Roofer in Aiken, SC

A store offering Aiken-inspired clothing, accessories and gifts is scheduled to open downtown early in 2024.

The merchandise will feature the city’s name on it, have an Aiken theme or reflect the local lifestyle in some way.

“We’re going to try to have a little something for everybody,” said Sarah Dodge, who is the owner of True Aiken at 311 Hayne Ave. S.W. “We’re doing a bunch of custom-designed T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats. We’ll have some custom glassware. An artist is doing a hand-drawn map of Aiken for us, and we’re going to have it on ceramic mugs, tea towels, tote bags and things like that.”

Customers will also be able to shop for vests, throw rugs, pillows and much more.

“We’ll have stuff that you won’t find in a regular gift store,” Dodge said. “We won’t just be a T-shirt shop.”

Dodge, who is a dressage horse trainer, and her husband, Jason Hays, who is a farrier, live on a farm in Windsor with their son, 12-year-old Ryder Hays.

Jason and Ryder have been helping get True Aiken ready to make its downtown debut.

“They’ve been painting and doing a little bit of remodeling work,” Dodge said.

The family moved to South Carolina from Colorado approximately four years ago.

“When we were going back and forth visiting, we thought, ‘Oh wouldn’t it be great to have an Aiken sweatshirt or some sort of Aiken gift,’ but they were hard to find,” Dodge said. “The downtown shops had a few things, but in Colorado, if you go somewhere like Keystone or Vail, there are whole stores about those places. I was like, ‘Aiken could have a store like that,’ so we started putting some ideas together.”

Dodge and her husband considered a pop-up shop concept before deciding to look for a brick-and-mortar location for the new business.

“There was a great little space available, so I thought, ‘Let’s just do it and jump right in,’” Dodge said.

True North had a tent in the Village of Shops at the Aiken Fall Steeplechase Championship in November to introduce its wares to area residents and visitors.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that the South Carolina Department of Transportation has agreed to pay for the mistake it made when it prepared bids for an Aiken County Transportation Committee project.

The Aiken County Transportation Committee won't have to pay over $87,000 to correct a South Carolina Department of Transportation mistake after all.

Four department officials asked for and received $87,736 from the transportation committee to complete improvements to the intersection of Jefferson Davis Highway, Sudlow Lake Road and Langley Dam Road.

But, instead the department will cover the cost, S.C. Sen. Tom Young Jr., R-Aiken, said Wednesday evening.

The four department employees asked the county transportation committee for the money to correct a mistake made when the department prepared a bid package for the project.

The Aiken County Transportation Committee is one of 19 counties that use the department to manage road improvement projects. The remaining 27 county transportation committees manage their projects themselves.

The Jefferson Davis Highway project includes offsetting the turn lanes on Jefferson Davis Highway to make it easier for drivers to see oncoming traffic as they try to turn left onto either Sudlow Lake Road or Langley Dam Road.

But when the South Carolina Department of Transportation began accepting bids for the $800,000 project, not all of the project was included in the information provided to potential contractors. Specifically, concrete medians costing $87,736 were left out of the information.

Department employees Bobby Usry and Alex Bennett provided two different explanations for why the medians were left out.

"They were left off the plans, they were left off the summaries and quantities. Therefore, they did not get bid on," Usry said.

But, Bennett said the department's "letting prep group" didn't process the sheets with the concrete medians as it prepared the project for bid.

Usry added the medians are necessary to tie the drainage system together.

Chairman Johnny Beam called for an investigation into how the Department of Transportation left the concrete medians out of the project.

"Somebody needs to get an answer out of Columbia how they messed that up," Beam said.

He added he had asked the Department of Transportation officials several times if there was enough money to fund the project, only to be told yes, there is enough money and there could be some left over.

Usry, Bennett and two other department employees then asked the committee to fund the additional cost.

During a public comment period, an Aiken County resident asked Usry and Bennett why the county transportation committee should fund a Department of Transportation mistake.

"This was a CTC-funded project prior to this going to bid," Usry said.

The Department of Transportation's budget is $2.44 billion.

Beam also asked Bennett what the department would do if the county transportation committee didn't have funds to cover the cost.

"I don't know, that question's a little bit above my pay grade," Bennett said.

Several members of the transportation committee suggested the Department of Transportation could find the money to fund the medians.

Regardless, the county transportation committee voted unanimously to fund the request.

But, that won't be necessary.

Young said he confirmed late Wednesday afternoon the department would pay for its mistake.

