Daily editionSaturday, September 26th, 2026
Good morning, Aiken.
The 5AM Aiken Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 26th of September.
Community
Aiken County Veterans Council is hosting its first Veterans Day parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 with registration open until Nov. 1 at Park Avenue near the Visitors Center, as the procession follows routes used for Memorial Day and Christmas parades — ending at Edgefield Avenue by Trinity on Laurens.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Govan town leaders launched the Kids in Parks TRACK Trail e-Adventure (an interactive outdoor experience) to invite children and families to explore local nature with guided challenges; the project promotes outdoor fun and active learning in the community.
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Business
A new Parker’s Kitchen is expected to open early October at the northwest corner of Whiskey Road and Chukker Creek Road, marking the chain’s second store in Aiken.
The convenience store will serve Southern-inspired dishes as part of the company’s ongoing expansion.
Aiken StandardRead more
Culture
A nationally recognized traveling history exhibit will visit Aiken on Oct. 18 from 1-5 p.m. at the Center for African American History, Art and Culture (120 York St. NE) as part of Umoja Village's Unity Weekend.
The free exhibit will offer guided tours, lectures, and Q&A sessions.
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Education
Aiken County Public School District is proposing to consolidate Jackson STEM Magnet Middle with New Ellenton Middle STEAM Magnet School, a nearly $60 million plan that would remove the town’s only school and impact local jobs.
Jackson residents and officials worry this move will erase community history as feedback continues.
Aiken StandardRead more
Two Aiken County schools will host events on Friday for Hispanic Heritage Month.
At Clearwater Elementary in Beech Island, the DECA Club leads Spanish culture activities from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. while Aiken Scholars Academy offers trivia games, painting, & dance from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Health
Residents can explore local alternative health options today at the Holistic Wellness Fair at Aiken Senior Life Services (1310 E. Pine Log Road) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the free, family-friendly event features local practitioners, mini-treatments & a vendor marketplace.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Sports
Aiken volleyball swept rival South Aiken with a 3-0 win to complete the region's first lap as they improved their record to 5-0.
Both teams prepare for tournaments on Sept. 29, with South Aiken headed to Fox Creek and Aiken hosting Midland Valley.
Aiken StandardRead more
Wagener-Salley defeated Ridge Spring-Monetta 44-7 on Friday, Sept. 25 with a strong second half that kept them undefeated.
They are set to face Blackville-Hilda next as they prepare for region play.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Local sports fans can look forward to week 6 action as Strom Thurmond takes on Aiken and Burke County faces Hephzibah at 7:30 tonight for bragging rights.
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News 12 aired Under the Lights Week 6 yesterday presenting highlights, scores, and a preview of tonight’s game at Hephzibah where Burke County meets Hephzibah at 7:30 + it also covered local sports updates including an upcoming matchup featuring Strom Thurmond versus Aiken.
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