University of Missouri Extension Council Ste. Genevieve County
STE. GENEVIEVE — Elections for representatives to serve on the University of Missouri Extension Council will be held January 15-21, 2023. Any county resident over the age of 18 is eligible to vote in the election. There are three nominees running for three seats on the Council.
County Extension councils, in accordance with state law, work with University of Missouri Extension faculty and staff in planning and carrying out local Extension programs. The Council has three primary responsibilities: assist in planning and carrying out Extension programs in their county; overseeing the finances; and recruiting and training Council members.
University of Missouri Extension provides research-based educational programs, assistance, and resources that address subjects of interest to Missourians in the fields of agriculture, horticulture, business development, community development, and youth development (4-H).
The Ste. Genevieve County Extension Council is currently comprised of 10 elected county representatives and three appointed positions. Terms are for two years. A person may be re-elected once, after which they must be off the Council for at least one year before being elected again.
Nominees
Mike Kertz, Jr. is a graduate of Valle High School. He is a diversified farmer, raising hogs, cattle, row crops, and vegetables. He is known locally as the “tomato guy.” He has served several terms on the Extension Council over the last 40 plus years. “I understand the Extension. There is a need to bring all generations together to share wisdom and mentorship to the younger generations.”
Missy Marberry was born and raised in Farmington. Missy and her husband have four children. They live on the family land where her husband was raised. Missy enjoys community outreach, education, and events. She has participated in the Chamber of Commerce and is the current President. She has also participated with the Ste Genevieve Substance Abuse and Addiction Consortiums, church, and school groups. She has experience in leadership with boards, project management, and budgets. “I want to help the Extension Office in their mission. MU Extension has so many valuable resources for our community. My passion and caring in a hardworking environment will lend a hand to the Extension and council members.”
Jean Werner has been a resident of Ste. Genevieve County all of her life. She grew up on a farm outside of Ste. Genevieve. Jean and her husband now live on her husband’s family farm west of Bloomsdale where they raised two daughters. When Jean is not working as the office manager for the Kozy Kitchen, Dew Drop Inn, Baetje Farms, and the Artisan, she serves on the St. Lawrence Parish Council, and she is also the President of the Bloomsdale Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. “I have been on the council before and found it to be very rewarding and interesting. I hope to help in educating the community about all the things Extension has to offer.”
Beginning January 15 and ending January 21, Ste. Genevieve County residents may vote in person or online. A ballot box for the Extension Council election will be at the Extension Office at 1300 Progress Parkway, Suite B, during regular business hours. Those who choose to vote online, as well as see biographies of the candidates, may do so by visiting: www.extension.missouri.edu/stegenevieve
The election results will be certified by Extension Council on January 26 and released online on January 27. New members will be sworn in and officers will be elected and sworn in on February 23.
University of Missouri Extension does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or status as a Vietnam-era veteran in employment or programs.