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Contents On the Cover 10 SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING TRYKES Linda Mask reflects on the 35 years of sisterhood, purpose and freedom she found in Mountain Metro AMBUCS, and she’s not done yet. 20 THE SOUNDTRACK TO LIFE April Abraham is growing the MacArthur Middle School and High School’s choir programs. 30 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Comanche County Youth Summit 36 FILLING PLATES, FEEDING HOPE Arvest Bank’s Million Meals campaign is helping local food pantries put more meals on the tables of Southwest Oklahoma families. 46 TAKING TEXOMA BY STORM Southwest Oklahoma Meteorologist, Austin Bowling, has taken an unconventional approach to alerting the community to severe weather. 55 2026 WOMEN IN BUSINESS Lawton Living Magazine is excited to highlight a few of the many Lawton women at the heart of not just their workplace, but our community. 77 TRANSFORMING FEAR INTO HOPE The Pregnancy Resource Center of Southwest Oklahoma provides a confidential, nonjudgmental place for clients to talk honestly about their circumstances and ask difficult questions. 84 IDENTITY THEFT: FROM FEAR TO FREEDOM Lawton author, speaker and women’s advocate Stella Maxwell is helping others discover who they are beyond their past, their fears and the circumstances that have shaped them. 92 4H MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Kaegan Langford 98 HOMEGROWN AND HEALTHY Katelyn John works to provide Lawton with the locally sourced products, education, and events to improve lives. 106 A COWBOY’S CALLING From chuck wagons to horse-powered machinery, Jim Doyle has spent nearly three decades preserving the ingenuity, craftsmanship and spirit of the American West. 46 4 lawton living magazine | hometownmedia.group
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6 lawton living magazine | hometownmedia.group Lawton Living Magazine© is published bi-annually by Hometown Media Group hometownmedia.group 502 N Main Street PMB 116 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817.599.6167 | PROUDLY PRINTED IN THE USA All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice. What a renewing feeling the cooler days have been after the hot, dry summer! It’s time to dress in layers, indulge in the spicy flavors and smells of the season, and watch football while your crockpot meal cooks. While I love things about each season, I enjoy the transition of fall and spring best. It’s a reminder of hope, new beginnings, and how everything, good and bad, really is just a short season. Featured in this issue’s special section, 2026 Women in Business, where we highlight some fabulous females, one of the questions is “How are you involved in the community?”. I can’t help but think every one of these women could have listed they are involved by being a part of Lawton Living Magazine. I know motives are primarily promotional, but without local support and participation in this magazine, it would not exist and I am so very glad they do and it does! The stories, events, and local businesses featured in these pages show what a great community Lawton is. Thank you for reading Lawton Living and supporting the small businesses within these pages. As always, we would love to hear what you would like to see featured in future issues! Have a new baby or a graduating senior? Send their photos my way! Involved in a wonderful non-profit? Tell me about them! Have a great story to share or know someone who does? I want to hear it! Interested in advertising in the next issue? We want to partner with you! Email me at lindsey@hometownmedia.group. It’s Finally Fall! WRITERS Sarah Blevins Lori Garcia Sara Hook Seth Marsicano Becca Nelson Sankey Hannah Turner Ethel West PHOTOGRAPHERS Rylee’s Photography ON THE COVER Photo by Jayme Stringfellow Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Lindsey Kruger Marketing & Client Relations lindsey@hometownmedia.group Susan Avery Lead Creative Design Brooke Graham Social Media Editor Camela Dietrich Accounts Receivable accounting@hometownmedia.group Kayla Durham Sales Account Executive kayla@hometownmedia.group “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end” - Ecclesiastes 3:11 Lindesy Kruger
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10 lawton living magazine | hometownmedia.group Written by BECCA NELSON SANKEY | Photos provided by LINDA MASK OF THE TRAVELING TRYKES Linda Mask reflects on the 35 years of SISTERHOOD, PURPOSE and FREEDOM she found in Mountain Metro AMBUCS, and she’s not done yet. When Linda Mask joined AMBUCS in 1991, the women who welcomed her gave her a prediction she never forgot: Once you join, they told her, you’re going to stay. Thirty-five years later, Mask has proven them right. Today, she is the second-longest-serving member of the Mountain Metro AMBUCS chapter, a distinction that reflects not only her longevity but the place the organization has held in her heart and life. For Mask, AMBUCS began as a way out of a difficult season and became something much more, a place of purpose, service, friendship and belonging. After a tempestuous divorce in the late 1980s, Mask found herself alone and uncertain about her future. Her entire adult life had revolved around her family’s business, where she had worked alongside her husband. When the marriage ended, so did much of the life she had known. “I got in the hole real fast because I no longer had a job,” Mask said. “I had to live on my credit cards. It took a year to get divorced, so I was in a bad way.” A friend, Marnie Pettit, invited Mask to lunch with the local AMBUCS chapter. Mask went – and joined that day. She was drawn first to the organization’s mission and the atmosphere of an all-women’s club. But what she found there would prove to be much more important than either. AMBUCS’ mission, according to the organization’s website, is to
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12 lawton living magazine | hometownmedia.group “inspire people to conquer challenges related to mobility and independence” through a nationwide network of volunteers working with physical, occupational and speech therapists. The organization provides adaptive Amtrykes to individuals who face physical and mental challenges, gives scholarships to therapists, builds ramps so people can leave their homes, and hosts several community service projects. AMBUCS’ mission became personal for Mask. She has seen children who once could only watch their siblings ride bikes take off on an Amtryke of their own. She has seen a parent’s joy when their child received a tryke that provided them newfound mobility. “It still gives me chill bumps,” Mask said, recalling an autistic child who received a tryke. He could walk and talk, but the Amtryke could provide him balance, strength, mobility – and with that, freedom. She has witnessed that same freedom in other forms of AMBUCS service. The Lawton chapter once built a ramp and railings for an elderly woman who could no longer safely navigate the steps outside her home. Once the project was complete, the woman could walk to the mailbox on her own. “She didn’t have to have somebody come and get her or help her down,” Mask said. “It was so touching. I was changed.” Those moments are partly what have kept Mask coming back for three and a half decades. The women who are members of her chapter are the other reason.
