Here’s why I started Owasso Today…
Dear Owasso Community,
As someone who has spent years living, working, and building connections in our wonderful town, I’ve come to appreciate the unique spirit that defines Owasso. It's a community where neighbors look out for one another, where local businesses thrive on genuine relationships, and where our schools are the heartbeat that keeps us all connected.
I remember moving to Owasso in third grade. Dad was a homebuilder (as many were back then) and had just built a two-story house in Barrington Estates that backed up to a small pond and a shallow woodline that separated the neighborhood from the Eighth Grade Center. We came from the Rolling Oaks neighborhood of Berryhill and I remember thinking to myself, “what is this tree-less wasteland?”
It took a bit for me to feel comfortable here. My first few weeks in the Owasso Public School system weren’t a great experience (something about music class and not knowing we had to have a recorder. I’ll tell you about it some other time). After a kerfuffle with administrators and a couple of gifted placement tests later, I was moved from Smith Elementary to Barnes with just a couple of months left in the school year. And as those in this community do so well, I was welcomed into Ms. Johnston’s class with open arms. After that, my formidable years were a blur: placing runner-up in the fourth grade softball throw at Track & Field Day to eventual World Series Champion Pete Kozma, visiting far-flung places like Indianapolis, Orlando and Athens (Greece) on school-sponsored trips, and of course - graduating.
When I left for college, I knew I would be back someday. And while it took nearly 15 years, here I am: with a wife, two kids, a dog, and a tremendous sense of pride for where I’m from.
The strong sense of identity I feel in Owasso, with its tight-knit community and vibrant local culture, served as the driving force behind the creation of Owasso Today. This platform is a labor of love, aimed at highlighting the multitude of positive news stories and heartwarming moments that truly exemplify the unique spirit and charm of our wonderful community.
In a world where headlines are often dominated by negativity, I felt there was a need for a space that celebrates the people, businesses, and events that truly make a difference in our lives. Owasso Today is more than just a news site; it’s a reflection of our shared values, a place where we can all come together to uplift and support one another.
Through Owasso Today, my goal is to bring you stories that resonate with the pride and optimism we all feel about living in Owasso. Whether it’s a feature on a local business that’s giving back, a spotlight on a community event, or a heartwarming story about one of our neighbors, every piece we publish is rooted in a deep love for this town and its people.
As an independently owned platform, Owasso Today is free to focus solely on what matters most—highlighting the good in our community. This allows us to maintain an authentic voice, one that reflects the true spirit of Owasso without the influence of outside interests.
Thank you for welcoming Owasso Today into your homes, your hearts, and your daily routines. It is an honor to serve this community, and I’m excited to continue sharing the stories that remind us all why Owasso is such a special place to call home.
With gratitude,
Jared Gallagher
Publisher, Owasso Today