News Summary
Aiken, SC has unveiled its new Solicitor’s Office, consolidating services to enhance accessibility and efficiency for the community. The office, located at 214 Park Avenue S.W., was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Solicitor Bill Weeks and attended by local officials. The acquisition and refurbishment of the historic Municipal Building signify a significant investment in judicial services, aiming to improve safety and collaboration among staff. This establishment not only serves the local community but also the neighboring counties of Bamberg and Barnwell.
Aiken, SC – A ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of the new Solicitor’s Office for South Carolina’s 2nd Judicial Circuit was held on June 27, 2025. Located at 214 Park Avenue S.W. in downtown Aiken, the new office aims to consolidate services previously spread across three different locations, thereby enhancing accessibility and efficiency for both staff and the community.
Bill Weeks, the Solicitor for South Carolina’s 2nd Judicial Circuit, officiated the ribbon-cutting event, attended by a significant number of local officials, including Aiken County Assistant Administrator Teresa Crain, Aiken City Council members, Aiken Mayor Teddy Milner, Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker, and Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer. The gathering emphasized the importance of the new space and its role in serving the community.
The former City of Aiken’s Municipal Building, which dates back to approximately 1938 and had been in city ownership since 1884, was acquired by Aiken County for $2.4 million in April 2024. The county invested an additional $3 million for refurbishment efforts, which included necessary renovations and security upgrades to make the premises safer for staff and visitors alike. The office now provides ample space for meeting with crime victims, which was a significant concern in the overcrowded Aiken County Judicial Center.
Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker expressed that the acquisition of the Municipal Building is one of the most beneficial investments made by the County Council and reflects a commitment to improved judicial services in the region. Aiken County’s 2nd Judicial Circuit also serves Bamberg and Barnwell counties, further reinforcing the need for an adequate and accessible facility.
The consolidation of the Solicitor’s Office under one roof is expected to enhance collaboration among employees and improve the overall efficiency of operations. Prior to this new office, staff worked in separate locations, which often complicated communication and case handling.
In 2022, the City of Aiken relocated its headquarters to 111 Chesterfield St. S., facilitating this transition and allowing the county to take over the Municipal Building. This strategic move aims to optimize local government facilities, ensuring that resources are available to best meet community needs.
The new Solicitor’s Office does not only serve as a functional work environment but also stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of city and county officials in enhancing public services. Bill Weeks acknowledged their support during the move, highlighting the essential role local governance plays in community safety and judicial efficiency.
As operations commence in the new facility, Aiken County officials track its impact, evaluating how well the addition will meet the demands of the 2nd Judicial Circuit, which plays a critical role in serving not only Aiken County but also neighboring Bamberg and Barnwell counties. The changes made during the refurbishment process focus on safety and accessibility aimed at benefiting the community comprehensively.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shooting Incident in Little River Injures at Least 10
David Pascoe Switches Party Affiliation to Republican
Two Women Charged in Toddler’s Death in South Carolina
Two Women Charged in Death of 2-Year-Old in South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Aiken Solicitor’s Office New Headquarters
- WRDW: 2nd Circuit Prosecutor Earns Statewide Honor
- WJBF: New Second Judicial Circuit Solicitor Talks Aiken Backlog
- Augusta Chronicle: Bill Weeks Announces Candidacy
- Post and Courier: Local Prosecutor Receives State’s Highest Award
- Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
- Google Search: Sandy Smith Aiken South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Judicial Circuit Aiken South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aiken
- Google News: Aiken Solicitors Office
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
