The Aiken Standard

The Aiken Arts Commission will hold a mural unveiling at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, in The Alley in downtown Aiken. The Aiken-Barnwell Suicide Prevention Coalition will hold its 19th annual Healing Keys Suicide Summit from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Aiken County Government Center, 1930 University Parkway. Attendance is free. Lunch will be provided. For more information, email bonnie@mha-aiken.org.

This week I want to spotlight one of our volunteers, Sandee.

The rides, food, games and entertainment of the Western Carolina State Fair return to Let Freedom Ride from Oct. 16 to 25. The fall fair wouldn’t be complete, though, without the competitions. Every year, hundreds of Aiken residents compete for the coveted blue ribbon in everything from art and table setting to agriculture and floral design.

AIKEN — The owner of City Billiards, a popular downtown establishment known for its tasty hamburgers and hotdogs, is preparing to open new eatery. Oct. 1 is the “target date” for TJ’s Chicken to make its debut, Terra Jones told the Aiken Standard. “It’s dream to have a second restaurant,” she said. “I want to expand and do another one.” TJ’s Chicken’s location at 103 Williamsburg St. S.E. used to be the home of Little Howie’s.

AIKEN — Music lovers and other friends of Aiken County Veterans Council gave the council a boost heading into September's first weekend, casting more than $1,000 in dollar votes for this year's Battle at the Alley. Band of Ages, a four-member group, bagged first place in the Sept. 5 event, followed by Seth Logan and Midland Music Revival, in that order, all volunteering their talent, with all proceeds going to help local veterans in need.

AIKEN — Democrat Annie Andrews, running for U.S. Senate seat vacated by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham after his death on July 11, visited Aiken County on Sept. 8, making her case for becoming “South Carolina's first-ever elected female Senator.” Andrews is running against Darline Graham, who was appointed to the seat by S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster and prevailed in an Aug. 25 runoff against U.S. Rep.

AIKEN — The word "Gander" is goosing the memory of some local residents this month, linked to the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The town of Gander, in northeastern Newfoundland, in Canada, is the setting of "Come From Away," this month's Aiken Community Theatre show, and plays a major role in some happy reflections of a quarter-century ago. The musical, directed by Patrick Williams and running Sept.

Here's a look at standout performances from area players during Week 3 of the high school football season: Geter completed 11 of 18 passes for 226 yards and a touchdown in the Mustangs' big win against A.C. Flora. He also rushed 15 times for 162 yards and four scores. Smith scored two touchdowns on 19 carries that produced 226 yards. He also caught two passes for 21 yards. Fuller registered 11 total tackles, including nine solo, and a pair of quarterback pressures.

AIKEN — Cookies count, but weekly offerings from Busy Bakers also cover plenty of additional territory, with the support of Tri-Development Center and hundreds of customers around Aiken County, with hot meals as part of the package. The next two or three days are on track to be exceptionally busy for the organization, in its ongoing role as a vendor at Aiken's Makin', the massive downtown event set for Sept. 11-12.

The rides, food, games and entertainment of the Western Carolina State Fair return to Let Freedom Ride from Oct. 16 to 25. The fall fair wouldn’t be complete, though, without the competitions. Every year, hundreds of Aiken residents compete for the coveted blue ribbon in everything from art and table setting to agriculture and floral design.