











It's time to spring forward. I don't know about you, but I could use more color in my life right about now. This season, for me, has been hard to stay positive and even motivated. It seems like everything all around us is focused on the negative; it's exhausting and I am ready for a change!
Studies have shown, having a positive mindset can not only have an effect on your health, but your life in general. The mind is a powerful tool and when used correctly it can really change anything. According to a study by Hopkins Medicine, having hope and a positive mindset helps people make good health and life decisions as well as focus on things that matter.
But how do we apply this to our lives to see a positive outcome? Simple, smile more. When you think a nice thought about someone, say it. Reframe your mind and determine if your motivation comes from making a difference or making a point.
We all could benefit from a little more kindness. I hope you join me in springing forward this season with positivity and determination to make the best of every situation. I have LOVED being a member of "Chickasha Positively Speaking" on FaceBook and getting reminded why I love our community so much. This is what I choose to focus on. Let's make a positive difference.
Kristyn Allbritton Co-Owner, Oh18
We took a day to explore the local retail shops and show off the wide variety of styles right here in town. There is defintely something for everyone in Chickasha. The best part - trying on was easy as every shop owner new exactly what size and style would look great on us!
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Kristen McGregor
COPY EDITOR
Kristyn Allbritton
PHOTOGRAPHY
Kristyn Allbritton
DESIGN & LAYOUT
Kristen McGregor
ON THE COVER Interurban
Okie Mountain Trading Co. Chicken Express Wheeler Farms
ADVERTISING
Interested in placing an ad in the next issue of Oh18 Magazine? Please contact us at oh18.livelocal@gmail.com or call us for more information at 405.219.4397.
©Copyright 2025 Oh18 Publishing and Oh18 Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced without prior written consent of Publisher. Oh18 Magazine is published bimonthly and distributed in Chickasha.
Canadian Valley Technology Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender expression or identity, national origin, religion, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, age, or genetic information in its programs, services, activities and employment. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator: brent.casey@cvtech.edu; 504 Coordinators: 504@cvtech.edu; 405-262-2629, 6505 E Hwy 66, El Reno, OK 73036. See full-time programs and the complete short-term catalog @ cvtech.edu
OPEN STREETS CHICKASHA
Saturday, May 3
Free community event
SUMMER DAY CAMP
First day May 19
Registration's open now
T-BALL & THUNDER BASKETBALL
Season starts May 27
Registration opens March 18
3/1
Jeff Butler*
Shakespeare Wine Company
3/2
Tactiturn
Shakespeare Wine Company
3/6 - 3/9
How the West was Dun
Chickasha Community Theatre
3/7
Grady County OHCE-Pie Crusts
Grady County Fairgrounds
3/7
Like George - A Tribute*
Legends Pubhouse & Venue
3/7
Greg Strawn*
Shakespeare Wine Company
3/8
Dani Carson*
Shakespeare Wine Company
3/11
Grady County 4H
Soup-A-Palooza
Grady County Fairgrounds
3/11
Trivia Night
Jungle Ice Fun Zone
3/13 - 3/16
AOA Alpaca National Show
Grady County Fairgrounds
3/14
Anthony Spencer*
Shakespeare Wine Company
3/15
Kim Hunter*
Shakespeare Wine Company
3/15
Ninety Proof*
Legends Pubhouse & Venue
3/5 - 4/30
Trivia Night
The Outpost
Every Wednesday
3/15
Saint Paddy's Day Event
The Stage
3/18
Paint Night
The Club at Chickasha
3/21
Two Mushroom*
Shakespeare Wine Company
3/22
Brad Good*
Shakespeare Wine Company
3/25
Trivia Night
Jungle Ice Fun Zone
3/26
Circus Genoa
Grady County Fairgrounds
3/26
Big Top Magic Show
Grady County Fairgrounds
3/26
Showcase Livestock
Judging Contest
Grady County Fairgrounds
3/27
