Daily editionFriday, September 25th, 2026
Good morning, Aiken.
The 5AM Aiken Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 25th of September.
Community
On Thursday, Sep. 24, a $50K donation advanced plans for a new Salvation Army shelter for local families in need.
Officials say the project will soon move into design and planning phases to bring the shelter closer to realization.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Aiken County families who missed the online deadline can apply for Christmas assistance through the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program.
In-person registration is offered from Oct. 12 to Oct. 15 at 322 Gayle Avenue + the program helps children and seniors amid rising living costs.
WGACRead more
Business
A new Wingstop restaurant opened on Sept. 22 in South Park shopping center on Whiskey Road, offering 12 flavors of wings, sandwiches, and fries (open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight).
Aiken StandardRead more
Joyful Cafe moved its White Pond dining stop to a new location near the Barnwell County line.
The local eatery offers fresh breakfast and lunch daily with creative dishes like The Gitmo and homemade desserts, and hosts a monthly Meal and a Masterpiece art session - a community favorite.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Environment
Clarks Hill Lake is revealing hidden stumps & shoals as water levels drop lower than expected this season, prompting caution for boaters and swimmers.
Dry conditions are forecast to persist through early next week.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Government
The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office launched a new nonprofit foundation today to support public safety, build community partnerships, and invest in youth and officer wellness.
The foundation will fund mental health services, community programs, and emergency relief measures.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Health
Two University of Mississippi students died from overdoses involving kratom, prompting Attorney General Alan Wilson to warn that the drug—sold in convenience stores for adults 21 and older—poses risks on college campuses.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Real Estate
Demolition has begun for the Oliver Hotel project downtown, with work starting on Sept. 16 on Bee Lane and lane closures on Richland and Newberry set for early October, according to Aiken City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh.
The project will develop apartments + a parking deck and finish by early 2028.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Sports
Strom Thurmond running back Kaden Wigfall was named player of the week after scoring four touchdowns against Lincoln County (three rushing and one pick-six) and repeating his feat against Batesburg-Leesville, bolstering the Rebels' undefeated season ahead of their Week 6 game in Aiken.
Aiken StandardRead more
Will Curry, Whit Larlee and Grant Larlee won the James R. Frew Memorial Tournament at Palmetto Golf Club on Sept. 24 with a 22-under par score — a two-shot win over Kevin Wilhelm, Brien Grande and Paul Simons Jr.
The Aiken StandardRead more