13 hometown living at its best During the years following her divorce, three AMBUCS members took Mask under their wings. They became some of her closest friends and helped her through what she described as the darkest period of her life. “They got me out of that hole,” Mask said. “It took about three years, and I will never forget it. They saved my life – literally saved my life – because I didn’t know what was going to happen to me.” That kind of bond is not unusual within Mask’s chapter. She described the women as sisters, women who argue, laugh and cry together, and always show up when one of their own is hurting or in need. “That’s why I’ve continued to stay – because we really do have a sisterhood,” said Janet Lepien, a past AMBUCS president, member of 27 years and close friend of Mask’s. “The members may not always agree on all the policies and things, but in the end, we have a lot of fun, and it is a connection to other people.” The chapter now has 86 members, though Mask is quick to point out that membership does not require someone to do everything. Some members have families or demanding jobs. Others have limited financial means. AMBUCS can be “as big or as little as you want it to be,” she said. The important thing, she said, is to get involved, whether by attending a meeting, working a fundraiser, helping with a community project, or simply getting to know other members. Mask has moved through nearly every level of leadership in the chapter. She has served on the board, as vice president and first vice president, and was president two and a half times. “We just came back from our national convention, and there were 370 people there, and I honestly can say there wasn’t one person there who did not know who Linda Mask was,” Lepien said. Mask also helped lead the chapter’s annual car show, which allowed the group to grow beyond offering several small fundraisers so they could focus on one major event. The car show raised $76,000 this year, allowing the chapter to keep approximately $36,000 after expenses for its community work and charitable giving. Mask considers helping build that fundraiser into what
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15 hometown living at its best it is today one of her greatest accomplishments, but she is quick to share the credit. “It’s not one person,” Mask said. “It takes the whole chapter.” For those who know her best, Mask’s dedication is simply part of who she is. “She’s just a great leader, and we all look to her for guidance,” Lepien said. “She’s very in tune with the community, she knows a lot of people, and her heart is really in it. She loves AMBUCS — she truly does.” Mask’s commitment to AMBUCS extends to its future. She hopes younger people will discover what she did more than three decades ago: that service can give a person purpose, while the people they work alongside can provide them a place to belong. She knows AMBUCS will need those younger members to keep the mission going and to continue raising money for adaptive trykes, as well as supporting future therapists and serving people who need help becoming more independent. For Mask, that sense of freedom has come full circle. The organization she joined when she was rebuilding her own life has spent the past 35 years giving her opportunities to serve, lead and make a difference while helping others find the independence AMBUCS was created to provide. “I think it was a God thing, if you want to know the truth,” Mask said. “Joining is one of the best decisions I ever made.” † For information on how to get involved visit Mountain Metro AMBUCS Facebook page. INSPIRE PEOPLE TO CONQUER CHALLENGES RELATED TO MOBILITY AND INDEPENDENCE
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17 hometown living at its best 17 Kathy Hayden Financial Advisor Certified Military Financial Advisor | Franchise Owner 580.699.8101 1422 NW Sheridan Road, Lawton Kathleen.hayden@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/kathleen.hayden CA Insurance #0I43302 5 out of 5 Client Satisfaction Rating based on 41 reviews as of 9/22/2025: Each client has the opportunity to rate a practice based on the client’s overall satisfaction with the practice, on a scale of 1 to 5. The practice’s Client Satisfaction Rating is an average of all client responses for that practice within a rolling 24 month period, and is updated daily. There is no minimum number of responses required for a practice to receive a rating. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. 2023 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. Not FDIC or NCUA Insured No Financial Institution Guarantee May Lose Value “For more than 20 years, Kathy Hayden has been helping families across Lawton and beyond build financial security. Voted Best of Southwest Oklahoma for five years in a row and proudly holding the Certified Military Financial Advisor designation, Kathy specializes in making complex transitions simple. With a deep understanding of retirement plans from companies nationwide, and unique local expertise with retirement plans offered by Goodyear, Comanche County Memorial Hospital, The City of Lawton, as well as federal TSP accounts, Kathy ensures her clients have clear, personalized guidance every step of the way. Backed by a 5-star client satisfaction rating, she takes pride in providing the trusted advice and personal attention you deserve.” Plan ahead and retire confidently with Kathy Hayden, voted SWOK’s best financial advisor.
