The University of Missouri Extension Council of Butler County will elect five people for a two-year term, according to Interim County Engagement Specialist John Fuller.
Ten candidates have filed for the two-year terms. Voting will begin Jan. 10 at the University of Missouri Extension Center and online at http://extension.missouri.edu/butler.
Ballots must be received by Jan. 22 to be counted.
Voting age residents of Butler County may select any five of the nominees listed. The ballot accompanying the article may be used and mailed or taken to the Butler County University of Missouri Extension Center, 614 Lindsay Ave., Suite 3.
Council members are volunteers responsible for maintaining the University of Missouri Extension Center and for planning programs with the professional and paraprofessional faculty and staff in Butler County.
According to Extension Council Chair Lanny Corcimigilia, county and regional specialists and paraprofessionals for the University of Missouri System provide educational programs to Butler County citizens in several areas. Programs are available in the fields of agriculture, family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development, family and community education clubs, and food and nutrition programs for youth and low-income families.
The 10 candidates are: Tawana Ashcraft, Kathryn Clark, Nicole Collins, Lanny Corcimiglia, Miranda Fickert, Nikki McClure, Elizabeth Ann Moore, Rebecca Ogden, Doug Rose Jr., and Kennedy Thayer.
Ashcraft
Ashcraft graduated from Neelyville High School in 2000, attended Three Rivers College, where she played softball. She has owned Shear Expressions Salon for 13 years. Ashcraft also helps run a non-profit organization called MILLIE Inc.
She and her husband, Travis, have been together for 15 years. She had one biological daughter named Camille McCain who passed away October 2017 and her stepson Trevor Ashcraft who is 18 years old. They attend God’s House Church with Pastor Sheldon Tyler. They are currently in the process of privately adopting two children who are 7 and 8 years old.
Clark
Clark currently is an agriculture teacher at Poplar Bluff High School but has taken the position as the TRC agriculture instructor starting July 1.
She has a strong agriculture background, being raised as a farmer’s daughter, and her husband is a row crop farmer. She holds a master’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University, a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State, and an associate’s degree from TRC. Her hobbies include gardening, traveling, the river and spending time with her two boys and husband. She currently is the secretary of the Butler County Extension Council.
Collins
Collins is a licensed clinical therapist. She is interested in community projects such as FosterAdopt Connect, Hearts for Rescue and The Animal Welfare Alliance. Her interests include sporting events, outdoor activities, craft and woodworking projects.
Corcimiglia
Corcimiglia is the Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation director. He graduated from PBHS and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwest Baptist University, where he studied sports management and recreation.
Corcimiglia lives in Poplar Bluff with Bree Savat and their five children. He is a current member of the Poplar Bluff Elks Lodge, Three Rivers Citizens Advisory Board and Fellowship General Baptist Church.
Corcimiglia has coached baseball, soccer and basketball. Corcimiglia currently is the president of the extension council.
Fickert
Fickert is the vice president of lending at Sterling Bank. Her interests include spending time with her family and friends, spending time on Current River, traveling and reading.
Fickert is team captain of Poplar Bluff Heroes, Inc., a non-profit organization that raises funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She is a board member of the Kiwanis Club of Poplar Bluff and past board member of UCAN, Boys & Girls Club, Badge of Honor Run and Women Aware. Fickert has said she would volunteer her time for the extension council because she feels it’s important to give back to the community when one can.
McClure
McClure has lived in Poplar Bluff her whole life and graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 2007. She has four boys, one 10-year-old, 5-year-old twins and a 1.5-year-old. She’s been with River Radio for three years and loves the interaction she has with the community. McClure loves going to the river, going to rodeos and spending time with family and friends. She is a supporter of St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. McClure was a Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year.
Moore
Moore married Ronald Keith Garrett II on Sept. 25, 2021. They do not have children, but say, “they are still praying for that blessing.”
They both attend church at True Gospel Church in Poplar Bluff.
She has a Bachelor of General Studies and a minor in Child Care.
She has worked with children for 15 years. She is the site supervisor at PB North Head Start. According to her, it is her dream job which she has worked hard to receive. She explains, “(We) are all a school family, and they learn and grow together. When they leave the center, they go straight into kindergarten.”
Ogden
Born and raised in Butler County, Ogden graduated from PBHS in 1994. She attends Campbell First Baptist with her husband, Rodney. They were married 20 years as of December. They have four children, Jacob, Matthew, Mary-Elizabeth and Caroline. Ogden’s husband has taught at Naylor schools for 26 years.
She has worked for South Central Missouri Community Action Agency as a community outreach coordinator since 2014. She said she loves her job and the interaction she has with the people in the community.
Rose
Rose graduated from Twin Rivers High School in 1985.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical technology from Lincoln University in 1990. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant at Lincoln University ROTC in 1990, and earned his master’s degree in human resource management at Webster University and his Master of Science degree in National Security Strategy at National Defense University/National War College.
Rose attends Poplar Bluff Baptist Church. He is married to Tanja Rose and they have a daughter, Brittani Rose.
He has served 32 plus years in the United States Army, combat engineer, colonel and has received many military awards and civilian recognitions.
Thayer
Thayer was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan. She attended Central Michigan University and received a bachelor’s degree in recreation, parks and leisure services with a concentration in outdoor recreation and a minor in child development.
She graduated December 2018 on the Dean’s List.
Thayer is currently employed with Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Department as the program coordinator. There, she plans, promotes and implements a variety of programs ranging from environmental education to large events like Santa Land and fun holiday events like painting a pumpkin for National Pumpkin Day. She also manages the outdoor pool in the summer season and helps the department wherever help is needed.