Daily editionWednesday, August 26th, 2026
Good morning, Aiken.
The 5AM Aiken Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 26th of August.
Community
Friends and family remember longtime Aiken Standard reporter Lynne Katonak, who passed Aug. 22 (aged 92) and shaped the community through her work, including founding the local Running and Bicycle Clubs.
Tributes celebrate her enduring contributions and warm presence around town.
The Aiken StandardRead more
ACTS of Aiken celebrates 40 years+ expanding services after starting as a food pantry.
The organization will mark the milestone with a Ruby Celebration at First Presbyterian Church on Thursday at 4:30 p.m., and its resale stores offer a 40% off sale this week.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Education
Area students celebrated academic achievements this spring.
Eva Rose Buchanan, Emily Anne Clancey and Lila Rose Dawson earned degrees from Furman University while Noah Wright graduated from Troy University and students at Georgia Tech and Georgia Southern received honors on the president’s and dean’s lists — showing local academic success.
Aiken StandardRead more
Aiken County Public School District students showed gains in state tests (SC READY) with improvements in English, math and science and high school Algebra 1 rates rising to 79.4 percent, while district leaders credited targeted support and careful tracking for progress.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Environment
Local beekeepers are checking hives now to help winter bees thrive as the queen lays eggs that will support the colony through cold days; they will monitor varroa mites, fall pollens, and supplemental feed needs (experts note rising yellowjacket numbers may affect outdoor work).
The Aiken StandardRead more
Experts say the Savannah River is a natural home for native alligators, so locals using the water are advised to keep a safe distance as drought and development may concentrate these reptiles.
Observers stress that following simple safety tips helps manage encounters with these living dinosaurs.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Government
The Aiken Department of Public Safety reported on Aug. 24 that a three-way stop has been installed at Powderhouse Road and South Boundary Avenue.
Motorists traveling east and west on South Boundary Avenue are urged to use caution and follow posted signs.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Health
On August 20, a raccoon near Bertram Drive and Danzig Lane tested positive for rabies and two dogs that encountered it are now under quarantine per state law; this marks the eighth confirmed case in Aiken County this year.
WGACRead more
Sports
Wagener-Salley football, under new coach E'Mond Brown, won 48-0 on the road and will host its first home game against Branchville on Aug. 28 before moving to a new facility on Sept. 4.
The Aiken StandardRead more