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L Written by HANNAH TURNER | Photos provided by APRIL ABRAHAM and by JAYME STRINGFELLOW April Abraham is growing the MacArthur Middle School and High School’s choir programs. Soundtrack THE TO LIFE Legendary artist Michael Jackson once said, "Music is the soundtrack to life. It plays the melody of our being." For April Abraham, her soundtrack begins here in Lawton. Born in Fort Sill, April grew up in a family where music was valued and encouraged. She graduated from Lawton High School and later from Cameron University where she received her Bachelor of Vocal Music Education. She began her career in education at Lawton Christian School as the elementary music teacher where she spent 20 lawton living magazine | hometownmedia.group
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22 lawton living magazine | hometownmedia.group her days teaching young students to love music. When she and her husband moved to Clinton for a season, she continued teaching at the elementary level until a colleague at the middle school was taking on a new role and encouraged April to step into her place. Four years ago, the Abraham family moved back to Lawton where April took on her current role as choir director for MacArthur Middle and High Schools. Beyond the classroom, music is part of the Abraham family’s daily life. April is a mom to three talented children. Her oldest son is in college at Southern Nazarene University pursuing a music degree, her middle son is a high school senior and percussionist in the band, and her daughter is a high school sophomore who sings in addition to several sports and activities. Her husband, Xavier, is the worship pastor at First Baptist Lawton where she regularly enjoys joining him in leading worship. In addition to singing locally, the couple has travelled to sing with groups around the world, most recently to Greece. April’s dynamic music education career has been shaped by a number of influential educators in her own life. Notably, Mr. Larry Hatch, her band director at Lawton High School, who pushed his students past their own perceived limits to be the best they could in band and beyond.
23 hometown living at its best “He was a fantastic director. He was hard on us, but I knew he was hard on us because he loved us,” April said. “He was pretty instrumental.” April grew up playing a variety of instruments over the years including piano, violin, clarinet and bassoon. Though she had a deep love for music and sang at church, she never thought about pursuing voice as a part of her future career. That is, until she met voice professor Dr. Logan at Cameron University through her courses for music education. He insisted she had what it took to pursue a vocal career and encouraged and equipped her to do so. While she wants her students to be the best singers and students of music they can be, like the educators who shaped her, April desires to leave an impact on her students that stays with them far beyond the classroom. “I want them to know that they are loved. That there is someone that is a cheerleader for them and that is there for them,” April said. “A lot of students don’t have a good home life, so I want them to come in and to know ‘Mrs. Abraham cares about me.’”
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In addition to lifting them up and pushing them to be their best on a daily basis, April is equipping her students to be an encouragement to the local community with plans to visit local veterans and retirement centers. “We always do fundraisers to help support our program, but I told my students this year that we need to reach out and be encouragers in the community,” April said. “Our goal this year is to go out and sing some songs to the people in Lawton and surrounding areas and give them a little bit of joy.” Reflecting on her years in music education, the advice she would give fellow and future educators is this: “Never stop learning. Make music exciting for the students. If you are excited for what you are teaching, they will be excited about what you are presenting,” April said. “You have an impact and you make a huge difference in the students’ and your coworkers’ lives.” The MacArthur Middle and High School choir programs have seen enormous growth and success under April’s direction, competing at the local and national levels, starting a middle school show choir program, and going from a modest-sized group to needing two buses when they travel to events. The soundtrack of April’s career is far from over: She looks forward to directing for years to come. “Every chance I get to be with my students, I just leave with a smile on my face and I am so energized afterwards.” † 25 hometown living at its best
26 lawton living magazine | hometownmedia.group Blue Wolf Fine Jewelry™ — Where Heritage Meets Heirloom.
