Katie Olhiser moved to Shasta County in 1976 with her family. She has worked over the years as a rodeo secretary for many organizations including the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association), the NFR (National Finals Rodeo) and the past six years for the CCPRA, (California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association), located here in Cottonwood.

Olhiser’s job includes performing the duties of accountant, entry system supervisor and administrator for the PRCA. She processes memberships, takes phone entries, draws positions on the computer for rodeo contestants, contacts contestants about their competition times and processes packets for field secretaries for the individual rodeos. This year, Olhiser will help put together 41 rodeos for the CCPRA and its contestants. The CCPRA season runs from March to September, with the Finals being held the first week in October in Redding.

“Since I’ve been working for the CCPRA, I have noticed that there is a large rodeo fan base in this area and I’ve enjoyed all the people that I have come in contact with, “ said Olhiser. “I like rodeo because it’s being great family entertainment and it allows contestants to have an independent career.”

Olhiser was born in San Jose and grew up on the Hewitt-Packard Ranch in South San Jose.

“I loved growing up on a ranch. I was able to spend a lot of time outdoors in the woods and the fields,” said Olhiser.

Olhiser has been riding horses all her life. This past year, she has started riding cutting horses with her husband Wayne. She also enjoys trail riding in the wilderness areas around Shasta County.

“I like it here because the farmers and ranchers are good-hearted and hard-working people.

Name: Katie Olhiser.

Born where and when: San Jose, 1952.

Occupation: State Secretary for the California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association.

Marital Status: Married to husband Wayne for eight months.

Family: Son, Aaron, daughter, Kristin and three grandchildren.

Pets: Our dog, Sidney.

My worst job: Milking cows.

My first job: Hoeing foot-high weeds around six-inch Christmas trees.

In my spare time I: Trail ride, snow ski and read.

My favorite author: John Steinbeck.

My favorite movie: Out of Africa.

My favorite recording artist: Credence Clearwater Revival.

My dream car: A Mercedes convertible.

My friends like me because: I have a good time enjoying life.

If stranded on a deserted island, I would want: A good book and some chapstick.

The one thing in life I’ve learned is: Patience and tolerance.

The best advice my parents gave me: Think for yourself.

My most embarrassing moment was: My car would not start in a busy intersection.

My most valued possession: Photo albums.

What I like best about the North State: The wilderness trails.

My hero is: People who overcome adversity.

My pet peeve is: Rude and ill-mannered people.

My fantasy is: A permanent vacation.

If I could change one thing about myself I would: Have thick and wavy hair.

The one thing Shasta County needs most is: An equestrian center.

The most enjoyable thing about life is: Nature, family, friends and a good laugh.