The MU Extension in Saline County annual meeting is an opportunity to honor and express thanks to supporters of MU Extension and 4-H programming, local community members, and those who have served on the MU Extension Council. Highlights of the event included the Leader’s Honor Roll awards, Century Farm recognition, and Extension Council oaths of office. Dr. Lisa Washburn, Associate Vice Chancelor for Extension and Engagement at the University of Missouri, gave the keynote presentation at this event. Washburn highlighted the importance of local partnerships and innovation in community development.
Leader Honor Roll Award
Each year, University of Missouri Extension recognizes leaders across the state for their many contributions in helping carry out the Extension mission. Nominees are selected based on their community leadership efforts that support MU Extension Strategic Direction and program priorities, such as enhanced economic viability; building strong individuals, families and communities; and creating and sustaining healthy environments. The 2025 Leaders Honor roll recipients were Julie Vogel and Ronnie Plattner.
Partner in Education Award
Local and state organizations play an important part in maintaining a high-quality Extension program. Because of this, the Partners in Education Award was started locally to recognize the partnership and support of organizations and businesses. The partners recognized for this award were Malta Bend FFA and Slater FFA.
Century Farms Recognition
Three Century Farms from Saline County were recognized. The Missouri Century Farm Program recognizes families who have contributed to local, state, national, and international agriculture by owning and operating the same Missouri farm for 100 years or more. The Century Farm Families were:
The Reidenbach farm was founded in 1871 by Philip Reidenbach on 80 acres of land in Saline County.
The Roscher farm was founded in 1910 by Friedrich Wilhelm Roscher, who immigrated from Germany to Saline County in search of farmland.
The Wade-Bentley farm was started on March 1, 1918, with the purchase of 80 acres, located just East of Marshall on Watermill Road by Walter T and Rosa Wade.
Council Members Recognized; Officers Elected
The event also introduced newly elected and appointed Extension Council members. Those introduced included: Barbara Burns, Aislin Grado, Andrew Linsenbardt, Brad Guthrey, Annie Burkhalter, Michelle Boland. Chelsea Corkins, Extension Engagement Specialist, thanked all council members for leadership and dedication, recognizing that “through the years, MU Extension Councils been shining examples of what the partnership between county, region, and campus can be. An active county Extension Council plays a large role in that success.” Outgoing members were Sandi Guthrey and Haley Baker, who were specially recognized for their service.
The primary function of the Extension Council is to assist and give guidance to the University Extension Specialists concerning programs and activities conducted in Saline County and the Northwest Region. The Council is also responsible for securing funds to operate the local office, approving Extension staff assigned to the county, and overseeing payment of expenses.
The 2025-2026 slate of Council officer candidates was presented: Tiffany Thornton, Chair; Michelle Boland, Vice-Chairman; Cindi Sims, Secretary; and Shannon Johnson, Treasurer. The slate was approved and Monte Fenner, Southern Commissioner, officiated the Oath of Office for the new officers. Distinguished guests included Vince Lutterbie; Mayor, Becky Plattner; Presiding Commissioner, Stephanie Gooden, Norther Commissioner
The Saline County Extension Council meets the fourth Wednesday of each month, 5:30 p.m. at the Extension Center located at 353 S. Lafayette Ave., Marshall. Office hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday (noon to 1 p.m. closed for lunch) and Friday noon to 5 p.m.