Aiken, South Carolina makes Christmas a festive affair, from its tree lighting and parades, to a walk through miles of twinkling lights.

What makes celebrating Christmas in the South special is the gracious nod to holiday tradition, year after year, whether we're talking town squares draped in twinkling lights and garland or carols sung at the town tree lighting. For those looking for a taste of these Southern yuletide revelries all wrapped up in a setting prettier than any picture, there's a small town more than worth the trip: Aiken, South Carolina.

Known already for its iconic archway of live oaks and impressive collection of Thoroughbred champions, Aiken makes Christmas a festive and time-honoring affair. Here, you won't find tourist traps or horse-themed gimmicks; you'll find a historic community full of equestrian tradition and small-town charm.

The stunning South Carolina town embodies the low and slow way of small-town living; but at Christmastime, it turns up the volume and charm with a holiday extravaganza packed to the brim with festive events that are both community-oriented and welcoming to short-term visitors. If you're ready to see authentic horse-drawn carriages in the downtown parade or perhaps schedule one of Santa's elves to tuck in your little ones at bedtime, there might just be something in Aiken for you and your family. Here are some highlights that show why you need to plan a visit to Aiken this year during Christmastime.

Witness The Aiken Annual Tree Lighting

It's not officially Christmas in Aiken until the first weekend of December when the massive tree flickers to life on Newberry Street in downtown Aiken. The town's cozy shops follow suit with twinkling lights and garland, while storefronts showcase their most cheerful displays and wares. Caroling tops off the evening with some entertainment.

Attend Parades To See Vintage Cars & Thoroughbreds

Sometimes when your town is serious about the season, just one Christmas parade won't do. The first weekend of December, attend Aiken's first Christmas Parade packed with vintage cars, dressed-up dogs, and themed floats. The next weekend, line up to watch a parade of old-fashioned horse-drawn carriages, dressed-up horses with caroling riders, and tinsel-draped dogs. Didn't bring your own horse to this Thoroughbred-packed town? Reserve a spot on the "Hay Sleigh" to participate.

A Christmas Tree Best In Show Wants Your Vote

Ever thought you might be just perfect at judging decorated Christmas trees? Well, here's your chance. Take a trip to the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum to vote for "Best in Show." (In this equestrian town, that's no joke.) A thoughtfully curated (read: over-the-top decorated) Festival of Trees is on display and awaiting your vote for top honors.

The Annual Christmas Craft Show Features Artisan Treasures

If you're a crafter, decorator, or just really appreciate handmade art, this event is one you shouldn't miss. The Annual Christmas Craft Show will be held at the very start of December, bringing artisans from Southeast Asia to Aiken. Last year, over 6,800 people showed up to the acclaimed event. This year the two-day event is on Friday, December 1, and Saturday, December 2, from 9:00 AM. to 5:00 PM.

Get A Christmas Elf Tuck-In At The Willcox

Book a few nights at a stately, but not stuffy hotel, The Willcox; and tailor your stay with as much Christmas cheer as you want. Make your kids' Christmas season better than ever by booking the hotel's signature Elf Tuck-In, and watch their faces light up as one of Santa's elves knocks on the door—milk and cookies in tow—and reads them a bedtime story. With these yuletide amenities and a spirited atmosphere, The Willcox makes the most of your holiday visit.

The Night Of 1,000 Lights Illuminates Aiken

When it comes to Christmas, Aiken says go big or go home. On the Night of 1,000 Lights, Downtown Aiken is lined with a thousand luminaries that come together to cast a magical glow over the charming streets. The downtown shops stay open late and offer holiday treats, drinks, and music for a fun and festive evening out on the town.

Christmas In Hopelands Is An Immersive Experience

For over 25 years, Christmas in Hopelands has given visitors a magical experience with over 100,000 twinkling lights in the peaceful setting of Hopelands Gardens while sipping on a warm cup of apple cider or hot cocoa. Stroll through over two miles of the walk-through exhibit, complete with lighted pathways and illuminated displays. You can purchase s'mores kits on sight to be used at the s'mores pit on the grounds, making it the perfect after-dinner holiday activity. Caroling and live music will stud the month-long exhibit during the weekends, so make sure to bring a blanket!

WATCH: Why You Really Need to Plan a Visit to Dahlonega, Georgia This Christmas

It's hard to be this South's best small town when it comes to celebrating Christmas. Make this year the most festive yet by grabbing your family and heading to Aiken for some true Southern merrymaking.

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Aiken County Public School District announced the finalists for the superintendent position on Tuesday.

