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UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & ARTS OF OKLAHOMA

BACHELOR’S PROGRAM

USAO.EDU

IN THIS ISSUE

P.12

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 10 OH18 SPOTLIGHT 12 M I X U P L O C A L F L AV O R 18

P.18

A SPLASH OF SPRING 28 PA R A L L E L AG 38 GET YOUR VEHICLE R OA D T R I P R E A DY 42

P.28

SMALL TOWN STORIES 46 RECIPE 48 P.38

W H AT I S O H 1 8 ?

Oh18 is all about the 73018 and surrounding areas. We love to promote living local by showing off our great shops, giving insight into local eats and highlighting live music and events.

Check out all the Oh18 area has to offer and live local, friends!

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BE POSITIVE 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

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

Kristyn Allbritton Co-Owner, Oh18

Livin' Local 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!

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.

MARCH-APRIL 2025 // 7

HUNGRY TO LEARN? FULL TIME - SURGICAL TECH | MEDICAL OFFICE ASSISTANT | PRACTICAL NURSING SHORT TERM - FOOD PRESERVATION | JOURNEY THROUGH HEALTH | FITNESS | YOGA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT - CUSTOMIZED TRAINING | SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Learn a new trade or skill, or grow your business with CV Tech!

See full-time programs and the complete short-term catalog Canadian Valley Technology Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender expression or identity, national @ cvtech.edu 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.

8 \ \ MARCH-APRIL 2025

SUMMER ON THREE!

The best summers start at the Y

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

YMCAOKC.ORG

MARCH-APRIL 2025 // 9

25

MARCH/APRIL C A L E N DA R O F E V E N T S

3/1 Jeff Butler* Shakespeare Wine Company

3/15 Saint Paddy's Day Event The Stage

3/29 Rocky Kanaga* Shakespeare Wine Company

3/2 Tactiturn Shakespeare Wine Company

3/18 Paint Night The Club at Chickasha

4/1 Chickasha Rotary Run Grady County Fairgrounds

3/6 - 3/9 How the West was Dun Chickasha Community Theatre

3/21 Two Mushroom* Shakespeare Wine Company

4/3 - 4/5 Plant Days Sale Ross Seed Company

3/7 Grady County OHCE-Pie Crusts Grady County Fairgrounds

3/22 Brad Good* Shakespeare Wine Company

4/4 Chickasha Chamber Banquet Grady County Fairgrounds

3/7 Like George - A Tribute* Legends Pubhouse & Venue

3/25 Trivia Night Jungle Ice Fun Zone

4/4 ES Walker* Shakespeare Wine Company

3/7 Greg Strawn* Shakespeare Wine Company

3/26 Circus Genoa Grady County Fairgrounds

4/5 Trooper* Legends Pubhouse & Venue

3/8 Dani Carson* Shakespeare Wine Company

3/26 Big Top Magic Show Grady County Fairgrounds

4/5 Toby Wayne* Shakespeare Wine Company

3/11 Grady County 4H Soup-A-Palooza Grady County Fairgrounds

3/26 Showcase Livestock Judging Contest Grady County Fairgrounds

4/5 - 4/6 OK HS & JH Joint Rodeo Grady County Fairgrounds

3/11 Trivia Night Jungle Ice Fun Zone

3/27 Little Mania Midget Wrestling Legends Pubhouse & Venue

3/13 - 3/16 AOA Alpaca National Show Grady County Fairgrounds

3/27 The Second City DWPAS at USAO

3/14 Anthony Spencer* Shakespeare Wine Company

3/28 Cody Lane* Shakespeare Wine Company

3/15 Kim Hunter* Shakespeare Wine Company

3/28 Glow in the Dark Tournament The Club at Chickasha

3/15 Ninety Proof* Legends Pubhouse & Venue

3/28 - 3/30 Barrel Bash Grady County Fairgrounds

3/5 - 4/30 Trivia Night The Outpost Every Wednesday 10 \ \ MARCH-APRIL 2025

3/7 - 4/25 Singo Jungle Ice Fun Zone Every Friday

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

Charm

CHICKASHA

with Zach Grayson, Mayor of Chickasha

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

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.

MARCH-APRIL 2025 // 11

WILKERSON

Brad &Kelly OH18 SPOTLIGHT

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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.

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?

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.

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

also north of the Red River. I was ready for a new challenge beyond banking and eager to explore a different business venture.

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.

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.

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

MARCH-APRIL 2025 // 13

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.

What has been your favorite part about owning Chicken Express?

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.

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.

What has been the most difficult part?

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

14 \ \ MARCH-APRIL 2025

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.

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.

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

MARCH-APRIL 2025 // 15

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MARCH-APRIL 2025 // 17

MIX UP

LOCAL FLAVOR

A Meal made from the Heart of the Community 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.

