STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension Council of Ste. Genevieve County recently held its annual meeting and dinner, celebrating community achievements, honoring outstanding individuals, and welcoming new Council members and officers. The event took place on February 20 at the Ste. Genevieve County Community Center.
Jamie Kleinsorge (Assistant Director, CARES) presenting to annual dinner guests
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2024 Leaders Honor Roll Awards. This year’s recipients, Amanda Schwent and Karen Stuppy, were recognized for their exceptional dedication to MU Extension and the community. Schwent played a pivotal role in organizing the 2024 Farmer’s Table event to support Ste. Genevieve 4-H. Stuppy was honored for her years of liaising with Extension, as well as her community work with the Fair Board and the Ste. Genevieve Community Services Forum.
Leader’s Honor Roll: Amanda Schwent (left)with 4-H Youth Development Specialist Janet Braun (right).
The Council also recognized the 2024 Missouri Century Farm of the Anthony and Mary Valle Family. Descendants Mike and Linda Hagan, along with Jackie and Kevin Godwin, continue to uphold the family’s agricultural legacy, which began with a 125-acre purchase in 1885. Additionally, Aaron and Missy Naeger, along with their daughters Magnolia and Caroline, were honored as the 2024 Missouri State Farm Family. They were nominated to represent Ste. Genevieve at the 2024 Missouri State Fair for their contributions to agriculture and 4-H involvement in the county.
Leader’s Honor Roll: Karen Stuppy (left) with Extension Council Member Jean Werner (right).
During the business portion of the meeting, retiring Council member Jean Werner was thanked for her service. Newly elected and appointed Council members—Cory Ford, Sam Fischer, Mike Kertz Jr., Missy Marberry, and Dennis Otte—were sworn in by County Clerk Sue Wolk, with appointee Mary Otte to be sworn in at a later time. A new slate of officers for 2025-2026 was also installed: Chair Missy Marberry, Vice-Chair Mike Naeger, Secretary Jill Naeger, and Treasurer Louis Naeger.
The evening also featured a keynote presentation on “All Things Missouri” by Jamie Kleinsorge, offering insights on this program that provides interactive mapping and facilitates data-driven community decision-making. This program is available to the public by visiting www.allthingsmissouri.org
State Farm Family: Aaron and Missy Naeger, along with their daughters Magnolia and Caroline
With Mike Naeger from Extension Council
Century Farm Anthony and Mary Valle Family recipients: Kevin and Jackie Godwin and Linda and Mike Hagan
Retiring Extension Council Member: Jean Werner, with Mike Kertz, Jr. from Extension Council
A few of the new Extension Council officers being sworn in by Sue Wolk
For more information on MU Extension programs in Ste. Genevieve County, visit facebook.com/muextensioninstegencounty or call (573) 883-3548.