STE. GENEVIEVE, MO — Elections for representatives to serve on the University of Missouri Extension Council will be held January 12-18, 2023. Any county resident over the age of 18 is eligible to vote in the election. There are four nominees running for four 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 nine 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
Samuel Fischer graduated from Ste. Genevieve High School and is currently employed by Fischer Bros Quarry and Hauling and has experience driving heavy equipment. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with friends and family. “I want to serve on the Extension council because I care about Missouri and Ste. Genevieve County; I want to help better the place in which we live.”
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, Missouri. 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, and spends time with her flower gardens and family. As the current MU Council President and previous Secretary, she is seeking a second term. She has experience in leadership with boards, project management, and budgets. “I want to help the Extension Office in their mission. MU Extension has many valuable resources for our community. My passion and caring in a hardworking environment will lend a hand to the Extension staff and council members.”
Dennis Otte has had Ozora as a home base all his life and has worked on the parish council of Ozora. For most of his working career, he has been in the masonry trade as a laborer. He is a member of the Elks Lodge and the Sons of the American Legion. He treasures the outdoors, and the care of society and the Earth. Dennis believes that “everyone’s opinion is of some value. I feel that I can add to the value and performance of the Extension Council.”
Beginning January 12 and ending January 18, 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 may do so by visiting: https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/ste-genevieve/county-council/county-council-election
The election results will be certified by Extension Council on January 30 and released online on January 31. New members will be sworn in and officers will be elected and sworn in on February 27.
MU Extension is an equal opportunity/access/affirmative action/pro-disabled and veteran employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex in our education programs or activities, pursuant to Title IX and 34 CFR Part 106.