27 hometown living at its best F BlueWolfFineJewelry.JewelerShowcase.com 1101 Southwest C Avenue, Lawton For Lisa Christiansen, success is measured in direct proportion to her contribution—a belief that shapes both her life and her work at Blue Wolf Fine Jewelry™ in Lawton’s historic district. Jewelry brings her into some of the most personal moments in people’s lives. A wedding. An anniversary. The decision to wear a mother’s treasured stone again. Before a design takes shape, there is a conversation about what matters and what must be preserved. Lisa understands the weight of that trust. An heirloom may be small enough to rest in her palm and still hold a lifetime of memories. Her responsibility is to give it a future while respecting everything that made it precious. As a Native American woman and business owner, she brings her heritage to contemporary fine jewelry through individual couture creations. Gold, turquoise, diamonds, rubies, and her signature sapphires become part of a personal design vocabulary, shaped by ancestry and an appreciation for beautiful workmanship. The distinction of Blue Wolf lies in that intimacy: the connection between the designer, the person who will wear the jewel, and the story they are entrusting to her. Luxury finds its expression in thoughtful proportions, carefully considered details, and the pleasure of wearing something made expressly for you. For Lisa, building an atelier in Lawton also means contributing to the community she calls home. She wants her work to earn its place in people’s lives through care, integrity, and lasting beauty. Her greatest hope is simple: that years from now, someone will fasten a necklace or slip on a ring and feel close to the person who gave it to them. fi
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HOMETOWN Happenings
31 hometown living at its best What happens when a community comes together to invest in its youth? The inaugural Comanche County Youth Summit! More than just a conference, this oneday behavioral health event held on September 23, 2026, brought middle school students from Cache, Chattanooga, Elgin, Fletcher, Geronimo, Indiahoma, and all three Lawton Public Schools middle schools together for a day of learning, connection, and fun centered around the theme “Level Up.” Students participated in interactive workshops addressing substance use, healthy relationships, internet safety, goal setting, self-care, and managing emotions and conflict. Community experts, including the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Cameron University Psychology practicum students, and the ABLE Commission, helped make learning meaningful and engaging. A true highlight was the 25 high school Junior Presenters who co-presented workshops and led small-group discussions, serving as positive peer role models. The summit was a powerful reminder of what is possible when schools, community partners, volunteers, and youth come together with a shared commitment to helping our young people Level Up! Provided by the Comanche County Community Coalition COMANCHE COUNTY Youth Summit
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34 lawton living magazine | hometownmedia.group At Tried & True Collective Tattoo, exceptional customer service and quality artistry are top priorities. Voted Platinum Tattoo Shop by the community in both 2025 and 2026, the studio takes pride in creating stunning, one-of-a-kind tattoos while maintaining a clean, sterile and welcoming environment for every client. 1314 West Gore Blvd | Lawton | 580.280.4695 |
35 hometown living at its best Anthony Horn owner and artist at Tried & True Collective Tattoo, brings 20 years of experience and an exceptional eye for detail to his craft. A versatile, well-rounded artist, Anthony is skilled in a wide range of tattoo styles, approaching every piece with precision, creativity and a commitment to quality. Soyla Walters brings warmth and a personal touch to every tattoo she creates. A former college professor, she loves exploring a range of styles, from bold American Traditional tattoos and expressive florals to playful pop culture designs. Soyla’s passion for science and natural history influences her work as an illustrative tattoo artist. Her goal is to create high-quality tattoos that honor each person’s unique story and bring their vision to life. Trey Caldwell has tattooed professionally for two years and is passionate about creating meaningful, custom tattoos that bring people’s ideas to life. From bold American traditional designs to detailed black-and-grey work. Trey takes pride in his craft, values staying true to himself, and believes in hard work, loyalty, and authenticity. “For me, tattooing is more than a job, it’s an art, a passion, and a way to leave a lasting mark.” Jay Legend is the newest member of the Tried & True Collective. He has been tattooing for 5 1/2 years and is a versatile, well rounded tattoo artist specializing in illustrative realism in both black and grey and color, animal portraiture and fine-line. He can be reached on Facebook and Instagram at @jaylegendtattoos
36 lawton living magazine | hometownmedia.group HOPE Written by ETHEL WEST | Photos provided by ARVEST BANK and by RYLEE’S PHOTOGRAPHY Arvest Bank’s Million Meals campaign is helping local food pantries put more meals on the tables of Southwest Oklahoma families. Feeding FILLING PLATES,
37 hometown living at its best FFor families across Southwest Oklahoma, summer can bring a welcome change of pace. School is out, schedules slow down and children have more time to enjoy the season. But for families who rely on school meal programs, those summer months can also bring an added challenge: making sure there is enough food on the table. Each year, Arvest Bank’s Million Meals campaign works to help fill that gap by supporting food banks and pantries in the communities it serves. This year, Southwest Oklahoma organizations will receive $22,650 from the campaign, helping provide food and resources to local families facing food insecurity. Four area organizations will benefit from the funds: the Lawton Food Bank, Elgin Community Food Bank, Chickasha Emergency Food Pantry and Christians Concerned in Duncan. The local contribution is part of a record-setting year for the Million Meals campaign. During its 16th annual effort, Arvest raised $633,513 across Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri. Those donations are expected to provide more than 3.16 million meals for people in need. Held each year during April and May, the campaign is intentionally timed to help food pantries prepare for the summer months. This year's theme was Lights, Cameras, Take Action! When schools let out, many children no
38 lawton living magazine | hometownmedia.group longer have daily access to free or reduced-price meals at school. That can place additional pressure on household grocery budgets and increase demand at local food pantries. Fundraising events included sales at each Arvest branch of baked goods, books, plants, soda & snacks for a cause, a silent auction, shirts and sweatshirts, hotdogs, and farm fresh eggs. Another fun event involving local schools and organizations was Canned Creations, a canned food sculpture competition. All the cans went to Christians Concerned, and the winning team, Catalyst Nutrition for their dog sculpture, donated their prize money to the Charis Pregnancy Center thereby extending the generosity to another non-profit. Even a relatively small donation can make a difference. According to Arvest, every dollar donated through Million Meals can provide up to five meals.
