Kari Wheeler is of course, most known for her business, Wheeler Ranch and Feed but follow her around a few days and you'll find out so much more.
During the Butte County Fair, she could be seen helping many children, besides her own.
Born and raised in Tassajara, California, a rural ranching community between Pleasanton and Danville, Ca., she grew up around the family business, which was a cow/calf cattle ranch, operated in Pleasanton and Dixon, Ca.
Her father and brothers still continue with the cattle ranching business today.
Wheeler was very active in 4-H showing horses, cattle, pigs, sheep and rabbits.
She later became a 4-H leader for many years.
After graduating from High School, she attended Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, majoring in Human Development and Psychology, with a minor in Animal Science.
After graduating from college, she married Doug Wheeler, who also went to Cal Poly and majored in Animal Science.
They have been married 23 years and have three children. Kelsi is 21, and attending UC Davis, taking pre-law, Jake is 18, attending Chico State in Ag Business and Kayla, is 16, and a junior at Biggs High School.
Children and animals have always been the main focus of Wheeler's life.
She taught kindergarten before raising her three children. She feels blessed that she was able to stay home with her children while they were very young. She and Doug owned and operated a firewood business in Oroville, as well as raised cattle on their ranch in Tassajara.
In 1992, the Wheeler family moved to Biggs, Ca., to give their children the same small town, close-knit community that the Wheeler's were raised in.
They continue to raise cattle and farm in the Biggs area, as well as maintain their firewood business in the Bay Area.
In 1999, the Wheeler's decided to open a new business in Biggs. Wheeler Ranch and Feed, is a feed and ranch supply store as well as a horse boarding stable, with a full size arena. She continues to run this business and is entering into their tenth year of business.
Wheeler loves the interaction with her customers and helping the kids with their fair projects.
"We try to make it a place where parents enjoy taking their children and everyone gets to see all the animals. Customer service is our number one priority," Wheeler stated.
Since moving here in 1992, Wheeler has felt that community and family are the best virtues in a person's life. Communities that are strong and offer lots to do, keep children strong and on the right path to a productive life.
"Children are our future of tomorrow," she said.
She has always tried to be involved in politics and on boards that help build a strong community and enhance children's lives, such as; Biggs Unified School Board, Butte County Citizens Advisory Committee for the General Plan and the City of Biggs General Plan advisory board.
She is a past president for the following: the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce, the Biggs Elementary and High School Student Site Councils and Biggs Parents Association for Biggs Unified School District and Butte County Cattlemen's Association and Cattlewoman of the Year.
She is past director of the Miss Butte County Scholarship Competition (13 years), currently serves as a Biggs 4-H leader and is a Biggs FFA honorary member.
She loves her community and is always happy to lend a hand. "Biggs and Gridley are very unique in the fact that the people who live here, truly take ownership of their community, which shows so much pride and unity," she said.
In 1992, when the Wheelers were looking for a new home to settle into, their realtor said, "Let me show you around Biggs and Gridley."
Wheeler said, "I'm sure glad he did. What a great community to raise a family."
