The year was 1994 and John and Cindy Braun's daughter became Altus’ New Year's baby.

Alesha Nicole Braun, born at 2:09 a.m. on Jan. 1, 1994, was the first baby born that year at Jackson County Memorial Hospital.

Alesha weighed in at 9 pounds, 14 ounces and was 23 inches long. She and her mother were shown on the cover of the Tuesday, Jan. 4 Altus Times, seen above right.

Alesha, who turns 18 today, will graduate from the Altus Bulldog Academy in May. She has worked at Western Sizzlin' for two years as a cashier. Alesha's family includes her older brother, Jason Braun. Her maternal grandparents are Pat and Tom New of Altus. Paternal grandparents are Wayne and Lavon Braun of Granite, and the late Maxine Braun.

When Alesha was born, the most popular movies were “Tombstone” and “Mrs. Doubtfire.” The Sonic ad in the 1994 Altus Times showed a burger and tots for $1.99 plus tax; and it was reported that Duke and Indiahoma had just won the Cotton Belt Tournament.

Good thing Alesha was born in Altus instead of Tulsa, because , according to other stories in the paper that day, Tulsa hospitals were overflowing with patients with influenza. It was also reported that oil fire fighter Red Adair had just retired and Frank Keating was running for governor of our state.

Happy 18th birthday, Alesha.