University Extension Council election scheduled for this month

Cape Girardeau County residents have the opportunity to vote for members of the University Extension Council this month.

Ballots for this election will be in local newspapers this week and also made available at the Extension Center in Jackson. Voting instructions and candidate information will also be included.

Ballots may be returned by mail or brought in to the Extension Center on or before Jan. 31. To complete a ballot, vote for 12 of the 20 nominees listed by placing an X in the box in front of the nominee's name of your choice.

For more information, contact the Extension Office at 243-3581.

Nominees and information about each follows:

Kathy Abernathy of Jackson, community health nurse, member of Teen Pregnancy and Responsibility Network through Community Caring Council as well as the Aging Committee, past Extension Council member.

Shirley Aufdenberg of Jackson, homemaker and farmer, currently 27 years as a project leader in Tilsit 4-H, former home economics teacher in Jackson School District, currently serving on Cape County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

Elmer Bartels Jr. of Whitewater, farmer, past Delta School Board member, past president of Whitewater Community Volunteer Fire Department.

David Beasley of Jackson, investment representative, currently serving on Extension Council, president of Jackson Industrial Development Authority, past president of Jackson Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club.

Mary A. Birk of Jackson, retired homemaker, Mary Kay consultant, past 4-H leader, recording secretary for Christ Lutheran Church, member of SEMO Fair Association, past member of Extension Council.

David Bloom of Millersville, editor/general manager of the Cash-Book Journal newspaper, twice served as president of Jackson Lions Club (10-year member), also served on Southeast Missouri Press Association in various offices including president.

Brent Bollinger of Jackson, livestock farmer/machine operator at Nordenia USA, currently treasurer of Extension Council, 4-H project leader.

Kathryn King Eastman of Jackson, account executive for KFVS-12, active member of LaCroix United Methodist Church.

Anne Foust of Jackson, horticulturist, Green Gardens interior plant service, Master Gardener, member of Ramblewood Garden Club and Cape Council of Garden Clubs, Master Flower Shop judge, has worked on the Rose Garden in Cape Girardeau.

Kim M. Hindman of Cape Girardeau, disabled, member of the American Tree Farm System, on Board EOCFRC, member of Masonic Lodge 672, life member of NRA, interested in better forest management practices and water quality.

Mike Jaco of Whitewater, worked for Procter & Gamble 25 years, now works for Russ Breymeyer Construction, currently serving on Extension Council, works with Habitat for Humanity; enjoys his family, gardening and wood working.

Mark S. Kasten of Pocahontas, management, Rental Land Inc., currently serving on Extension Council, mayor of Pocahontas, president of Cape Evening Optimist, 4-H leader, president of Zion Lutheran Church, involved in Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Zion youth leader and Sunday School superintendent; member of Cape Chamber of Commerce, SEMO Home Builders and American Rental Association.

Don Koehler of Cape Girardeau, retired from the military, current Extension Council member, Master Gardener.

Keith Koenig of Burfordville, school teacher at St. Paul Lutheran, attends and plays the organ at Hanover Lutheran Church, farms with parents, has four children.

H. Weldon Macke of Gordonville, retired as auditor of Cape Girardeau County, former high school teacher at Jackson High School; has owned or managed: Macke's Store, Macke Service Company, Macke Farm Equipment, MacCon, Gordonville Electric; and served his church through local, state and international committees.

H.C. Mellone of Cape Girardeau, sales person, enjoys gardening and church-related activities, owned and operated Eggimann Feed for about eight years, former Business and Industry Extension Specialist.

Vernon Miller of Jackson, farmer, was manager of Co-Op Service Center for 39 years, board member of SEMO District Fair, board member of Cape County Farm Bureau, worked in agribusiness for over 40 years.

Tom Sachse of Friedheim, manager of Shawneetown Feed and Seed Company at Friedheim, currently serving on Extension Council, Cape County Farm Bureau president, superintendent at SEMO District Fair, member of Cape County Young Farmers.

Octavia Scharenborg of Cape Girardeau, landowner and farmer raising gourmet lettuce/herbs as Showme Fresh Farms, currently serving on Extension Council; member of Southeast Missouri Master Gardeners, Master Gardener State Advisory Board and Ramblewood Garden Club.

David Wells of Jackson, agriculture instructor, FFA and Young Farmer/Adult advisor at Jackson School District; has served as Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teacher state president, Jackson Community Teacher president; currently serves on SEMO District Fair Board and the 4-H/FFA Livestock Committee, member of the Cape Bible Chapel Church, married to Rae, has two daughters and three grandchildren, currently serving on Extension Council.