Daily editionWednesday, September 30th, 2026
Good morning, Aiken.
The 5AM Aiken Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 30th of September.
Community
Aiken's Town and Country Club held its first meeting on Sept. 3, celebrating America's 250th birthday with themed refreshments while Lauren Virgo explained Aiken County's role in the American Revolution.
The club will meet on Oct. 1 with Dr. Deanna Brown Thomas as the featured speaker.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Business
Greg Pierce and Angelia Roberts will reopen Malia’s Restaurant at 120 Laurens St. S.W. in November, reviving a local icon with much of the original menu and longtime staff returning.
They plan to update the building and work with the city on parking changes & other updates.
Aiken StandardRead more
Weeks Farm and Garden Supply at 1718 Richland Ave. got new leadership — Jim, son of late Marvin Williams, took over a few weeks ago from the store that started more than 70 years ago.
The business processes deer seasonally and offers pet food, gardening tools, and more for locals.
Aiken StandardRead more
Culture
American Pickers—a popular History Channel show—will visit the Carolinas and Virginia in November to search for large, rare collections, including a former site in Aiken County.
Interested locals may email or call to join the selection process.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Education
Aiken County Public School District is reviewing a plan to merge sixth through eighth grades at three Area 1 schools to improve student transitions and counter enrollment decline amid charter school competition.
The proposal, which includes magnet programs (specialized tracks) and revised attendance zones, awaits further community input.
WGACRead more
According to College Board data, Georgia public school students in the class of 2026 earned a mean SAT score of 1031 while Augusta University received score reports from 6,152 students.
In Aiken County, 911 of 1,583 seniors took the test with school averages ranging from 905 to 1025.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Government
Aiken officials opened Phase One of Tribute Parkway Sept. 28 with a ribbon cutting that dedicated a roundabout in honor of fallen public safety officer Sandy Rogers.
The 2.35-mile route now links Whiskey Road at Oak Grove East + South Centennial Avenue, and Phase Two will extend the roadway east in about 18 months.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Health
Peak Mobility Yoga will open a dedicated space inside Total Vibe Salon and Studios (1510 Whiskey Road) on Saturday, Oct. 3.
Founded by Kelsey Lovett, the studio offers classes to help runners and athletes prevent injury and recover smarter at a 7:45 a.m. open house.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Sports
Athletes in the CSRA honored triathlon pioneer Jeff Spires during Ironman weekend by pausing for a moment of silence and holding a shakeout run on Sept. 26 along the North Augusta Greeneway + plans for a permanent memorial bench on the trail are now underway to celebrate his legacy.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
High school football players around Aiken and Edgefield counties earned game balls for standout week 6 performances.
North Augusta’s Jayden Hatcher rushed 145 yards and scored three touchdowns plus players from Strom Thurmond and Silver Bluff also shone in key moments.
Aiken StandardRead more