Little Mania Midget Wrestling
Legends Pubhouse & Venue
3/27
The Second City DWPAS at USAO
3/28
Cody Lane*
Shakespeare Wine Company
3/28
Glow in the Dark Tournament
The Club at Chickasha
3/28 - 3/30
Barrel Bash
Grady County Fairgrounds
3/7 - 4/25
Singo
Jungle Ice Fun Zone
Every Friday
3/29
Rocky Kanaga*
Shakespeare Wine Company
4/1
Chickasha Rotary Run
Grady County Fairgrounds
4/3 - 4/5
Plant Days Sale
Ross Seed Company
4/4
Chickasha Chamber Banquet
Grady County Fairgrounds
4/4
ES Walker*
Shakespeare Wine Company
4/5
Trooper*
Legends Pubhouse & Venue
4/5
Toby Wayne*
Shakespeare Wine Company
4/5 - 4/6
OK HS & JH Joint Rodeo
Grady County Fairgrounds
4/8
FFA District Contests
Grady County Fairgrounds
4/8
Trivia Night
Jungle Ice Fun Zone
4/11
Justin Duty*
Shakespeare Wine Company
4/11
Adult Easter Egg Hunt
The Club at Chickasha
4/12
1999 The Legacy of Prince*
Legends Pubhouse & Venue
3/7 - 4/25
Dart Night
The Club at Chickasha
Every Thursday
4/12
Tim Brauer*
Shakespeare Wine Company
4/17 - 4/19
Black & White Corporation
Sheep Show & Sale
Grady County Fairgrounds
4/18
Nicki Jackson*
Shakespeare Wine Company
4/19
Easter Egg Hunt
Downtown Chickasha
4/19
Frank Ryan*
Shakespeare Wine Company
4/22
Trivia Night
Jungle Ice Fun Zone
4/24
Grady County Cattle
Producers Banquet
Grady County Fairgrounds
4/25
Chickasha Public School
Foundation Gala
Grady County Fairgrounds
4/25
Greg Strawn*
Shakespeare Wine Company
4/26
Badfinger*
Legends Pubhouse & Venue
4/26
Dani Carson*
Shakespeare Wine Company
4/29
Pioneer School Awards Banquet
Grady County Fairgrounds
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK OR VISIT
OH18MAGAZINE.COM/EVENTS FOR UP-TO-DATE EVENTS
*Live Music
with Zach Grayson, Mayor of Chickasha
3/11 - 4/29
Tuesday Night Scramble
The Club at Chickasha
Every Tuesday
What's your favorite place in town?
It's a tie between Shannon Springs Park and the Chickasha Sports Complex.
What makes this place your favorite spot in town?
Those places hold a special place in my heart because that's where community members and families gather together to participate in different events. That to me is what "Community" is all about. No matter the event at the park or what tournament is at the complex, they are full of people enjoying life and our wonderful town.
What was your first impression when you visited?
Many years ago, Joshua Woods and I used to travel from OKC down to Ft. Sill to pick up things for our uniforms etc back when we served in the Army. We would stop in Chickasha for fuel and a meal and each time I would always leave thinking how nice and welcoming the people that I interacted with were.
What unique features or qualities does this place have that made it stand out to you?
To me, Chickasha has a unique blend of city living and country appeal. We have wide open spaces, but at the same time, we have almost everything someone would need. If you did need something that a local Chickasha business doesn't offer, we are just 30-45 min away from the "big city" depending on how you drive, haha.
What would you recommend others try or do when they visit?
I always suggest that visitors check out our amazing small businesses. From the locally owned boutiques, restaurants and the mom and pop retail establishments. The small businesses, to me, offer the variety and hometown appeal that you just can't get in the big city. They are also made up of community members who give so much back to our amazing community, you would be hard pressed to get the large chains to give back like our community of mom and pop businesses do.
We believe we have some of the best people leading the way for Chickasha. With each Oh18 Spotlight, we hope to shed light on the many ways these special people are impacting our small town in a big way.
Tell us a little about yourself and where you started out
Kelly and I both grew up in Buffalo, a small town in northwest Oklahoma, where we learned the value of community, service, and strong relationships.