The finalists include Dr. Chan Anderson, Dr. Amy Edwards and Dr. Corey Murphy.

Chan Anderson, Ed.D. is the only finalist that doesn’t currently work with the Aiken County Public School District. He currently serves as Superintendent for the Chesterfield County School District. It’s a role he has held since 2022. In his 29 years as an educator, Anderson served as an assistant Superintendent and an Executive Director in Chesterfield for nine years. He served nine years as a principal at Savannah Grove Elementary, R.N. Beck Learning Center and Park Lakes Elementary. He spent the first 10 years of his career in the Broward County School District in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. Anderson was also a classroom teacher for six years, basketball coach and assistant principal. He received his Doctor of Education and Educational Specialist degrees from Wingate University. He received a Masters in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Claflin University.

Amy Edwards, Ed.D. currently serves as the Chief Instructional Officer for Aiken County Public School District. She has held this position since August 2022. She has served as an Independent Educational Consultant for AME Solutions, LLC, a Transformation Leadership Coach with the S.C. Department of Education, an assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction in Orangeburg County Consolidated School District Three, Director of Curriculum and Instruction in Dorchester School District Four, Director of Testing, Research and Accountability, and Director of ELA k-12 and Media Specialists, Director of Staff Development, and District Literacy Coach in Spartanburg School District Six. She has served as president for the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) Instructional Leaders, as a board member for the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA), and currently serves on the board for Learning Forward S.C. Prior to these positions, Edwards was assistant principal for Academics at Sedgefield Middle School and Title I Curriculum Facilitator and Math Intervention teacher at College Park Middle School. She was a principal at Andrews Christian School and a classroom teacher at Andrews Primary/Elementary School and Rosemary Middle School.

Corey Murphy, Ph.D. currently serves as Chief Officer of Operations and Students Services in Aiken County Public School District, a role he has held since 2020. Prior to that, he was Chief of Staff at Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools in Williamsburg, Va., served five years as principal at Beaufort High School and five years as principal of Great Falls Middle/High School. He was an assistant principal at Camden High School as well as a classroom teacher for the S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice and Eau Claire High School. He is also currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and has more than 23 years of honorable service. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy Degree, Educational Specialist Degree, Master of Education and his Bachelor of Science in Biology degrees from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C.

“I have been pleased with the caliber of applicants to select from and am confident that the right candidate to serve as Aiken County’s next educational leader is among the group of finalists,” said Aiken County School Board Chairman Cam Nuessle.

In August, King Laurence announced his retirement for the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

The South Carolina School Boards Association is held community input meetings on Dec. 5 and Dec. 6.

As Aiken County moved forward, they asked anyone in the community: “What qualities and characteristics do you want in your next superintendent?”

“We just want to know that the you know that the children’s best interest is taken into consideration,” said Mark Hedman, who has a student at North Augusta.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Aiken County Public School District board unanimously approved Corey Murphey, Ph.D. as the school system’s superintendent on Monday.

Murphy will step into the position on July 1.

“I consider this to be the honor of my life,” Murphy said in a statement.

Murphy currently serves as chief officer of operations and student services in the district, a role he has held since 2020.

He earned his Doctor of Philosophy Degree, Educational Specialist Degree, Master of Education and his Bachelor of Science in Biology degrees from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C.

Murphy says he truly believes Aiken County is a good school district poised for greatness.

“I will build on the stalwart leadership of King Laurence to push the boundaries of public education,” he said. “I will be ready from day one to take charge and continue to work to maximize every child’s potential in safe and functional educational spaces.”

OTHER FINALISTS:

On Feb. 3, parents had the opportunity to meet the meet the finalists.

The reception was held in Aiken High School’s new auditorium and was open to employees, parents, students and community members.

There was an opportunity for stakeholders to spend time with each candidate during an informal reception in the atrium.

“For myself personally, its not how long your resume is or how many letters you have after your name, I think its about you find out what the superintendent is about what value they could bring and how does that fit the current needs of the district now - this year,” said Chairman Cam Nuessle.

“The reception gives the three finalists a chance for them to introduce themselves to the public, and the opportunity in a casual setting for the public to talk to the finalists and get to know them a little bit,” said Nuessle.

In August, Laurence announced his retirement for the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

After Laurence announced his upcoming retirement, the board contracted with the South Carolina School Boards Association to conduct its superintendent search.

As the nationwide search began, the association held community input meetings on Dec. 5 and Dec. 6. and also gathered feedback through an electronic survey.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.