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Daily editionFriday, September 4th, 2026

Good morning, Aiken.

The 5AM Aiken Team

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Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 4th of September.

Community

  1. Rob Johnston has pledged $1 million to the Community Foundation’s grants endowment if the community raises the same amount, boosting funds for nonprofits in Aiken and neighboring areas.

    The challenge supports programs in education + health + arts.

    WRDW/WAGTRead more

  2. The Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District is hosting a cleanup at Strom Thurmond Lake on Sept. 26 from 8 a.m. to noon for National Public Lands Day; families and groups will pick up trash along shorelines (RSVP at 864-333-1129) and supplies will be provided.

    WGACRead more

  3. The second annual Swamp Rabbit Yard Sale will take place Sept. 11-12 across 46 miles of backroads from Batesburg-Leesville to Springfield.

    Salley Town Council member Leah Shackleford organized the event, which will run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in seven towns (bargain hunters will find deals along the route).

    WGACRead more

Business

  1. Star Liquor is open on Aiken's Northside at 522 York St. N.E. from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

    Owner Chris Brahmbhatt said he chose this spot for its community charm, and the new store sells spirits, wine, and ready-to-drink cocktails with reserved parking.

    Aiken StandardRead more

Culture

  1. Aiken Community Theatre presents 'Come From Away' today at the Amentum Center for the Performing Arts, where the musical runs Sept. 4–12.

    The production celebrates the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with 12 actors & a powerful story of community hope.

    The Aiken StandardRead more

  2. The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department kicks off the free Fall Hopelands Concert Series on Sept. 21 at Hopelands Gardens.

    Four shows in the fall at 6:30 p.m. will feature the Keith Clark Band, Brooke Lundy and John Vaughn, the Dusty Angels and Lost Dog.

    WGACRead more

Economy

  1. Fuel and food prices remain high as Labor Day weekend nears, leaving residents across two states (including our Aiken community) with tough financial choices according to recent reports.

    WRDW/WAGTRead more

  2. Fuel and food prices remain high ahead of Labor Day weekend as gas in Aiken County averages $3.78 per gallon and grocery costs have increased, prompting locals to plan errands carefully — possibly reducing trips to save money.

    WRDW/WAGTRead more

Education

  1. Lakeside High School celebrated campus upgrades with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 3 to unveil new classrooms + updated student spaces on campus.

    WRDW/WAGTRead more

Government

  1. The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office is launching free autism awareness decals to help first responders safely interact with individuals with autism.

    The decals are available in the front lobby (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and are limited to two per family, with additional decals provided by referral.

    WRDW/WAGTRead more

Sports

  1. Tanner Padgett, Aiken High's quarterback, helped lead the Green Hornets to a 38-21 win at Swansea on Aug. 28 with 322 passing yards and two touchdown passes — his strong performance sets up today's 7:30 p.m. game at Chapin.

    The Aiken StandardRead more

  2. Mike Sposa, a Palmetto Golf Club member in Aiken, won the U.S. Senior Amateur title on Thursday at Baltimore Country Club with a 3 and 2 victory over Todd White + he later boarded a flight to Ireland for the upcoming Walker Cup Matches.

    The Aiken StandardRead more