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Daily editionWednesday, September 9th, 2026

Good morning, Aiken.

The 5AM Aiken Team

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Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 9th of September.

Community

  1. United Way launched its 2026 fundraising campaign on Aug. 28 at Aiken County Family YMCA in Graniteville to raise over $2 million under the leadership of campaign chair Chris Bryant & board chair Danielle Elliott noted early momentum from pacesetter campaigns.

    WGACRead more

  2. Border Bash returns November 20-21 with a free concert kicking off The Salvation Army's Red Kettle season and a 5K race along the North Augusta Greenway beginning at 8 a.m. on November 21; VIP packages from Southbound Smokehouse will go on sale September 14.

    WGACRead more

  3. Family Promise of Aiken County will turn the gym at St. Paul Lutheran Church into a bargain destination from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 18-19, with a preview on Sept. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. Proceeds will support programs for eviction prevention + housing stability.

    The Aiken StandardRead more

  4. Aiken County Firefighters Association hosted a skill competition and memorial walk at Generations Park on Sept. 5 to honor fallen firemen from Sept. 11, 2001.

    Beechn Island’s team won overall and a rescue helicopter offered air care insights for event attendees (underscoring local preparedness).

    The Aiken StandardRead more

  5. A newborn boy weighing 7 lb 14 oz was safely surrendered at Aiken Regional Medical Center on Saturday under South Carolina’s Safe Haven law and placed in licensed foster care.

    A hearing on termination of parental rights will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 29 at Aiken County Family Court (109 Park Avenue SE).

    WRDW/WAGTRead more

Culture

  1. The Southern Strings Festival returns to Aiken Oct. 2-3 at Bruce’s Field and features national and local bands plus enhanced kids activities like a golf simulator, bounce houses, board games, and courses.

    Jointly presented by the Kevin & Brittany Kisner Foundation and Friends With Benefits Productions, general admission is $128.63.

    The Aiken StandardRead more

  2. Downtown Aiken’s Arts Commission will unveil a new mural by local artist and UofSC Aiken professor (Joseph Kameen) on Thursday, Sept. 10, from 5:30–6 p.m. in The Alley, replacing the former equestrian piece; a free reception for his exhibit follows from 6–8 p.m. at the Aiken Center for the Arts.

    WRDW/WAGTRead more

Education

  1. Dr. Forest Mahan and Dr. Daniel Heimmermann updated attendees at Newberry Hall on Sept. 4 during First Friday Means Business, noting that Aiken Technical College drives $161.4 million in economic impact + USC Aiken saw an 11% enrollment increase to about 4,500 students.

    Aiken StandardRead more

Government

  1. Saltstone Disposal Unit 10 at Savannah River Site was authorized by the DOE to store up to 33 million gallons of decontaminated salt solution, with leak tests passed in December and construction completed in June 2024 — two more units are nearing final construction stages.

    The Aiken StandardRead more

Health

  1. Aiken County Social Services reported today that an infant was safely surrendered (under Daniel’s Law) at Aiken Regional Medical Center as officials ensured the child receives proper care.

    WFXGRead more