Eight individuals were newly-elected in the balloting that ended January 24, 2025, according to Frances O’Kelley, council chair.
Newly elected members to serve two-year terms are: Patrick Batchelder, Lea Ann Keeling, Dale Lawrence, Gail Lawrence, and John Marshall, Carthage; Charlie Davis, Webb City; Lisa Daoud, Sarcoxie; and Shiela Immesote-Foster, Joplin.
These members will join the following hold-over members: Robert Moore, Frances O’Kelley, Dorothy Shull, and Amanda Smith, Carthage; Sonora Jones, Webb City; Barbara Hunter and Tami Maneval, Jasper; and Eric Osen, Diamond.
The appointed members to the council are: Tom Flanigan (County Commission), Josh Bard (City of Joplin), Kris Drake (City of Webb City), and Kara Cloud Benefiel (Farm Bureau).
The council has four major responsibilities. They are: (1) to advise the University of Missouri on needed extension educational programs, (2) approve the extension staff housed in Jasper County, (3) arrange for financing the Jasper County Extension Center and, (4) hold elections to perpetuate the Council.
Officers elected for the 2025 council are: Frances O’Kelley, chair; Barbara Hunter, vice-chair; Gail Lawrence, secretary; Lisa Daoud, co-treasurer: and Tom Flanigan, co-treasurer.
University of Missouri Extension programs focus on the high-priority needs of Missourians. Each county extension center, with oversight by locally elected and appointed citizens, is your local link to practical education on almost anything. More information is available online at http://extension.missouri.edu.
