STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension Council of Ste. Genevieve County recently held its annual meeting, featuring awards, presentations, council transitions, and delicious food. The event took place on February 29 at the Progress Sports Complex.
This year, Bill Kraemer received the Leaders Honor Roll Award for his outstanding commitment and service as a community leader. Kraemer is a long-time advocate in the fight against opioid addiction, playing a significant role in raising awareness of the issue in the county through his involvement with the inaugural Addiction Awareness Campaign, as well as during his time as chairman of the Resources to Recovery board and member of the Community Services Forum. In 2021, he created a large purple ribbon to raise awareness about the opioid crisis and combat the stigma surrounding addiction and recovery. This symbol of the cause has travelled around the county garnering support and signatures.
During the business portion of the meeting, retiring Council members Chair Jessica Weiler, Vice Chair Sam Fischer, Treasurer Jason Blum, and Member Donna Ringwald were recognized for their service.
New and returning Council members were administered the oath of office by County Clerk Sue Wolk. These members included Paul Arnold, Jill Naeger, Louis Naeger, Mike Naeger, Corey Simmons, Jerry Staab, and Evan Weiler. A new slate of officers was also sworn in: Chair Missy Marberry, Vice-Chair Mike Naeger, Secretary Jill Naeger, and Treasurer Louis Naeger.
Finally, Council members enjoyed a presentation by Extension Engagement Specialist Kendra Graham, highlighting the year in review at Extension. Among programs such as 4-H, drug take-back events, and State Farm Family and Missouri Century Farms, Graham touched on participation in the Adopt-a-Family program, which connects donors with families in need during the holidays, and the Chicken Chip Squares Fundraiser, in which a chicken picks out three winners in a raffle, whose proceeds support youth in the county. Also, Horticultural Specialist Kate Kammler addressed the “Interesting Questions of 2023” pulled from 750 questions, covering identification of horsehair worm parasite, nightcrawler mounds in a yard, lichen growth on plants, and advice for growing an apple tree in a basement.
To learn more about the University of Missouri Extension, visit the Facebook site at facebook.com/muextensioninstegencounty or call (573) 883-3548.