Latest issueAiken holds its first Veterans Day parade; Irmo beats South Aiken 39-0Read now

5AM AikenSubscribe — it’s free

← Past issues

Daily editionThursday, September 3rd, 2026

Good morning, Aiken.

The 5AM Aiken Team

ShareEmailFacebookX

Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 3rd of September.

Business

  1. IronSword Meadery in Ridge Spring opened in July 2025 at 203 Green St. and offers flights of up to 17 meads featuring traditional dry profiles and sweet innovations such as apple pie by owners Shawn & Karie Collins.

    The Aiken StandardRead more

Economy

  1. Gas prices in Aiken and Edgefield counties have risen to $3.75 per gallon, following a nearly 20-cent jump in Augusta over two days — AAA predicts further increases as Labor Day travel picks up.

    WRDW/WAGTRead more

  2. Travelers preparing for Labor Day weekend face 20% higher flight fares + rising gas prices that may increase overall holiday travel costs.

    Local residents in Aiken might need to adjust plans to manage these cost hikes.

    WRDW/WAGTRead more

Education

  1. District officials broke ground at South Aiken High School on Sept. 1 — the start of a $65 million renovation that will add two new buildings, improved athletic facilities and more, with work expected to finish in Oct. 2028.

    The Aiken StandardRead more

  2. Dr. Corey Murphy, school superintendent, said plans include a middle school addition at Silver Bluff High and converting New Ellenton Middle School to elementary.

    Community input is scheduled Sept. 10 and 15, and a new Career & Technology Center will open in January 2027 on Aiken Tech’s Graniteville campus.

    Aiken StandardRead more

Government

  1. Savannah River Nuclear Solutions won the Workforce Champion Award on Tuesday at the Governor’s Mansion in Columbia, where Gov. Henry McMaster and Lt. Gov. Pamela Everett recognized the company for expanding career opportunities in the nuclear industry.

    WRDW/WAGTRead more

  2. California Gov. Gavin Newsom will headline a Connecting South Carolina event in Aiken County on Friday from 10 to 11 a.m as part of his two-day tour to meet local voters.

    WRDW/WAGTRead more

Health

  1. Aiken Regional Medical Centers is nearing the opening of a new emergency room in North Augusta on Martintown Road — the 13-room facility will offer labs, pharmacy, CT and X-ray and is expected to serve over 100 patients a day once it starts care in the next couple of weeks.

    WRDW/WAGTRead more

Sports

  1. Aiken-based Dogwood Stable’s famed thoroughbred Trippi died at 29 in South Africa.

    The racehorse, best known for his 2000 Vosburgh Stakes win at New York’s Belmont Park, was a leading stallion whose offspring include over 90 stakes winners.

    The Aiken StandardRead more

  2. Local high school football teams are set for Friday night games as coaches highlight consistent defense plus strong offense for key wins.

    Aiken, playing Chapin at 7:30 p.m. at Aiken High, joins South Aiken, Ridge Spring-Monetta, North Augusta and others in challenging matchups.

    Aiken StandardRead more