I attended Central State University (now UCO) and earned a bachelor's degree in business finance. My career began in the oil and gas industry, but when the industry took a downturn in the 1980s, I transitioned into banking. That unexpected shift led to a 33-year career as a community banker in both Oklahoma and Texas.
Kelly earned her bachelor's degree in education from SWOSU and a master’s degree from Tarleton State. She spent 31 years in Texas as a teacher and school administrator.
also north of the Red River. I was ready for a new challenge beyond banking and eager to explore a different business venture.
Our paths crossed again later in life in Texas, where we reconnected, married, and spent 20 years in Mineral Wells, TX pursuing our careers, building lasting friendships, and staying actively involved in our communities.
Why did you choose to open a Chicken Express?
We began praying earnestly about making such a big transition—leaving established careers, securing financing, and finding a way to relocate to Oklahoma. But even when the plan seemed overwhelming, God proved bigger. What started as careful planning and prayer quickly turned into reality, and in record time, we found ourselves not just pursuing one Chicken Express franchise but two—Chickasha and Duncan And then in 2019 we added a third store in Lawton.
Why did you choose to start a restaurant in Chickasha?
We chose Chickasha because of its convenient location, offering easy access to Oklahoma City while allowing us to prioritize family time. But in many ways, Chickasha chose us.
One of the members of my bank board was the founder of Chicken Express, and through our many conversations, the idea of franchising always intrigued me. I had seen firsthand the success of several friends who owned Chicken Express franchises, and every time we visited Oklahoma, I felt there were strong opportunities for the brand in various locations across the state.
Our journey began at a February 2017 Chamber Banquet, just barely 30 days into becoming Chicken Express franchisees. That evening, we were overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality of the community. People welcomed us with open arms, offered support, and showed genuine excitement about our new venture. It was unlike anything we expected.
The timing to seriously pursue a franchise aligned perfectly. Kelly was eligible for Texas teacher retirement, our children and, most importantly, our grandchildren were in Oklahoma, and our aging parents were
Our connection deepened when we visited First Baptist Church—where we were embraced so fully that we never felt the need to visit anywhere else. The kindness of this community continued as people invited us to join local organizations, took us to lunch, and encouraged us to get involved in the Chamber. Through these experiences, we didn’t just open a restaurant—we found a home and a community. The people of Chickasha seemed to be excited about their
future. Chickasha captured our hearts, and we couldn’t imagine a better place to grow our business and be part of a community that truly cares.
Our favorite part of owning Chicken Express has always been the opportunity to mentor and support our employees— especially those experiencing their very first job. We consider it both an honor and a great responsibility to help young people develop essential life and workplace skills. It's incredibly rewarding to watch a new employee gain confidence—learning to make eye contact, interact with customers with kindness and a smile, and understand the value of teamwork. Seeing them grow not just in their job but as individuals is one of the most fulfilling aspects of what we do.
learning a new industry while supporting our parents through their final days was incredibly difficult. Yet, through it all, we saw God’s plan unfolding. The whirlwind of events that led us back to Oklahoma wasn’t just about business—it was about being where we were needed most. That realization became a powerful part of our journey and testimony.
One of our core company values is opportunity. We believe in providing a workplace where people can learn, grow, and build a foundation for their future success. Whether our employees stay with us long-term or move on to other careers, we take pride in knowing we've played a role in their professional and personal development.
Professionally, the challenges of the pandemic were beyond anything we could have imagined. Keeping our employees working and healthy while navigating constant uncertainty weighed heavily on us. We scrambled to find supplies, reinvented procedures on the fly, and embraced flexibility like never before. It was a relentless test of endurance, adaptability, and faith—one that reshaped us as business owners and leaders.
Owning a small business is a constant challenge—especially in the quick-service industry, where no two days are ever the same. But the most difficult part of our journey has been navigating personal loss and unexpected hardships while managing a new business.
In our first year, we faced the devastating loss of my mom and Kelly’s dad, just six months apart. Balancing the demands of
What is the most surprising thing you've learned since opening?
