Good morning, Aiken.

Families in Aiken County who missed the online registration for the Salvation Army's Christmas help can now sign up in person from Oct.

12 to Oct. 15 at 322 Gayle Avenue. The program assists children and seniors in need during the holiday season.

Friends of the Animal Shelter and the SPCA Albrecht Center waive dog adoption fees from Friday through Sept.

30 to ease overcrowding as part of the Empty the Shelters event. The centers, located on Wire Road and Willow Run Road, hope to boost adoptions and free up space for incoming animals.

Residents in Aiken County will meet police at two events: Chicken with a Cop at Chick-fil-A North Augusta from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday and Coffee with a Cop at the Lessie B Price Center from 9-11 a.m. Thursday, with proceeds aiding Special Olympics.

Volunteers are asked to help clean up Brick Pond Park in North Augusta this week as local officials call for community members to join the effort and keep the area clean.

At a North Augusta church on Sept.

19, USC Aiken held a scholarship brunch honoring its first Black student (Barbara Brayboy Brooks) when it named Destiny Jenkins and Kelvin Hardy Jr. as the 2026 scholarship winners. Community pillar awards were also presented to local leaders.

Local deputies will start using new stickers to communicate better with residents who need extra support (including those with autism) during traffic stops and calls.

The initiative aims to improve interactions and provide better service during encounters with individuals with special needs.

Former Councilman Don Sprawls, who served from 1999 to 2008 and worked as a volunteer firefighter, died Sept.

17 in Aiken. Remembered for his generosity and service, he is survived by his wife, daughter + grandchildren.

Aiken County Sheriff’s Office is now offering special needs awareness stickers to help deputies communicate with residents during calls involving autism.

Residents can pick up two stickers at the sheriff’s office today.

Beech Island Water District customers on Hammond Road and Redcliffe Road face a boil-water notice that directs residents to boil water for at least one minute before using it, due to a water loss threat.

Officials advise following this guideline until further notice.