Daily editionWednesday, October 7th, 2026
Good morning, Aiken.
The 5AM Aiken Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of October.
Community
Local groups are organizing the fourth Annual Nature Rocks at Hopelands Gardens (135 Dupree Place) on Sunday, Oct. 11 from 2-5 p.m., with nature crafts, scavenger hunts, Story Time with Mother Goose, face painting, and a history walk planned; the event will be held on Oct. 18 if rain occurs.
Aiken StandardRead more
Aiken local Pam Johnston and her husband Rob have made millions in donations to support nonprofit groups including Children’s Place, Golden Harvest Food Bank, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army — their Catholic faith and strong partnership guide these efforts.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Dianne Phillips — a long-time leader at the Chamber — steps aside as the primary manager of Aiken’s Makin’, an event celebrating its 50th anniversary after Labor Day, and now mentors Kathy Boyette, Whitney Goodwin, and Sarah Schultz for future shows.
She will remain part-time to support Chamber work.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Daniele Ligons is honored as one of the Aiken Standard’s Women of Inspiration and will be celebrated at a luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 at Newberry Hall; her leadership in marketing and community service with the United Way + Kiwanis is praised.
Aiken StandardRead more
Culture
Local artisans from Cedar Creek will host Art in the Park on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Walton Heath Park — featuring handmade crafts, live music by Diane Young and Sheri Falcone, and food from Vampire Penguin — with a rain date of Oct. 17.
Aiken StandardRead more
A trailblazing doctor exhibit opens at the Center for African American History, Art and Culture (120 York St. N.E.), with a reception held Thursday, Oct. 22 from 6:30-8 p.m. and the display running through Jan. 22; the exhibit highlights Dr. Matilda A. Evans, South Carolina’s first licensed African American doctor.
Aiken StandardRead more
Economy
CordenPharma is expanding its Aiken County site to create over 200 jobs from factory work & lab roles.
Recruiting begins now, with most operator hires expected to start in late 2027.
WGACRead more
Education
Strom Thurmond High School won the state championship for the 2026 South Carolina Mock Trial and received their rings on Sept. 11 (2026).
The team will compete at nationals for the third consecutive year.
WGACRead more
Government
South Carolina opened an online waitlist Tuesday, Oct. 6 (2:37 p.m. EDT) for families seeking help paying for child care through the Working Families Child Care Scholarship.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Health
Aiken Regional Medical Centers launched a new freestanding emergency room in Martintown on Sept. 24.
The facility treated 127 patients in its first week and offers 24/7 care to reduce wait times in North Augusta.
WGACRead more
Aiken Regional Medical Center nurse Christy Briggs was honored for her 18 years of work at the Women’s LifeCare Center; she consistently leads her team during emergencies and works to ensure patients receive the care they need.
The Aiken StandardRead more