STE. GENEVIEVE, MO—Elections for representatives to serve on the University of Missouri Extension Council will be held January 11-17, 2026. Any county resident over the age of 18 is eligible to vote in the election. There are seven nominees running for seven seats on the Council.
Their biographies are included below.
A ballot box for the Extension Council election will be located 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
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: assisting 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). 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.
Nominees
Paul J. Arnold retired from Mississippi Lime Company after 45 years of service. Paul and his wife own and operate a 250-acre family farm and are blessed with three children and eight grandchildren. Paul has a longstanding history of active community involvement through organizations such as the Ste. Genevieve County Fair Board and the USDA Farm Agency Committee. Currently, he is a member of several organizations, including the Soils and Water Conservation Agency. Additionally, he serves on the local JDF committee, FFA Advisory Board, as delegate of MFA Oil, and as the chair of the Ste. Genevieve County Special Road District Board. In 2014, he received the Conservation Steward Award. He is enthusiastic about serving and applying his experience to the Extension Council.
Christine Gegg is married to Jesse Gegg, and they are blessed with two children. She is an alumnus of Valle Catholic Schools and Mineral Area College, and she has worked 14 years at Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital. Her current community involvement includes working as a substitute teacher at Valle Catholic Schools, coaching community sports, taking her family’s livestock to community youth educational events/programs, helping with 4‑H clubs and supporting its projects and activities, and being involved in school programs/activities/athletics. “I want to serve on the Missouri Extension Council because I believe deeply in the value of community‑driven education and outreach …. Being part of the council would allow me to help support programs that improve quality of life—whether that’s youth development through 4‑H, agricultural innovation, small‑business support, or health and nutrition education. These are practical, high‑impact services that make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Paul Lindell went to Fox C6 School and attended Jefferson College. He served in the Air Force and the Air National Guard. He is involved in multiple organizations–six honeybee groups and several veterans’ groups–and he has 25 years of experience in construction and floor installation. Paul is hoping to apply his love of sharing knowledge when serving as a member of the Extension Council.
Jill Naeger is a Ste. Genevieve County native and, along with her husband, has two grown children. Currently, she performs clerical work for her husband’s sawmill/logging business and raises goats and cattle with him. Prior to this, she worked for over 25 years as a speech-language pathologist, focusing on children in Ste. Genevieve County and the surrounding area. Jill has served on the Sts. Philip and James Parish Council for multiple terms, is actively involved in the church as a lector and Eucharistic Minister, and is a member of various organizations, including the Missouri National Education Association – Retired. Jill shares an interest in all six of Extension’s program areas, has benefited from the programs, and is eager to serve to ensure they continue to reach more people in the community.
Louis J. Naeger graduated from Southeast Missouri University, majoring in accounting and agriculture. Self-employed as a CPA for over 30 years, he primarily focused on serving small business owners and farmers. Since his retirement, he has dedicated most of his time to a commercial chestnut orchard, which he owns and manages. Louis is active in Ste. Genevieve Catholic Church, and in previous years, he served on various organizations, including the Jaycees and the Ste. Genevieve County Fair Board, where he held the position of president. Louis has been a member of the Extension Council for the past two years and has served as the treasurer.
Michael J. Naeger is a lifelong resident of Ste. Genevieve County and a graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School. He is the owner and operator of Naeger Forest Products, Inc. Additionally, he owns a small farm where he raises goats and cattle. Michael is a member of and serves on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Forest Product Association. He is also a member of the Missouri Trappers Association, N.R.A., and Ste. Genevieve County Republican Club. Having previously served on the Extension Council, he expresses his interest in “educating young people in agriculture, forestry, and other outdoor activities.”
Joseph Simmons is 20 years old and works at Mississippi Lime Company (MLC). He graduated from Ste. Genevieve Public School, and for the past five years, he has volunteered on the Ozora Fire Department. Joe desires to serve on the Extension Council to bring in a younger perspective and to be involved in and learn more about Ste. Genevieve community.