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Daily editionTuesday, August 4th, 2026

Good morning, Aiken.

The 5AM Aiken Team

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Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 4th of August.

Business

  1. Warneke Cleaners, now owned by Markeese Sheely and his wife, will open a drop-off and pickup service at 215 Richland Ave. East by Aug. 10; the historic Newberry St. location will be torn down for a city parking garage.

    Clothes will be processed in Georgia with a two-day turnaround.

    The Aiken StandardRead more

  2. Dutch Bros. Coffee will open a drive-thru at 208 Edgefield Road in North Augusta before the end of 2026.

    The company purchased the site for $600,000 and plans to expand its presence in South Carolina.

    WGACRead more

Economy

  1. South Carolina’s tax‑free weekend will run Aug. 7‑9, letting back‑to‑school shoppers save on eligible items such as calculators, computers, clothing, and bed and bath items.

    Purchases can be made in store or online (check with retailers for options).

    WRDW/WAGTRead more

Education

  1. The Carhill Scholarship for the Visual and Performing Arts donated 15 pairs of tap shoes to Aiken High School’s dance program, helping instructor Emily Mims provide affordable arts education amid tight budgets.

    This gift supports student creativity (and eases equipment costs).

    Aiken StandardRead more

  2. A student from Aiken Scholars Academy, Lisbeth Healy, has released her debut fantasy novel, 'The Ballad of Spirits and Leopards,' at 14—showing early talent and perseverance.

    The self-published book is available online, and she has already penned 20 chapters for her planned six-book series.

    The Aiken StandardRead more

Health

  1. On Aug. 3, Rural Health Services hosted Healthcare for Homeless at 995 Clyburn Place, offering free health checks, haircuts, hygiene kits, and lunches (pulled barbecue, chips, coleslaw, cookies) to individuals seeking better support.

    Participants such as Johanna Cole noted the event helps connect locals with needed resources.

    The Aiken StandardRead more

  2. Medical College of Georgia students will host a free health fair Saturday, Aug. 8 for uninsured CSRA residents, offering multiple care options in one visit — a move aimed at improving local access to essential services.

    WRDW/WAGTRead more

  3. After heavy rain, mosquito breeding conditions are raising West Nile virus risk in the CSRA.

    Health officials advise residents to remove standing water and use bug spray (DEET) to lower the chance of illness.

    WRDW/WAGTRead more