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40 lawton living magazine | hometownmedia.group “Nutrition is the foundation of a healthy life, and a community is only as strong as the physical and mental well-being of its people,” Angela Spradlin said. “The generosity of our customers, neighbors and associates has been truly inspiring. Because of your support, we’re able to help our local food partners feed families in need.” The need remains significant throughout Oklahoma. According to data cited by Arvest from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Oklahoma ranks sixth nationally in food insecurity, with nearly 17 percent of households reporting that they lacked the resources needed to provide enough food for their families. Nationwide, 18 percent of households with children under 18 experienced food insecurity in 2024. Those statistics represent more than numbers. They represent families stretching grocery budgets, parents trying to make meals last until payday and older adults living on limited incomes. They also highlight the importance of community food pantries and the volunteers, donors and organizations that keep their shelves stocked. Since Million Meals began in 2011, the initiative has raised more than $5.7 million and provided more than 31 million meals across Arvest’s fourstate footprint. While those totals show the reach of the campaign, its impact can be seen much closer to home. In Southwest Oklahoma, the $22,650 raised will stay in the region, supporting organizations already working directly with their neighbors. Whether those dollars help stock pantry shelves, provide groceries to a family, or assist someone facing an unexpected hardship, each contribution becomes part of a larger community effort. For local families who need a little extra help, community support can mean one less worry and another meal on the table. † More information about the Million Meals campaign and its food partners, visit arvest.com/millionmeals.
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47 hometown living at its best S Written by SETH MARSICANO | Photos provided by AUSTIN BOWLING and by RYLEE’S PHOTOGRAPHY TAKING TEXOMA by Storm Southwest Oklahoma Meteorologist, Austin Bowling, has taken an unconventional approach to alerting the community to severe weather. Severe weather is nothing new to those living in Southwest Oklahoma. Many people keep an ear to the local news outlets to stay informed on the weather patterns and what could potentially be heading their way. However, as the ways in which people prefer to obtain their information change, especially in high-stress situations, a local meteorologist has taken it upon himself to change with the times and create his own weather tracking network.
48 lawton living magazine | hometownmedia.group Austin Bowling became a well-known meteorologist for the Southwest Oklahoma area after he began his career at KSWO in 2010. Now, instead of being in front of a green screen, Bowling is running his own independent weather monitoring system from his home office. The Texoma Weather Lab has been designed to more efficiently get severe weather information to the people of Southwest Oklahoma. “This is kind of the new dream realized,” Bowling expressed. Bowling explained that his drive for understanding weather has come from a lifetime of curiosity. Growing up in Knoxville, TN, Bowling stated that his parents would say his first words were “Mama”, “Dad”, and “Chief Meteorologist John Gerard”. Even though there was an innate fear that Bowling had when storms came along, he said that it was always accompanied by a curiosity of how they worked. Additionally, he appreciated he had a family that encouraged that curiosity as he went on to study meteorology at North Carolina State University. That is when he made his way to Southwest Oklahoma. Bowling said he had just gotten the job at KSWO right after the 2009 ice storm. The job came after many months of trying to get his foot in the door. He was grateful for
49 hometown living at its best the opportunity, because you’re not going to find many open spots in meteorology, especially at a station in the middle of Tornado Alley. “To be able to cut my teeth on the significant weather that’s here. From the deep cold and strong winds, to the just awful heat that we could get here in the summer, to the dangerous tornadoes,” Bowling said. “I definitely learned quite a bit being in this area.” After 8.5 years at KSWO, Bowling and his family hopped around a bit. He worked for a nonprofit for a couple of years and then at another station in his hometown. However, after COVID hit, Bowling and his family needed a change and he needed to take a step back from the traditional news weather model. “We came back here and hit the reset button,” Bowling said. Bowling picked up jobs at Eisenhower, KFDX, and KAUZ over the next few years. As he worked, he started to notice the shift other meteorologists were making. Instead of spending their time at news stations, they would stream on social media. Around that time, he decided to attend a conference just to see what that could look like for him. Now, with a bit of inspiration, Bowling approached some of the business connections he’s made throughout his career with the idea of Texoma Weather Lab. According to Bowling, they saw a need for something like that in the Texoma area.
