Washington County Extension Council elects officers

The Washington County Extension Council elected four officers during the organizational meeting Jan. 19. The nine-member council annually elects officers at the beginning of the calendar year. The council is responsible for building partnerships and providing research-based learning opportunities to improve the quality of life for people in the county.

Kathy Ebert of Washington was re-elected chairperson. Ebert will preside at all meetings of the extension council, and will have authority to call special meetings and carry out duties performed and exercised by a chairperson of a board of directors of a corporation. Dennis Lampe of Riverside was re-elected vice chairperson.

Sue Janecek of Washington was re-elected secretary, and has the responsibility of keeping the minutes of all extension council meetings and signing required papers for the council. The council re-elected Cathy Rich of Brighton to the treasurer position.

Other members of the council are: Brad Marek, Riverside; Scott Pemberton, Washington; Margaret Brinning, Keota; Ann Williams, Wayland: and Donna Palmer, Wellman. Palmer replaces Darrell Steele who retired from the council after serving eight years.

The council is the county governing body of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The council hires county staff, manages the county extension budget, and helps determine programming.

In partnership with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the council provides educational opportunities that bring university resources to the needs of the county and region. Local extension programs include 4-H and youth, Master Gardeners, agricultural programs, and nutrition education.

The county extension office is located at 2223 250th St., Washington. To learn more about ISU Extension and Outreach in Washington County, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/washington.