MARCH-APRIL 2025 // 19

READY SET STARTER 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

MARCH-APRIL 2025 // 21

COOKIN' Shake-N-Bake 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

MARCH-APRIL 2025 // 23

SERVE Mix-N-Match 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

MARCH-APRIL 2025 // 25

a splash of

SPRING drinks to try with the new season

RED BULL INFUSION 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 28 \ \ MARCH-APRIL 2025

RUM PUNCH what's in it?

Malibu Captain Morgan Bacardi

where to find it

Pineapple Juice Grenadine

Interurban • 300 East Grand Avenue

when to get it Sun-Thur 11am-10pm • Fri-Sat 11am-11pm MARCH-APRIL 2025 // 29

DIRTY SODA what's in it?

where to find it

Dr. Pepper or You Choice of Soda Jungle Ice Special Cream

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

30 \ \ MARCH-APRIL 2025

STRAWBERRY LIME QUENCHER 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

IU CLUB SPECIAL 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

MARCH-APRIL 2025 // 31

JUDD'S JALAPEÑO MARGARITA 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

CHERRY LIMEADE 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

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MANGO SMOOTHIE what's in it?

where to find it

Frozen Mango Tropical Flavoring Low-Fat Ice Cream Base

Scooter's Coffee • 2103 South 5th Street

when to get it Sun-Sat 6am-8pm MARCH-APRIL 2025 // 33

VIRGIN FRUIT COSMO what's in it?

Muddled Orange & Cherry Cranberry Juice

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where to find it Orange Juice Pineapple Juice

Interurban • 300 East Grand Avenue

when to get it Sun-Thur 11am-10pm • Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

SALTY DOG SNOCONE what's in it?

Salty Dog Flavoring Shaved Ice

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

ICED CARMELICIOUS what's in it?

Caramel Sauce Espresso Milk

Whipped Cream Over Ice

where to find it Scooter's Coffee • 2103 South 5th Street

when to get it Sun-Sat 6am-8pm

MARCH-APRIL 2025 // 35

CANDY BAR BLENDER what's in it?

Ice Cream Base Flavored Sauce

where to find it Flavored Syrup Whipped Cream

Scooter's Coffee • 2103 South 5th Street

when to get it Sun-Sat 6am-8pm

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Locally Grown, Nationally Known Parallel Ag officially began in

The Chickasha, Oklahoma based

January 2023 with the merger of

company, Livingston Machinery,

two leading agricultural dealers in

began in 1987 when Earl and his

the Midwest, Ag Solutions Group,

wife, Sharon, opened a small shop

and the Southern Plains, Livingston

to buy and sell used equipment

Machinery Company.

within the local community.

24/7 Parts & Service Guarantee

Available around

our farming community

the clock to help

and customers

38 \ \ MARCH-APRIL 2025

Parallel is proud to impact the agricultural industry on a global scale while caring for families in our own communities.

Service Oriented

Honesty & Integrity

Committed & Passionate

Pride & Communication Confidence

Family

Parallel Ag Mission

17

Stores

We build relationships that feed our communities by working in Parallel with our Partners in Ag to provide exceptional equipment, solutions, and support.

7

States

Parallel carries new and used equipment including these premium brands

MARCH-APRIL 2025 // 39

Get Your Vehicle Road-Trip Ready Spring & Summer Maintenance Tips with Todd's Muffler & Auto Repair 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.

Spring Maintenance Musts 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.

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Beat the Heat: Summer Prep 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.

Hit the Road with Confidence 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!

TODD’S ler

muff

& AUTO REPAIR

MARCH-APRIL 2025 // 43

Sma l l Tow n Stor ie s

T H E H I S TO RY O F C H I C K A S H A ' S

C

Fire Department

hickasha'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

46 \ \ MARCH-APRIL 2025

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.

Thank you to the Grady County Historical Society for information regarding this article.

The 1910 photo shows that the white horses that were the first horses in the barn that were used to pull the wagons.

Chickasha Fire Department; May 1, 1914

Fire Department Chief's car with two members

Chickasha FD Engine 217 pumping water from a hydrant to a ladder truck; 1950

MARCH-APRIL 2025 // 47

Credit: chelseasmessyapron.com

Pesto Chicken with Corn & Bean Salsa with tons of flavor

Preparation

Ingredients

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.

• 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

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

48 \\ MAY-JUNE 2024

P E T of the M O N T H

Dixie 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.

N O N P R O F I T of the M O N T H

Southwest Youth & Family Services 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.

MARCH-APRIL 2025 // 49

A GUIDE FOR LIVING LOCAL

MARCH-APRIL 2025