50 lawton living magazine | hometownmedia.group Bowling went on to officially launch Texoma Weather Lab in 2024. However, one thing became apparent in his preliminary research; and that’s weather equipment is expensive. Despite his connections, it was a hard sell in the area as nothing like this had ever been done before. “Once you started breaking down the cost, it was a $65,000 system to get all of this data,” Bowling said. That included monitoring, mapping, applicable models, and whatever else you could think it would take to create a weather monitoring system in your home. Businesses he had approached said they would need to see a bit more before they would back the idea. Fortunately, Bowling saw Texoma Weather Lab grow exponentially. In 2025 he received 4.9 million views on Facebook and so far in 2026, he’s almost doubled that at 8.9 million views. Bowling attributes a lot of the success to the connections he’s made. From having professional graphics created to being invited to participate in a beta radar program. One of the greatest assets Bowling has, and what helps him compete with the other media organizations in the area, are his weather stations. Bowling has set up six Cyclone Port 360-degree cameras in Hobart, Mangum, Anadarko, Chickasha, Pauls Valley, and Lawton, with smaller cameras in additional areas. With three more Cyclone Port weather stations on the way, his coverage area will expand even further. “I think folks are starting to see the commitment I have to this area, to making sure that no county goes uncovered,” Bowling said.
51 Bowling still works a day job, managing the Texoma Weather Lab in his spare time. Bowling explained that the traditional news model is changing. People are now more concerned with how quickly they can get information that pertains directly to them. The Texoma Weather Lab can operate more effectively outside of any set schedule or showtime. While monitoring the weather from home, he’s able to spend more time with his family than he would working at a news station. He also says he’s able to be more himself with this medium. “We want to make sure when people go looking for information they know they have a reliable, well-known source who’s been here, who knows the area, who’s plugged into the community,” Bowling stated. Overall, Bowling is grateful for the support he has received from the Southwest Oklahoma community. He has taken the industry he’s loved his entire life and makes it fit a schedule that is more accommodating for him and his family. He would love to be able to make this his full-time job through community support and sponsors, and based on the support he’s received thus far, that could be right around the corner. †
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56 lawton living magazine | hometownmedia.group WOMEN You Should Know Which professional achievement are you most proud of in your career so far? Receiving the Ameriprise Client Experience Award nearly every year is one of my proudest accomplishments. What makes it especially meaningful is that it reflects the trust our clients place in us and our commitment to going above and beyond. Helping people achieve their goals and navigate life’s major transitions is at the heart of everything we do. What makes you and your business unique from competitors? My practice is built around being a full-service team that puts clients at the center of the process. We believe financial planning works best when clients understand not just what we’re recommending, but why. I enjoy teaching along the way so clients feel confident and empowered to make informed decisions about their financial future. How are you involved in the community? Ameriprise provides two dedicated days of service each year, and our team enjoys giving back through a variety of local organizations. The food bank and animal shelter are always among our favorite places to volunteer because they make such a direct impact on people and pets in need within our community. What keeps you motivated when things get hard? Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside clients through some of life’s biggest moments. From celebrating college graduations after years of planning and saving to helping families navigate the loss of a loved one, those experiences remind me why I do this work. Knowing I can provide guidance and support during both joyful and challenging times is incredibly rewarding. Kathy Hayden AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL 1422 NW Sheridan Road 580.699.8101 AmeripriseAdvisors.com/kathleen.hayden
What makes you and your business unique from competitors? I truly value my patients’ time and make it a priority to stay on schedule. I intentionally allow ample time for each appointment rather than overbooking because I believe every patient deserves personalized care and attention. To me, patients are people, not just numbers or dollar signs, and I want each person who walks through my door to feel valued, heard and respected. How are you involved in the community? I’ve been a member of the Comanche County Dental Society for 22 years, since I graduated from the Oklahoma College of Dentistry in 2004. I’ve supported Art for All for many years by Sponsoring a Table at their annual Gala. I’m currently a Board Member for the Cameron Foundation and a Lifetime Alumni of Cameron University. Most of my involvement in the community revolves around my son who graduated in 2025, and my daughter who is in kindergarten. What keeps you motivated when things get hard? My father founded the practice that I am proud to own today. When he was forced to retire early due to macular degeneration, I faced the challenge of managing two full-time private practices. It certainly wasn’t easy, but I was determined to keep our practice independently owned and not sell out to a corporate run company. Andrea Montgomery DDS, PC MONTGOMERY FAMILY DENTISTRY 725 NW 67th Street 580.536.3313 MyLawtonDentist.com 57 hometown living at its best
