The Aiken Chronicles (2025)

07/09/2025

For anyone who might have traveled within a mile of USCA in late August on either Trolley Line Road or the Robert M. Bell Parkway and was hit with an unbearable, foul odor of something rotten, that was the smell of a pond and wetland habitat behind the Convocation Center.

For anyone who might have traveled within a mile of USCA in late August on either Trolley Line Road or the Robert M. Bell Parkway and was hit with an unbearable, foul odor of something rotten, that…

01/09/2025

Editorial by Christopher Hall on the importance of preserving our natural landscape and the need for citizen Involvement to steer responsible growth and development.

My general mode when I start another walk is to jump right in and follow whatever path seems to pull me in. I intend to get lost. The key, though, is that now I take a map….

18/08/2025

By Dan Reider August 18, 2025 As we head towards the start of another school year, we are excited for the children who will be attending those schools. Although not all schools are to the level we would like for them to be for our children - facilities, teachers, programs- most offer a great environment for learning, socializing, nutrition, athletics, and a wide variety of programs and clubs....

By Dan Reider August 18, 2025 As we head towards the start of another school year, we are excited for the children who will be attending those schools. Although not all schools are to the level we …

09/08/2025

How the City of Aiken is poised to expand via a creative annexation trick. by Don MoniakAugust 9, 2025 The City of Aiken could soon expand to its east via a 650-foot-long, 10-foot-wide strip of land that it purchased in 2020. The strip of land will enable annexation of 66 acres between Toolebeck Road and Charleston Highway ( State Hwy 78); across the road from the AGY Plant....

How the City of Aiken is poised to expand via a creative annexation trick. by Don MoniakAugust 9, 2025The City of Aiken could soon expand to its east via a 650-foot-long, 10-foot-wide strip of land…

04/08/2025

On July 25, 2025, the Aiken Chronicles submitted questions on the following eight topics as part of an online forum for the two candidates, Barbara Morgan and Clayton Clarkson, vying in the August 2025 Republican primary for Aiken City Council District 6. Ms. Morgan's responses are provided below. Mr. Clarkson did not respond. The written online forum gives candidates and citizens time for thoughtful reflection on issues of concern to local residents....

On July 25, 2025, the Aiken Chronicles submitted questions on the following eight topics as part of an online forum for the two candidates, Barbara Morgan and Clayton Clarkson, vying in the August …

26/07/2025

(An update on City Elections and the rewrite of the City of Aiken's Zoning Ordinance; reported in Local Politics and Planning: 2025.) by Don MoniakJuly 25, 2025 Aiken City Council Election Campaigns Begin Aiken City Council will have a different look in 2026. Municipal elections are scheduled for November 4, 2025. Four City Council seats are open this year: Districts 2, 4, 5, and 6....

(An update on City Elections and the rewrite of the City of Aiken’s Zoning Ordinance; reported in Local Politics and Planning: 2025.) by Don MoniakJuly 25, 2025Aiken City Council Election Cam…

22/07/2025

One of Aiken County Council's July 15th public hearings took an unusual turn when the Council voted 6-2 to table a proposed ordinance to amend the manner in which it conducts business; for now voting on the side of The People. Most notable among the proposed changes are practices that could marginalize citizen engagement with their elected representatives. (...

One of Aiken County Council’s July 15th public hearings took an unusual turn when the Council voted 6-2 to table a proposed ordinance to amend the manner in which it conducts business; for no…

20/07/2025

The Southern catalpa tree, Catalpa bignonioides, was once a common sight in southern yards. Native to the southeastern US, this old-fashioned favorite has something for every season....

The Southern catalpa tree, Catalpa bignonioides, was once a common sight in southern yards. Native to the southeastern US, this old-fashioned favorite has something for every season.

17/07/2025

An update to City of Aiken Ordered to Produce Project Pascalis Records, Former AMDC Officials Seek Full Disclosure of Project Pascalis Records, and Which Project Pascalis Records Remain Hidden from Public View? by Don MoniakJuly 17, 2025 For four years, the City of Aiken has pursued an unwritten policy of opaqueness regarding the disclosure of information related to Project Pascalis; and for that matter, the…...

An update to City of Aiken Ordered to Produce Project Pascalis Records, Former AMDC Officials Seek Full Disclosure of Project Pascalis Records, and Which Project Pascalis Records Remain Hidden from…

30/06/2025

By Robert A. Leishear, PhD, PE, ASME Fellow June 30, 2025 Living in Aiken, I routinely observe the failures of our government to protect public safety in our water system. From June 25, 2025 through June, 29, 2025 (and continuing), widespread complaints about 'brown water' were reported by Aiken residents. By reading local newspapers, everything seems to be okay, but I fiercely disagree....

By Robert A. Leishear, PhD, PE, ASME Fellow June 30, 2025 Living in Aiken, I routinely observe the failures of our government to protect public safety in our wate…

26/06/2025

By Laura Lance This three-part series places Aiken’s railroad cut and wooden bridges in historic context — the development and building of the Charleston-Hamburg line; issues of deterioration and upkeep; the human stories; the environmental elements; the costs. Part Three of Three: The Bridges Part Three of Three: The Bridges In 1897, the SC Legislature passed a bill requiring the South Carolina & Georgia Railroad Company to erect and repair certain bridges over Aiken’s railroad cut, and to open up and grade crossings at other streets over the railroad, and to maintain the same....

By Laura Lance This three-part series places Aiken’s railroad cut and wooden bridges in historic context — the development and building of the Charleston-Hamburg line; issues of deterioration and u…

20/06/2025

During lean times, the line did well to survive. During periods of prosperity, improvements were made. The construction of Aiken’s six railroad bridges was roughly aligned with two periods of prosperity....

During lean times, the line did well to survive. During periods of prosperity, improvements were made. The construction of Aiken’s six railroad bridges was roughly aligned with two periods of prosp…

The Aiken Chronicles