One of the most surprising things we've learned since opening is just how much we could grow—both personally and professionally—by taking this leap of faith. Many friends and family were shocked that we chose to leave behind established careers to venture into an entirely new industry with little prior experience. But for us, that challenge has been one of the greatest surprises and blessings of this journey.
We’ve learned how to work together as business partners, navigate the ups and downs of running a small business, and continuously adapt to improve. Every day brings new lessons, and despite the challenges, we truly love this adventure.
Perhaps the most unexpected and rewarding surprise has been having
our adult children join us in this business. Watching them learn alongside us, contribute to our shared vision, and become part of something we’ve built together has been an incredible experience—one that makes this journey even more meaningful.
If you could accomplish anything in the next 5 years with your business, what would it be?
Over the next five years, our greatest goal is to successfully transition our family into the business while building a legacy of community involvement and service. The values we first learned growing up in the small town of Buffalo, Oklahoma—hard work, community, and integrity— have been the foundation of our business, and we want to ensure those same principles continue to shape its future.
We hope to strengthen our reputation as a business that not only serves great food but also serves its community. We want Chicken Express to be known as a place where employees feel valued, where customers receive excellent service and experience kindness, and where giving back is part of our daily mission. Ultimately, we’d like our success to be measured in the positive impact we leave on the people and communities we serve.
Brad & Kelly Wilkerson Owners, Chicken Express
There’s something special about a meal made with ingredients and dishes from your own community. It’s not just about great food— it’s about supporting local businesses and celebrating the flavors of home.
For our meal, we started with a simple yet delicious dip, paired with fresh carrots and crispy chips from a local shop. Then, we brought in a perfectly cooked steak from a trusted local meat market, complemented by sides from a favorite neighborhood eatery. To round it out, we added flavorful chicken from a well-loved restaurant and served everything on dishes found at a local boutique.
The result? A meal that’s not only satisfying but also tells a story of local craftsmanship, fresh ingredients, and community support. Next time you’re planning dinner, think beyond just one stop—mix and match from different local spots to create something truly special.
Chip-N-Dip
Yellowstone Cookbook
Loaded Baked Potato Dip
Wooden Spoons
Marble & Wood Cutting Board
Okie Mountain Trading Co.
327 W Chickasha Ave
Floral Hand Towels
Container Set
Ross Seed Co.
412 W Choctaw Ave
The General's Hot Sauce
The General's Cooking Oil
Two Vets Clothing Co. 1427 S 4th St, Ste B
Traeger Rub
Traeger Hot Sauce
Grill Box Gift Set
Ross Seed Co. 412 W Choctaw Ave
Smoked Orivelle Oil
Okie Mountain Trading Co. 327 W Chickasha Ave
Local Raised Ribeye Steak
Wheeler Farm's Meat & Market 737 Co Rd 1360
Local Raised Ribeye Steak
Vintage Green Glasses
Pickled Asparagus
Wheeler Farm's Meat & Market
737 Co Rd 1360
Macaroni and Cheese
Green Beans
Fresh-Made Rolls
Chicken Express 1700 S 4th St
Chelsea's Chicken
Loaded Baked Potato
Interurban
300 E Grand Ave
Marble & Wood Cutting Board
Scalloped Bowls
Floral Cutting Board
Okie Mountain Trading Co.
327 W Chickasha Ave
what's in it?
Green Apple
Snocone Flavor
Red Bull
Jungle Ice Special Cream
where to find it
Jungle Ice Fun Zone • 1304 Grand Avenue when to get it
Sun 12-9pm • Tues-Wed 2:30-9pm Thurs 2:30-9:30pm • Fri-Sat 12-10pm
what's in it?
where to find it
Interurban • 300 East Grand Avenue when to get it
Sun-Thur 11am-10pm • Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
what's in it?
Dr. Pepper or You Choice of Soda
Jungle Ice Special Cream
where to find it
Jungle Ice Fun Zone • 1304 Grand Avenue when to get it
Sun 12-9pm • Tues-Wed 2:30-9pm Thurs 2:30-9:30pm • Fri-Sat 12-10pm
what's in it?
