Good morning, Aiken.

Retired firefighter paramedic Darryl Parker is chasing the Guinness World Record for the largest sock collection with over 2,000 pairs — every new sock donation will go to local shelters as the collection, which began as a Father’s Day gift, grew from birthday, promotion, and anniversary contributions.

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United Way of Aiken County held its 'Game Day' kickoff (Aug. 28) at the Aiken County Family YMCA in Graniteville as local residents showed team spirit with football jerseys and high school helmets to support partner agencies.

Funds raised will help pay for community programs.

The Aiken StandardRead more ↗

Parker’s record-breaking sock collection, started as a Father’s Day gift, will soon be donated to local shelters as people added socks for birthdays, promotions and anniversaries.

The donation aims to support community members in need.

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Music will fill Hopelands Gardens this autumn as the City of Aiken launches its inaugural Fall Hopelands Concert Series.

Concerts will begin Monday, Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. on the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage and are free (guests may bring lawn chairs and blankets; alcohol is prohibited).

The Aiken StandardRead more ↗

AAA reports that nationwide Labor Day travel costs are up 20%—local gas in Aiken remains at $3.67 per gallon—and prices may rise closer to the holiday.

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Aiken County Public School District is using 30 day, 60 day and 90 day check-ins with personal talks from an Aug. 25 board session to improve staff retention; early 2026 departures dropped to 455 from over 600 per year (HR calls it a proactive strategy).

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Aiken County saw overdose deaths drop over 50% while statewide fatalities fell 31% in 2024, thanks to expanded prevention and response efforts.

On International Overdose Awareness Day, officials stressed that fentanyl leads deaths & local health departments offer free naloxone kits.

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