Daily editionFriday, September 18th, 2026
Good morning, Aiken.
The 5AM Aiken Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 18th of September.
Community
Family Promise of Aiken County hosts its annual rummage sale at St. Paul Lutheran Church this week to fund programs that prevent homelessness among families.
The event offers a preview (Thursday, 6 to 8 p.m., $10 admission) and free sale hours Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WGACRead more
Friends of the Animal Shelter and the SPCA Albrecht Center are waiving dog adoption fees today through Sept. 30 as part of the nationwide Empty the Shelters event.
The shelters on Wire Road and Willow Run Road report a need for homes as 88 animals await adoption.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Economy
Gas prices in Aiken have risen to $4.12 per gallon today from $2.83 a year ago, putting pressure on local budgets.
Drivers are advised to combine errands and use apps like GasBuddy (a free tool) to compare prices and save on fuel costs.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Education
The Aiken County Public School District is gathering community input on its master plan, which may add a middle school to Silver Bluff High and repurpose New Ellenton Middle School as an elementary facility—designed to consolidate aging schools with funds from the 2024 1-cent sales tax. Feedback was collected starting Sept. 15 ahead of the Board review.
Aiken StandardRead more
Government
Aiken Corporation is funding a $50,000 study run by Via Mobility LLC to test an on-demand microtransit system that could boost access to jobs, healthcare, education + key services.
The six-month study will guide future funding plans in partnership with the city.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Health
Cumberland Village hosted a Purple Push Party today to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research ahead of Saturday’s Aiken Alzheimer’s Walk; residents and staff + supporters gathered together to boost awareness of the cause.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Sports
South Aiken hosted its inaugural Gallop girls’ golf invitational from Sept. 14 to Sept. 15 at Old Barnwell, where top high school teams competed on a challenging course.
Organizers plan to expand the event in future years & invite more local teams to participate.
Aiken StandardRead more
Local high school football teams are preparing for week 5 as Aiken hosts North Augusta and matchups involve Blackville-Hilda, Swansea, Midland Valley, Lugoff-Elgin, Lincoln County and Pelion.
Coaches stress early scoring and defense (teams average between 28 and 35 points per game) to build momentum heading into region play.
Aiken StandardRead more
Defending state champion Strom Thurmond hosts an injury-hit Lincoln County team Friday night in Johnston + both sides adjust their lineups for key player absences.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
North Augusta native Drew Stevens made his NFL debut for the Washington Commanders on Sunday when he hit a 55-yard field goal in a 24-22 loss to Philadelphia.
He earned the starting role over Jake Moody and will face the Cowboys on Sept. 20.
WGACRead more