Strawberry Flavor
Lime Flavor
Green Coffee Extract
Freeze Dried
Blueberries
Lemonade Base
where to find it
Scooter's Coffee • 2103 South 5th Street when to get it
Sun-Sat 6am-8pm
what's in it?
Skyy Vodka
Lemon Juice
Lime Juice
Sweet and Sour
Sprite
where to find it
Interurban • 300 East Grand Avenue when to get it
Sun-Thur 11am-10pm • Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
what's in it?
Muddled Jalapeño
Tequila
Triple Sec
Sweet & Sour
where to find it
Interurban • 300 East Grand Avenue when to get it
Sun-Thur 11am-10pm • Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
what's in it?
Vodka
Sprite
Club soda
Lime Juice
Lime Wedge & Cherry
where to find it
Jungle Ice Fun Zone • 1304 Grand Avenue when to get it
Sun 12-9pm • Tues-Wed 2:30-9pm
Thurs 2:30-9:30pm • Fri-Sat 12-10pm
what's in it?
Frozen Mango
Tropical Flavoring
Low-Fat Ice Cream Base
where to find it
Scooter's Coffee • 2103 South 5th Street
when to get it
Sun-Sat 6am-8pm
what's in it?
Muddled Orange & Cherry
Cranberry Juice
Orange Juice
Pineapple Juice
where to find it
Interurban • 300 East Grand Avenue when to get it
Sun-Thur 11am-10pm • Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
what's in it?
Caramel Sauce
Espresso Milk
Whipped Cream Over Ice
what's in it?
Salty Dog Flavoring
Shaved Ice
where to find it
Scooter's Coffee • 2103 South 5th Street when to get it
Sun-Sat 6am-8pm
where to find it
Jungle Ice Fun Zone • 1304 Grand Avenue when to get it
Sun 12-9pm • Tues-Wed 2:30-9pm Thurs 2:30-9:30pm • Fri-Sat 12-10pm
what's in it?
Ice Cream Base
Flavored Sauce
Flavored Syrup Whipped Cream
where to find it
Scooter's Coffee • 2103 South 5th Street when to get it
Sun-Sat 6am-8pm
Parallel Ag officially began in January 2023 with the merger of two leading agricultural dealers in the Midwest, Ag Solutions Group, and the Southern Plains, Livingston Machinery Company.
The Chickasha, Oklahoma based company, Livingston Machinery, began in 1987 when Earl and his wife, Sharon, opened a small shop to buy and sell used equipment within the local community.
Parallel is proud to impact the agricultural industry on a global scale while caring for families in our own communities.
17 Stores 7 States
Parallel Ag Mission
We build relationships that feed our communities by working in Parallel with our Partners in Ag to provide exceptional equipment, solutions, and support.
Parallel
As the chill of winter fades and spring begins to bloom, it's time to shift gears—literally—and make sure your vehicle is ready for the road ahead. Whether you’re planning a family road trip, weekend getaways or just gearing up for the heat of summer, proper vehicle maintenance is key to a smooth and safe ride. Luckily, Todd's Muffler & Auto Repair, our town’s trusted repair shop who has been serving the community for 43 years, has the expertise to get your car in top shape for every season to come.
Winter roads can take a toll on your vehicle and spring is the perfect time to address any wear and tear. Here are a few key services to consider:
• Tire Inspection & Alignment Cold temperatures and rough road conditions can lead to uneven tire wear and misalignment. Proper alignment ensures better handling and extends the life of your tires.
• Brake Check
Worn-out brakes are a safety hazard, especially with wet spring roads. Have your brakes inspected and serviced if needed.
• Suspension & Front-End Work
Potholes and winter roads can damage your suspension. A quick checkup can prevent future costly repairs.
• Custom Exhaust & Engine Work
Need a performance upgrade or have an aging engine? Whether you need a simple repair or a complete engine replacement, this shop has you covered.
