The University of Missouri (MU) Extension is recruiting candidates for its Osage County Council, which consists of two representatives from each of the county’s six townships elected to two-year terms. One is elected in odd years, and the other in even years.

Therefore, in January 2022, an election will select six representatives. Crawford, Jackson, and Linn townships have open seats due to members choosing not to seek reelection, or retiring due to term limits. However, any eligible citizen wishing to serve can file for election in any township, including Washington, Jefferson, and Benton.

According to the Extension Service, “Council members are elected or appointed to two-year terms and may not serve more than two consecutive terms. Nominees must be at least 18 and must reside in the district from which they are selected. Nominations must be made prior to (Dec. 1).” 

The election will take place from Monday, Jan. 10, through Monday, Jan. 31. Paper ballots may be obtained between those dates at local banks, any post office in Osage County, and the MU Extension Office in the Osage County Administration Building (Annex).

“Nominations may be made through the council chairman or the county extension center at osageco@missouri.edu.,” said Osage County Engagement Specialist Elizabeth Anderson. “Nominees will be contacted to secure their permission to place their names on the January ballot.” 

Nathan Woehr (nathanwoehr1992@hotmail.com) is the current chairman.  

Until Dec. 1, pamphlets explaining the responsibilities of Extension Council members will be available at the same locations. The pamphlets will also contain nomination forms.

Those interested in running should be interested in community progress and education. The council promotes these things, tapping the resources of MU and Lincoln University. They work with Extension to plan educational and economic development programs. In Osage County, the Extension is most well known for its work with 4-H youth development. Sowing seeds of agriculture interest and talent in youth is important. It matters to the success of a farming county but Anderson wants to make the Extension available to everybody.

Since beginning her work in Osage County, Anderson has worked to display its value in other areas. Her emphasis area is community economic development but she seeks to increase continuing education, classes, and workshops that promote health and nutrition, agriculture and environment, youth, and family.  

Extension Council members are critical to the land grant mission of empowering Missourians to better their lives, Anderson said.