Daily editionTuesday, October 6th, 2026
Good morning, Aiken.
The 5AM Aiken Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 6th of October.
Community
Aiken County celebrated a ribbon-cutting for its new Recreation Center on Oct. 2 in Horse Creek Valley — a 5,600 sqft facility with community rooms, a kitchen, pool house and basketball court — with the property named Palmore Memorial Park to honor educator Minnie Palmore.
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Government
Aiken's hospitality tax on prepared food increased from 1% to 2% on Oct. 1.
The additional funds will support park improvements, tourism programs & construction of a municipal parking deck on Newberry Street.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Dr. Annie Andrews unveiled her Prices and Patients Plan Monday (as part of her Senate campaign) to stress the needs of rural hospitals in Allendale County.
WFXGRead more
Health
Shepeard Community Blood Center kicked off its fourth annual Donation Domination blood drive Monday — partnering with LifeSouth Blood Center to boost local donations at Chick-fil-A locations in the CSRA, where donors receive free sandwiches and T-shirts.
The contest runs through Friday.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Sports
Local high school football concluded week seven with Aiken defeating Midland Valley 42 to 41, ending a losing streak.
In regional play, North Augusta beat Irmo 25 to 16 to clinch first place in Region 5 AAAA and Strom Thurmond posted a 42 to 0 win, with upcoming matchups scheduled.
The Aiken StandardRead more