Before the summer sun cranks up the heat, make sure your vehicle’s cooling systems are in peak condition:
• Air Conditioning Service
Whether your car uses traditional refrigerant or the new Freon, keeping your A/C system properly charged and maintained ensures a comfortable ride in the summer heat.
• Cooling System Check
Overheating is a common issue in hot weather. A thorough inspection of your radiator, coolant levels and hoses can prevent breakdowns.
• Transmission & Transfer Case Repairs
Smooth shifting is essential for long drives. If you’ve noticed hesitation or slipping gears, now’s the time to have it looked at.
A well-maintained car means peace of mind when traveling. Whether you need a full inspection or a specific repair, trust the experts who have been keeping local vehicles running smoothly for over four decades.
Schedule a visit today, and get ready to enjoy the open road with confidence this spring and summer!
Chickasha's Fire Department was in existence prior to Oklahoma becoming a state. Originally, the crew used a team of white horses to pull their fire apparatus. Pictures of the horses date back to 1900. It wasn't until around the 1920s that the department started using vehicles.
Chickasha was known for hosting the 16th annual Oklahoma Firemens Association where all centrally located fireman participated in.
At one point in the 1980s, Chickasha considered hiring a private firm to take over all firefighting needs. If hired, this
would have been the first time a private firm would have taken over a department in Oklahoma. However, this did not end up taking place.
Currently, Chickasha's Fire Department has two locations, one on each side of town covering over 600 square miles. There are 36 career firefighter/emergency medical technicians and two civilian personnel that staff Chickasha. All fire personnel are cross-trained as emergency medical technicians and paramedics. These crews are known to run up to 4,000 service calls a year. The majority of these calls are for emergency medical services.
« Main Photo: Chickasha Fire Department featuring the station and apparatus from 1910; May 1,1914; and Oct. 5, 1934 at 8 a.m.
The 1910 photo shows that the white horses that were the first horses in the barn that were used to pull the wagons.
Thank you to the Grady County Historical Society for information regarding this article.
two members
Step 1
Cut breasts in half horizontally and pound to get the halves the same thickness. Marinate the chicken with buttermilk for at least 30mins in the fridge. Drain, pat dry and salt.
Step 2
In a shallow bowl whisk together flour and lemon pepper seasoning. Heat the butter and oil in a large pan over med-high heat. Dredge chicken in the flour mixture and coat evenly. Place in pan and cook 5-6 mins per side or until done. Let rest for 5019 mins before cutting.
Step 3
Combined rinsed beans, drained corn, avocado, julienned sundried tomatoes, 2tsp of oil from the tomatoes, basil, 3Tbsp lemon juice & salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4
Fill 4 bowls with even amounts of pesto couscous. Arrange cooked chicken on top and add generous amounts of the salsa to the side. Spoon the rest of the pesto evenly over the bowls.
Step 5
Enjoy immediately!
Total Time 30 mins
• 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 c buttermilk
• 1/4 c flour
• 1 Tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 - 15 oz can cannelloni beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 - 15 oz can fire roasted corn
• 1 large avocado
• 2/3 c sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
• 2 Tbsp fresh basil
• 3 large lemon
• 2 c couscous
• 2 c chicken stock
• 2 tsp butter
• 1 - 7 oz container basil pesto
Breed
Dogue De Bordeaux
Color Red
Best Trick
Chasing balls
Favorite Treat
Anything she can get
Lovable Quirk
She has the cutest face, EVER!
Owner
Gary & Summer Smith
If you'd like to submit your pet for pet of the month, send a photo and info to oh18.livelocal@gmail.com.
This nonprofit's mission is to promote general welfare of children, youth and families in Grady, Cotton and Caddo County. Through this agency families and individuals can receive social services designed to help them grow, overcome obstacles and prevent juvenile delinquency. In addition to counseling services, Southwest Youth and Family Services also offers multiple different addiction programs including outpatient treatment and group programs. Whether you are struggling with any type of addiction or in need of cognitive behavioral therapy, the professionals at Southwest Youth and Family Services are ready to help you.
For more information, check out the Southwest Youth and Family Services Facebook page or call (405) 222-5437.