Voters will have the opportunity to elect five members of the Woodbury County Extension Council at the November 4, 2008, general election.
“The council members elected this year will have exciting opportunities to determine the work that Extension will do in Woodbury County for the next four years,” said Sherry McGill, Iowa State University Extension-Woodbury County director. Extension programming is a cooperative effort involving local citizens, Iowa State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Extension Council members are elected at large, and all voters in the county are eligible to vote for five candidates.
Candidates on this year's ballot include Jack Burright of Pierson, Alan Ralston of Moville, Julie Eckert and Jon Saylor both of Sioux City, and Tom Ullrich of Sloan.
Council members whose terms expire this year are Julie Case of Salix, Oscar Sanchez of Sioux City, Tom Ullrich of Sloan, and Elaine Utesch and John Wilcox of Correctionville.
Carryover council members whose terms continue through the end of 2010: Linda Drey, and Gary Shaner both of Sioux City, Lane Tabke of Moville, and Don Wood of Sergeant Bluff.
Successful candidates in the November 4, 2008, election will take office in January 2009. Extension council members make policy, programming and budget decisions for the Woodbury County Extension Service.
The Woodbury County Extension council candidates who will be listed on the ballot share about themselves and their experience below.
Tom Ullrich
Who are you? I am a lifetime resident of Woodbury County born and raised near Sloan and Salix. I’ve been married 34 years to my wife, Roxie, a special education teacher at West Middle School and a school board member at Westwood Community School. We have two children, Holly who is married and is a dental hygienist in Tucson, Ariz., and Tony who is a junior at the University of Missouri-Columbia majoring in broadcast journalism.
What do you do? I have been farming for 37 years. I am also the mayor of Sloan. I am currently serving as chairman of the Woodbury County Extension Council along with that I represent northwest Iowa on the state Extension board known as Iowa Association of County Extension Council (IACEC) of which I am currently serving as president.
I am a member of the Tri-State Equestrian Committee that wants to build a new Equestrian center in Moville. I’ve been serving on Correctional Study Initiative (CSI) which is a citizens group that studies and makes recommendations to improve correctional conditions in Woodbury County.
Why are you interested in serving? I am interested in serving on the Woodbury County Extension Council because I think I can make a difference in meeting the needs of rural and urban people of Woodbury County. I will also look forward to maintaining our programs of the past and helping implement new programs for the future.
Jon Saylor:
Who are you? I was born and raised in Sioux City, attending the Catholic school system. After graduating from Heelan High School in 2002, I attended Kirkwood Community College in Iowa City, Iowa, and received an associate degree in business administration. I then received a bank supervisor certificate from the American Institute of Banking. He currently is a member of the Siouxland Chamber Government Relations Committee and the Siouxland Chamber Transportation Committee. I am also a former member of the Sioux City Effective Public Policy Committee and the former vice-chair of the Sioux City Parks and Recreation advisory board. He resides in Sioux City with his wife, Nicole, and two children, Emma and Tate.
What do you do? I am a personal banker for Wells Fargo Bank at the Sioux City main bank location.
Why are you interested in serving?
As a member of the Woodbury County Extension Council, I will have the unique opportunity to participate in an organization with local businesses and farmers, creating a favorable and healthy environment for economic growth thus helping to build positive opportunities for existing businesses, potential incoming businesses, and, for our children’s futures as Woodbury County’s leaders of tomorrow.
Julie Eckert:
Who are you? My husband and I have made Woodbury County our home, raising our three children here for the past 11 years: Lauren age 16, Ben age 12, and Reed age 9. Lauren and Ben are extensively involved in 4-H and Reed is excited to begin his 4-H career following the end of this school year. Our children have participated in a wide variety of programs through Woodbury County Extension and the Woodbury County Fair.
I have a degree in political science and public administration and a minor in business. I helped establish the area’s first ever parent participation pre-school, The Children’s School of Sioux City. It’s been my privilege to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life committee for the last several years, last year serving as co-chair. I’ve consistently volunteered in youth programs at our school, church, and various Woodbury County Fair activities.
What do you do? I’m a full-time mother and very active youth and community volunteer, and until this year worked in early childhood education.
Why are you interested in serving in the position as a Woodbury Extension Council Member? Shortly after moving to the area I found myself calling the Extension office for a wide variety of reasons ranging from how to safely can veggies and area 4-H recommendations to child developmental progress. Woodbury County Extension has improved our family’s quality of life through the wide variety of programs they offer. I feel honored to be considered and would feel privileged to be a part of an organization that does so much to enhance area families and our Iowa quality of life.
Alan Ralston:
Who are you? I’ve lived around Moville all my life. I graduated from Iowa State University. I am married to Diane and have two sons, Alex and Jake. I was involved in 4-H as a youth all through my high school years. During that time, I attended state conference and participated in a 4-H exchange with a county in Pennsylvania where our county 4-H members went and stayed with them for a week in the summer one year and the next year, they came and stayed with us.
What do you do? I’ve worked at Cargill for 30 years. I currently serve as the 4-H sheep superintendent for the Woodbury County Fair. I am also on the subcommittee for the 4-H Fair and Youth Committee. In June, I chaperoned 4-H youth to state conference in Ames.
Why interested? I want to help 4-H grow and prosper in its youth development. I have attended many Extension programs like pasture walks and crop education. I want to see those educational opportunities continue for people working in agriculture out in the county.
Jack Burright
Who are you? I am Jack Burright, a retired farmer from Pierson, Iowa. I graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. in agriculture education. Following graduation and serving two years in the Air Force, I moved to Pierson where I began farming with my father-in-law. From 1962 Ð 1972, I taught middle school math and science while continuing to farm. I then concentrated on farming full time with a crop and livestock operation.
My wife, Nancy, whom I met at Iowa State University, and my four children Beth, John, Janette, and Blaine are all Iowa State graduates and past 4-H members.
I have been very involved in community activities having been a 4-H leader, member and chairman of the 4-H and Youth Committee, served two four-year terms on the Extension Council in the 60s and 80s. I have been a long-time member of the Woodbury County Farm Bureau, serving on many committees and holding various offices, while now being president. I am active in my church, The Disciples of Christ, and have held various state offices and served on many committees. I am presently commander of the Pierson American Legion.
Having served before on the Extension Council, I am aware of the many good programs that have resulted from their work. I want to continue and expand the present successful programs and seek ways to look at new programs that will help to enhance the economy in Woodbury County and its residents.