Augusta, GA
Augusta National honors local veteran as hometown hero
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta National honors hometown heroes in our community with free tickets to the Masters.
After nominations are considered, they honor EMS workers, police officers, teachers and veterans like Jerry Lyda who go above and beyond for their community.
Smiling ear to ear under the famous leaderboard at Augusta National is Jerry Lyda and his lifeline, Sailor.
“I still haven’t got it all hooked in yet. But I know, to me, it’s an honor. It really is to be appreciated that much,” said Lyda.
Lyda is the CEO of Veteran K-9 Solutions.
He says he’s still in disbelief Augusta National recognized him as their newest hometown hero for his work in rehabilitating canines from animal shelters to rehabilitate veterans.
“The dogs are just a piece of equipment. That’s all they are to most folks. To the veterans, they are a lifeline,” said Lyda.
On top of a one-way ticket to Amen Corner, the Community Foundation, the non-profit arm of Augusta National, gave him a grant for more than $13,000 to continue his mission of saving two lives at one time.
“That covers a lot of things as far as the upkeep of the dog, the food, the veterinarian care and it covers the veteran for the equipment he may need for the dog — the vest, the leash, the collar,” said Lyda.
The grant is helping to expand the impact to other cities, too.
Over the last several years they have trained over 30 dogs each year. This year, they are looking to beat the record with 80 dogs.
“We’ve got a girl that trains with us. She’s Air Force, active duty. She’s gone to San Antonio, and she’s going to open one of our sister companies there. We got another gentleman in Myrtle Beach wanting to do that. So, we’ll be in three different places,” said Lyda.
And for that, he is grateful.
“All these things that the Lord is putting on me, it’s all him. It’s not me. It’s all him,” said Lyda.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Augusta leaders look to add new trail, pedestrian bridge at Augusta Canal
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new bridge could be coming to give you a new access point to the Augusta Canal trail.
The Augusta Commission is exploring the possibility of budgeting money to go towards a new pedestrian bridge and trail off of Riverwatch Parkway.
These new additions could go next to the Residence at Riverwatch apartment complex. This will look to become the first connecting area off of Riverwatch Parkway to the Canal trail.
Right now, options for access points are Eisenhower Park, Lake Olmstead and the Savannah Rapids Park for the 10-mile path.
People using the trail are all for more options. This includes Emma Vukovich and Caroline Fowler who use the trail at least once a week to run, walk and picnic.
“We moved here about four years ago and this is definitely one of our favorite spots to come to,” said Fowler.
They park at Eisenhower Park and go to their favorite area which takes a mile to get to.
With a new bridge, their favorite spot would be right next to where the bridge could be, making picnicking a better experience.
“We can bring a lot more than just a couple of snacks out there. We can bring coolers for our picnic so make it definitely more accessible to the public, because it’s definitely the better spot one of the best spots on the canal my favorite spot. It’ll be easier to access,” said Fowler.
Right now, they drive farther to get to a better access point, but that still leaves them with a mile hike.
Vukovich said: “We actually live close to the Olmstead entrance but it’s super far to get to the more picturesque areas.”
They think if this bridge is built, more people from out of town would make the trip to use the Augusta Canal.
“It’ll bring more people out there. It will draw people to Augusta more even because I think it is one of the most pretty spots but like older people and people who don’t want to walk as far can’t get to it,” said Vukovich.
Initial costs for the project are around $2 million. The commission will look to accept $500,000 from the Georgia Department of Transportation to go towards the project.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Augusta Star Student Is 'Truly A Compassionate Young Person'
Augusta, GA — Star Students are found in classrooms, on concert and theater stages and at debate lecterns, and out in the community doing good things to make life better for all of us.
Here at Patch, we’ve launched an initiative to help recognize Star Students, and we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding kids to their neighbors.
This submission comes from Juanita Long who nominated Omari of Augusta, Georgia.
Star local student’s name
Omari
What grade is your star local student in?
9th
How do you know the star local student?
Grandson
Why do you believe the star local student should be recognized?
Omari is a hardworking young student. He has really focused and applied himself to achieving good grades in school. He’s well mannered and is respectful towards others. He will assist whenever he can and will offer to help without being coached by someone.
What’s one thing you want everyone to know about the star local student?
Omari is truly a compassionate young person who has always been attentive and aware to what is happening around him.
Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Omari!
This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.
Know an outstanding student who deserves a shout-out?
Nominate them here.
Augusta, GA
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