WOMEN You Should Know 58 lawton living magazine | hometownmedia.group What makes you and your business unique from competitors? As a full-service real estate company, we support buyers, sellers, tenants and homeowners with genuine care and expertise. While our team is led by the mother/daughter duo of Brenda & Carrie, our entire team, from sales agent to the property management team, share one mission: Humans Over Houses. Whether someone is buying their dream home, selling a property, looking for a home to lease temporarily or in need of reliable property management, we are here to help make their journey smooth and successful. Because at NextHome Tri-Covenant Realty, we truly believe relationships matter more than transactions. How are you involved in the community? We’re deeply rooted in our community! Brenda serves on the CCMH Foundation Board and Lawton Farmers’ Market, she has previously served on the Lawton Public School Foundation Board, Armed Services YMCA, and is the founder of Embrace Hope, a 501(c)(3) that took over the C. Carter Crane Homeless Shelter in July 2024. Carrie serves on the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic Advisory Board, Salvation Army Advisory Board while also serving as the Chair for the Salvation Army Nominating Committee, and is President of the Fletcher 4-H/FFA Mothers Club, as well as, both serve on a variety of committees for the Lawton Board of Realtors. At NextHome Tri-Covenant Realty, we believe real estate is about more than buildings—it’s about creating safe, stable homes for everyone. We’re honored to make a difference together! How do you measure success? Success isn’t about transaction numbers—it’s about lifechanging moments. We celebrate when we help individuals become first-time homeowners, transforming their lives and building equity for their families. We’re equally proud when we guide first-time investors in creating generational wealth through rental properties. But our truest measure of success is word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied clients to their loved ones. When friends refer friends, that’s when we know we’ve truly lived our “humans over houses” promise. That’s real success. Brenda Spencer-Ragland & Carrie Austin NEXTHOME TRI-COVENANT REALTY 1001 SW B Avenue • 580.699.7653 • NextHomeTCR.com • NextHomeTCRRentals.com
59 hometown living at its best Which professional achievement are you most proud of in your career so far? I’m most proud of building WildState Lawton from an idea into a place where people can receive aesthetics, wellness, and medical care under one roof. Watching patients trust us with their health and confidence has made every difficult season worth it. What makes you and your business unique from competitors? WildState Lawton focuses on the whole person, not just one concern or treatment. We combine medical knowledge with an individualized approach to aesthetics and wellness. Our goal is for every patient to feel heard, cared for, and confident in a plan created specifically for them. How are you involved in the community? As a locally owned business, I support community events, collaborate with other small businesses, and work to make quality care more accessible in Lawton. I also enjoy educating people so they can make informed decisions about their health, wellness, and aesthetic treatments. What keeps you motivated when things get hard? I remind myself why I started. Living with Type 1 diabetes for most of my life shaped the nurse and business owner I am today. My patients, family, and the opportunity to build something meaningful keep me moving forward, even when the path is difficult. What is the best piece of advice you would give to your younger self? Trust yourself sooner. You do not have to wait until you feel completely ready, and you do not need everyone else to understand your vision. Some of the best opportunities come when you are willing to take the next step while still figuring things out. What three words would your friends use to describe you? Driven, compassionate, and resilient Crystal Johnson WILDSTATE LAWTON LLC 2506 SW Lee Boulevard 580.280.2558 WildStateLawton.com
60 lawton living magazine | hometownmedia.group Which professional achievement are you most proud of in your career so far? One of my proudest professional achievements is being part of the Hilliary Communications team for more than a decade. I’ve watched the company grow from a telephone company and one broadband company into a regional provider serving Oklahoma, Texas, and Iowa. Through acquisitions and significant investment in fiber infrastructure, Hilliary has expanded access to reliable, high-speed internet for rural communities. What makes that growth meaningful is the opportunity it creates for families, schools, and businesses. I’m proud to be on a team that continues to grow while preserving the personal service and community commitment that built the company. What keeps you motivated when things get hard? My motivation is the challenge itself. A setback isn’t a reason to quit; it’s information that tells me what to adjust. I found that in those setbacks, I find my best answers. What is the best piece of advice you would give to your younger self? The best advice I’d give my younger self is simple: be afraid of nothing. Looking back, the times I pushed past my fears are the times I grew the most. Courage, confidence, and boldness are values built over time, through the experience of taking the leap. So, I’d tell my younger self: stand out, make thoughtful decisions, and never let fear make them for you. Jamie Pennello HILLIARY COMMUNICATIONS 529 Telephone Park 580.529.5000 Hilliary.com WOMEN You Should Know
61 hometown living at its best Katie Whitcomb HILLIARY COMMUNICATIONS 529 Telephone Park 580.529.5000 Hilliary.com Which professional achievement are you most proud of in your career so far? I’m most proud of how much I’ve grown, both personally and professionally. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Cameron University, and it’s rewarding to build my career right here in the community that helped shape me. As Director of Marketing at Hilliary Communications, I’ve continued to learn, take on new challenges and grow into a role where my ideas can make a real impact. How are you involved in the community? This is honestly one of my favorite parts of my job. I get to work with schools, first responders, nonprofits and families throughout the communities Hilliary serves. Whether we’re providing scholarships, supporting a local organization or handing out backpacks to kids, I get to meet the people we’re helping. It makes the work personal and that matters to me. What keeps you motivated when things get hard? My family, without question. I want my kids to see that difficult doesn’t mean impossible. I’m also naturally a problem-solver and probably a little too stubborn to quit once I’ve decided something needs to get done. What is the best piece of advice you would give to your younger self? Slow down. You don’t have to have your entire life figured out right now. Trust yourself, have confidence in what you bring to the table and enjoy where you are while you’re there. Some of the best parts of life are the things you never planned. What three words would your friends use to describe you? Loyal. Driven. Outspoken. I love my people fiercely, I’m always looking for what’s next, and anyone who knows me knows I’m probably going to tell you exactly what I think, respectfully!
