Lawton, Oklahoma, shines as a quintessential blend of rich history and modern innovation. Situated in the heart of Southwest Oklahoma, Lawton offers a unique tapestry of cultural experiences, economic opportunities, and natural beauty that make it a remarkable place to call home.
One can't help but be captivated by the spirit of the community gatherings and festivals that fill the city’s calendar. The annual International Festival is a celebration of diversity, bringing residents and visitors together to indulge in world-class music, food, and art. For those passionate
about the outdoors, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, located just a short drive away, provides a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, and photography.
Lawton is also a city that values education and growth, with Cameron University and Great Plains Technology Center incubating the next generation of thinkers and innovators. The entrepreneurial spirit
Discover the Vibrant Community of Lawton,
4 | HelloLawton, Oklahoma • Winter Issue
Hello Lawton, Oklahoma • Winter Issue |5
Discover the Vibrant Community of Lawton,
thrives here, as evidenced by the increasing number of unique shops, local eateries, and bustling farmers markets that contribute to the city's vibrant economy.
Residents speak warmly of the friendly atmosphere and neighborly kindness that
define Lawton. It's a place where community pride is evident in every corner, and newcomers are welcomed with open arms. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of opportunity or...
Discover the Vibrant Community of Lawton, Oklahoma
Lawton, Oklahoma, shines as a quintessential blend of rich history and modern innovation. Situated in the heart of Southwest Oklahoma, Lawton offers a unique tapestry of cultural experiences, economic opportunities, and natural beauty that make it a remarkable place to call home.
One can't help but be captivated by the spirit of the community gatherings and festivals that fill the city’s calendar. The annual International Festival is a celebration of diversity, bringing residents and visitors together to indulge in world-class music, food, and art. For those passionate about the outdoors, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, located just a short drive away, provides a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, and photography.
Lawton is also a city that values education and growth, with Cameron University and Great Plains Technology Center incubating the next generation of thinkers and innovators. The entrepreneurial spirit thrives here, as evidenced by the increasing number of unique shops, local eateries, and bustling farmers markets that contribute to the city's vibrant economy.
Residents speak warmly of the friendly atmosphere and neighborly kindness that define Lawton. It's a place where community pride is evident in every corner, and newcomers are welcomed with open arms. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of opportunity or simply the allure of a close-knit community, Lawton invites you to experience its charm firsthand.
Featured Story
Routine Lab Testing
Routine lab testing gives veterinarians a clearer view of your pet’s overall health. A physical exam shows how your pet looks and behaves in the moment, but lab work reveals what is happening internally. Many conditions develop slowly, so early signs are hard to notice without diagnostic testing. That
is why veterinarians rely on routine blood work, urinalysis, and parasite screening to find problems before they become advanced.These tests often uncover hidden issues that are not visible during a semi-annual wellness exam. A pet may appear energetic and comfortable yet still be developing
6 | HelloLawton, Oklahoma • Winter Issue
Routine Lab Testing
Routine lab testing gives veterinarians a clearer view of your pet’s overall health. A physical exam shows how your pet looks and behaves in the moment, but lab work reveals what is happening internally. Many conditions develop slowly, so early signs are hard to notice without diagnostic testing. That is why veterinarians rely on routine blood work, urinalysis, and parasite screening to find problems before they become advanced. These tests often uncover hidden issues that are not visible during a semi-annual wellness exam. A pet may appear energetic and comfortable yet still be developing kidney disease, thyroid problems, or diabetes. By reviewing these internal markers, a veterinarian can identify subtle changes in organ function or hormone balance. Early detection gives the care team more options to manage or correct the disease before it affects a pet’s quality of life. As a veterinarian, I explain to owners that routine screening helps track a pet’s health over time. When we see your pet regularly, we build a baseline that helps us recognize when something shifts. A small change in kidney values or thyroid levels can guide us toward early treatment. This approach is especially important for aging pets, who face a higher risk of chronic health issues. Routine lab testing also plays a major role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Screening for intestinal parasites protects both pets and people, since some parasites can be transmitted through contaminated soil or contact with infected animals. Fecal testing helps us identify eggs or larvae that are not visible to the eye. Treating these parasites early reduces discomfort for the pet and limits exposure in the home. Heartworm testing is another key part of routine care. Heartworm disease develops silently, carried by mosquitoes that transmit the parasite to dogs and sometimes cats. Once heartworms mature, they can cause damage to the heart and lungs. Treatment is more difficult and risky than prevention, so annual screening helps confirm that prevention products are working. When a test shows early signs of infection, we can respond quickly to protect the pet’s long-term health. For cats, routine viral disease testing helps identify conditions such as feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. These viruses can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of other illnesses. Many infected cats show no early symptoms, which makes screening important for households with multiple pets, recent adoptions, or outdoor exposure. Understanding a cat’s viral status allows us to tailor its care and reduce the risk of transmission. Broader screening panels help detect chronic issues that develop over time. Liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, and diabetes often progress slowly. A full blood chemistry panel and urinalysis provide a detailed look at how these organs are functioning. When we catch early signs of disease, we can adjust a pet’s diet, medications, or daily routine to support long-term stability. This helps many pets enjoy healthier years. Regular lab testing is not only about finding problems, it is also about confirming that your pet is healthy. Normal results give owners peace of mind and give veterinarians valuable information about a pet’s baseline. As pets age or face new challenges, these baselines guide treatment decisions. With clear results in hand, the care team can explain what is changing and why certain treatments or monitoring plans may help.
