation that the deal went to the lowest bidder, WACH Fox News has learned.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010  Columbia City Manager Steve Gantt responded Wednesday to our question as to why the city hired an outside public relations firm for $65,000 for a construction project when the city has its own internal PR department.

Monday, August 16, 2010  The city of Columbia has agreed to pay P.J. Noble and Associates $65,000 for consulting work on the North Main Street project.  WACH Fox News has asked several times why the city needs an outside PR firm when they have their own internal department.  We've yet to get a response.

Thursday, August 12, 2010  WACH Fox News is still waiting for a response from Columbia City Manager Steve Gantt.  We have questions about a contract the city has with a public relations firm, while they have their own PR department.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010  Pat Noble, with P.J. Noble and Associates, told WACH Fox News she'd talk to us as long as the city of Columbia gives her permission to discuss their contract to consult on a North Main Street construction project.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010  The consulting firm at the center of a questionable $65,000 city contract did not respond to WACH Fox questions again Tuesday regarding why its services are necessary when Columbia already employs a full-time public relations department.

Monday, August 09, 2010  Columbia taxpayers still don't have a clear answer as to why the city is spending $65,000 on an outside public relations firm nearly a week after council unanimously approved the expense. The city already employs a full-time staff of PR employees.

Monday, March 02, 2009  Rainfall could wreak havoc for lake residents.