Daily editionSaturday, August 15th, 2026
Good morning, Aiken.
The 5AM Aiken Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 15th of August.
Community
Troop 7 in North Augusta has launched its first pet microchipping station project as the final step for a Boy Scout earning Eagle status; the service effort, part of the troop's 105-year history, now brings a new resource to local pet owners.
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The Tri-Development Center hosted its 4th annual Vegas Night on Aug. 14 to raise $60,000 for upgrades to one of its oldest buildings, drawing strong community support.
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Business
Parlour Coffee and Company, a new coffee shop owned by Heather Willaby, opened late last year on Richland Avenue in Eastside Village and now serves coffee, pastries, a full lunch menu, and hosts game nights (plans to extend hours are in the works).
It offers a welcoming spot for locals to relax and enjoy a break from the fast pace.
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Culture
The 50th Annual Aiken’s Makin’ Arts & Crafts Show will return to historic downtown Aiken on Sept. 11 and Sept. 12, featuring over 200 juried artisans offering handmade jewelry, pottery, fine art, and local specialty foods with free admission.
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Economy
Plans for North Fork Commerce Park in northern Aiken County include preserving open spaces with a 50- to 60-foot tree buffer around each parcel (to keep the rural feel) as it moves forward; the development is expected by 2028, with local groups and Western SC working together for conservation.
Aiken StandardRead more
Education
The Meeting Street Scholarship is now available statewide — $18.7 million in state funding expands coverage from 14 to all 46 counties.
It offers up to $10,000 a year to help nearly 3,000 high school seniors graduating in May 2027 cover tuition, housing, meals and fees.
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