Dr. John Hergenrether
to owners that routine screening helps track a pet’s health over time. When we see your pet regularly, we build a baseline that helps us recognize when something shifts. A small change in kidney values or thyroid levels can guide us toward early treatment. This approach is especially important for aging pets, who face a higher risk of chronic health issues.Routine lab testing also plays a major role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Screening for intestinal parasites protects both pets and people, since some parasites can be transmitted through contaminated soil or contact with infected animals. Fecal testing helps...
kidney disease, thyroid problems, or diabetes. By reviewing these internal markers, a veterinarian can identify subtle changes in organ function or hormone balance. Early detection gives the care team more options to manage or correct the disease before it affects a pet’s quality of life.As a veterinarian, I explain
Routine lab testing uncovers issues that lurk beneath the surface and supports early disease management.
About the Author
Dr. John Hergenrether, a native Lawtonian and graduate of Eisenhower High School, is the dedicated owner of Hergenrether Animal Hospital. With a passion for complicated medical cases, ultrasonography, and strengthening the Human-Animal bond, he leads a team committed to providing top-quality veterinary care and exceptional customer service, ensuring pet owners are well-informed and confident in the care their beloved animals receive. In his free time, he enjoys coaching youth soccer and spen...
HelloLawton, Oklahoma • Winter Issue |7
Common Tax Mistakes for Entrepreneurs
Running a business means wearing a lot of hats, and for many entrepreneurs, taxes can fall to the bottom of the priority list. But small oversights in this area often lead to big problems later. Understanding a few common tax pitfalls can help business owners stay ahead and avoid costly surprises.
of the most frequent issues is failing to plan for estimated quarterly taxes. Unlike traditional employees, self-employed individuals don’t have taxes withheld from each paycheck. That means the IRS expects estimated payments throughout the year. Missing those deadlines can result in penalties and a
8 | HelloLawton, Oklahoma • Winter Issue
Common Tax Mistakes for Entrepreneurs
Running a business means wearing a lot of hats, and for many entrepreneurs, taxes can fall to the bottom of the priority list. But small oversights in this area often lead to big problems later. Understanding a few common tax pitfalls can help business owners stay ahead and avoid costly surprises.
One of the most frequent issues is failing to plan for estimated quarterly taxes. Unlike traditional employees, self-employed individuals don’t have taxes withheld from each paycheck. That means the IRS expects estimated payments throughout the year. Missing those deadlines can result in penalties and a hefty bill when tax season arrives.
Another common error is waiting until the last minute to organize financial records. Disorganized bookkeeping makes it easy to miss out on deductions or misreport income. Keeping clean, categorized records not only simplifies tax prep but also ensures accuracy in case of an audit.
Business owners also sometimes blur the line between personal and business expenses. It’s important to separate accounts and keep clear documentation. Mixing funds can complicate write-offs and increase the risk of mistakes or legal scrutiny.
Too often, entrepreneurs assume they’ll figure it all out in April. But a smart tax strategy is built year-round. A CPA who specializes in self-employment taxes can help you map out payments and write-offs throughout the year, so you're not scrambling in April. This guidance is especially valuable as your business grows and your financial picture becomes more complex.
Understanding what you can and can’t deduct is also key. From home office expenses to equipment depreciation, a professional can help you maximize your benefits while staying compliant with tax laws.
In short, proactive planning, not procrastination, is the best approach. Regular check-ins with a qualified CPA and steady recordkeeping can save you money and stress.
Kimberly Furrh
Business owners also sometimes blur the line between personal and business expenses. It’s important to separate accounts and keep clear documentation. Mixing funds can complicate write-offs and increase the risk of mistakes or legal scrutiny.Too often, entrepreneurs assume they’ll figure it all out in April. But a smart tax strategy is built year-round. A CPA who specializes in self-employment taxes can help you map out payments and write-offs throughout the year, so you're not scrambling in April. This guidance is especially valuable as your business grows and your financial picture becomes more complex.Understanding what you...
hefty bill when tax season arrives.Another common error is waiting until the last minute to organize financial records. Disorganized bookkeeping makes it easy to miss out on deductions or misreport income. Keeping clean, categorized records not only simplifies tax prep but also ensures accuracy in case of an audit.
Keeping clean, categorized records not only simplifies tax prep but also ensures accuracy in case of an audit.
About the Author
Kimberly Furrh, a Certified Public Accountant at Furrh and Associates, has over 20 years of experience serving clients in Southwest Oklahoma and North Texas. Known for her dedication to client satisfaction and integrity in handling financial affairs, Kimberly offers expertise in accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, and auditing services.
