Daily editionWednesday, August 19th, 2026
Good morning, Aiken.
The 5AM Aiken Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 19th of August.
Community
St. John's Methodist Church held its Tailgates and Touchdowns event on Aug. 16 at its Aiken location, where Clemson and USC mascots entertained 200 neighbors with games, refreshments, and a dunking booth (including a playful dunking of new pastor Josh Duckworth).
The Aiken StandardRead more
Art Graves, a 99-year-old resident at Cumberland Village Senior Living, has begun wood carving as part of his lifelong learning; the retired Marine and math teacher now spends afternoons crafting intricate figures (showing that age is no barrier to new skills).
The Aiken StandardRead more
County crews have resumed construction on the new fishing pier at Langley Pond Park after a materials delay; they aim to finish by January & local residents say the work is reviving a beloved community space.
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On Aug. 17 the inaugural Mayor's Citizens of Excellence Awards recognized community leaders including Caroline Gwinn, Rev. Douglas Slaughter, and posthumously Harvey Ramseur for their contributions, while eight students were honored and city facilities were renamed (highlighting Aiken's celebration of everyday excellence).
The Aiken StandardRead more
Business
Big Air, a new indoor trampoline and adventure park, opened at Kalmia Plaza.
Guests can jump on trampolines, climb walls, ride a mechanical horse and play dodgeball while enjoying a full arcade; owners William and Rebecca Stratford held a ribbon-cutting on Aug. 14 and celebrated the grand opening the next day.
Aiken StandardRead more
Parlour Coffee and Company opened late last year on Richland Avenue in Eastside Village.
The coffee shop serves pastries, coffee, and lunch, hosts game nights, and supports local entrepreneurs while operating Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. with extended hours coming soon.
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Culture
Bob Simmons, an 84-year-old hobbyist and former substitute teacher in Aiken, displays over 300 miniature model cars on his Warrenville walls.
Born to a backyard mechanic, he was inspired as a child by a model airplane gift and now paints his pieces with care (in 1/25 and 1/43 scale).
The Aiken StandardRead more
Education
Aiken County Public Schools was named as one of S.C.'s best employers on Forbes’ America’s Best Employers By State 2026 list.
The district ranked 22nd out of 55 and third among education employers, with over 3,000 employees (credited for strong scores in pay, culture and growth).
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Environment
North Augusta secured $430K from the South Carolina Forestry Commission to fund a tree canopy assessment and plant over 110 new trees after Hurricane Helene damaged many trees.
City crews will soon check nearly 300 flagged trees to trim high-risk ones in neighborhoods such as Bergen West and Arbor West.
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Sports
Blackville-Hilda football has combined with Williston-Elko and spent the offseason building team chemistry — players have been positioned and coached for a strong season, with the Bulldogs opening tomorrow at Denmark-Olar.
Aiken StandardRead more