2021 Candidate Forum

GREAT BEND CITY COUNCIL

Chelsea Morris
Chelsea was born and raised in Great Bend where she currently resides with her husband, Levi, their son Warren, and two yorkies, Stevie and Jack-Jack.  As a photographer her work has been published in places such as the Wall Street Journal and Martha Stewart Weddings Online.  Chelsea's photography studio sits in Barton County’s oldest masonry building, the Historic Allen Building, which she and her husband enjoy renovating one project at a time.  Chelsea is a Chamber Ambassador, a member of the Barton County Young Professionals and serves on the Public Relations & Marketing committee for BCYP. Chelsea is seeking a City Council seat for Ward 2 and believes it's time we stop saying “thank you for your service” and time we start showing our service men and women our thanks for their service by supporting sales tax #3 on the ballot this year.

USD 428 BOARD OF EDUCATION
 

Don Willliams
Don Williams is seeking reelection to the USD 428 Great Bend School Board. 
"My family and I have lived and worked in central Kansas for over 40 years. I hold a bachelor’s degree in biology and teacher education, a master’s degree in biology and an earned Doctor of Education.

As a life-long educator, I’ve taught biological sciences, driver’s education, health, and coached at the middle school, high school, and the college levels. I have served one term on the Great Bend school board. I feel that these experiences have made me uniquely qualified to continue serving on the USD 428 Board of Education. My wife and I are members of Grace Community Church. "

Jacquie Disque
My name is Jacquie Disque and I am running to be reelected to the USD 428 Board of Education. Great Bend is my hometown and I have lived here my entire life working as a nurse and volunteering in my church and as a CASA volunteer. 

As a reelected member of the USD 428 Board of Education, I will continue to focus on what is best for our students while balancing what is best for our staff and community and also being fiscally responsible. I will continue to work towards our students being successful academically as well as in their various activities while also assisting with social emotional wellbeing in their everyday lives.

Deanna Essmiller
Deanna Essmiller is a candidate for reelection to USD 428 Board of Education. My husband and I are residents of rural Barton County where we own and operate a farming business.  I am a retired employee of USD 428 where I taught for nearly 20 years. As a former educator, I served on many committees within the district as well as being a member and president of GBNEA. My experience and passion for teaching has given me a sincere interest in educational excellence for all kids. By continuing to serve on the school board, I believe that I can help make a difference in improving opportunities for all the students of our community.

USD 431 BOARD OF EDUCATION

Shawn Ludwig
Hello, my name is Shawn Ludwig, and I live in Northwest Barton County. I run cattle with my wife and children. I am running for a representative seat on the USD 431 school board. I am a Hoisington native and graduate, and I went on to graduate from Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s degree in Geology. I have children entering the USD 431 school system; therefore, I am running as a parent and open-minded Hoisington Alumni.
 

BARTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Tricia Reiser
I have served as a Trustee for BCC for the last 4 years. Education is very important to me.  I have spent my entire career in public education serving students from Pre-K-adults.  Currently I am the Director of Teaching & Learning for USD 428 and an adjunct professor for both Baker University and Fort Hays State University. I believe in the vision of BCC and I would like to continue being a part of a team that leads Barton Community College.

John Moshier
My name is John Moshier and I have been a Barton College Trustee for since 2006. I have been a Barton County Resident since November 1990 and have lived in Hoisington since 2019. I am a member of St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington Knights of Columbus and am employed as the Compliance/HR Director at Clara Barton Medical Center. Since Barton Community College is supported by, and is a resource for, all the communities in Barton County, I believe that it is important to have Trustee representation from communities outside of Great Bend. I am the only Trustee candidate that is not a Great Bend resident.