62 lawton living magazine | hometownmedia.group What makes your business unique from competitors? For 50 years, Brady’s Design Center has had the privilege of helping families throughout Lawton and Southwest Oklahoma create homes they love. Over those five decades, we’ve grown and evolved but our commitment to quality, personal service and our customers has remained the same. There isn’t another business in our area that offers the variety of products and services we do, from cabinetry and countertops to window coverings, lighting, hardware, home décor and more. What keeps you motivated when things get hard? Every project gives us an opportunity to help someone create a home they love. Seeing a project come together makes the hard days worthwhile. We’re also fortunate to have a team that genuinely supports one another. When one of us is stretched thin or facing a challenge, someone else is there to step in, encourage them and help get it done. How do you measure success? We measure our success by the smiles on our customers’ faces when they see the finished project come together. We also consider it a tremendous compliment when customers come back to us for their next project, and trust us enough to recommend Brady’s to their friends and family, that means everything. After 50 years in business, those lasting relationships, repeat customers and referrals are some of the greatest measures of success we could ask for. What have you learned from working alongside other women? That there is incredible value in having women with different strengths, perspectives and experiences at the same table. We each bring something different to the team, and instead of competing with one another, we have the opportunity to encourage each other and make the entire team stronger. Suzanne Cherry, Linda Capuccio, Martha Brady, Dalia Allen, Kate Boswell, Jessica Ryans BRADY’S DESIGN CENTER 1010 SW D Avenue • 580.248.1315 • BradysDesignCenter.com WOMEN You Should Know
63 hometown living at its best What makes you and your business unique from competitors? After more than 25 years in insurance, I’ve learned that no one wakes up excited to talk about deductibles… except maybe me. We don’t simply sell policies; we educate, explain, and advocate for our clients. I want them to understand what they’re buying, why it matters, and where their risks are. I’ve watched some clients go from getting their first car to buying homes, starting businesses, and eventually sending their own kids to me for insurance—a slightly rude reminder that I have officially been doing this for a very long time. What three words would your friends use to describe you? Driven. Resilient. Compassionate. How did your own health journey change the direction of your life? In 2017, I suffered a stroke caused by vasculitis. What initially felt like one of the worst things that could happen to me ultimately became my “stroke” of insight. I wanted to know, “Why is my body doing this?” The same curiosity and determination that serve me in business sent me down an entirely new path. I became certified in functional nutrition and holistic health, learning how food, inflammation, stress, environment, and lifestyle can all influence the body—and how much our bodies are constantly trying to tell us. My advice: Don’t stop with, “How do I make this symptom go away?” Ask, “What is my body trying to tell me?” For me, insurance is about protecting people and what matters most to them. Now, I get to take that same desire to help people and encourage them to pay attention to their bodies, get curious, and take a more active role in their own health. My “stroke” of insight didn’t just change my health; it gave me another way to use the relationships I’ve spent decades building to help change lives. 1924 NW Cache Road 580.536.9100 jrobinette.com Jennifer Robinette JENNIFER ROBINETTE INSURANCE AGENCY
64 lawton living magazine | hometownmedia.group WOMEN You Should Know Which professional achievement are you most proud of in your career so far? Of all the milestones in my career, being recognized by the Smithsonian as a Native American innovator holds profound personal significance. What makes you and your business unique from competitors? The distinction of Blue Wolf Fine Jewelry™ lies in the relationship between Native heritage, personal design, and the client’s own history. As a Native American owner and designer, I bring my cultural inheritance directly to my work. My perspective shapes the jewelry from its earliest conception, giving each creation an identifiable author and a personal connection to living Native artistry. I create one-of-one high jewelry where Native heritage meets contemporary couture. Turquoise speaks to ancestry and identity. Gold gives permanence. Diamonds bring brilliance; rubies, intensity; and sapphire has become a discreet signature of the house. Together, they form a design language at once ancestral and modern. How do you measure success? I measure achievement by what my work gives to others: the care a client receives, the memory an heirloom preserves, and the place I help create for Native artistry in contemporary couture. There is a particular responsibility in being entrusted with someone’s history. A mother’s ring, a stone passed through generations, a jewel commissioned to mark a new beginning. Meeting that responsibility is part of what makes the work worthwhile. My one-of-one couture approach begins with something individual: a treasured gemstone, an inherited jewel, a milestone, or a memory someone wants to keep close. The design grows from that story. There is profound responsibility in holding a client’s heirloom and understanding why it matters. Recognition holds meaning, but the most enduring measure is personal: whether someone feels heard, whether something precious has been cared for, and whether my work leaves others with something worth keeping. Dr. Lisa Christiansen BLUE WOLF FINE JEWELRY 1101 SW C Avenue 855.431.6164 BlueWolfFineJewelry.jewelershowcase.com
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