Our City Council
The city council consists of eight members elected from four wards, two per ward. They are responsible for adopting the annual budget, ordinances, and resolutions. They also set policy, approve contracts, and appoint boards and commissions.
Citizens are encouraged to contact their council members via e-mail by the city’s website, through phone calls, or by mail. They are here to serve you and the community.
City Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month, starting at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers located at 427 Court in City Hall. The committee meetings and council meetings are open meetings, and citizens are encouraged to attend.
Learn more about our representatives below!
Phil Kasper, Ward 1
A lifelong Clay Center native and 1984 CCCHS graduate, Phil served four years in the U.S. Air Force before beginning a career in law enforcement with Riley County, Clay County, and the City of Clay Center. In 2004, he transitioned to broadcasting with KCLY/KFRM Radio and now also serves as Front House Manager at 15-24 Brewhouse. Dedicated to his community, Phil is a volunteer firefighter and plays trumpet with the Clay Center City Band. He and his wife Jolie, also a Clay Center native, have two children, Jace and Jalyn.
Address: 1521 6th Street
Email: philkasper@yahoo.com
Phone: 785-447-0475
Keith Blake, Ward 1
Originally serving as a Loan Officer and Marketing Manager at Union State Bank in Clay Center, Keith is now retired and enjoying this next chapter of life. With roots in local banking and community, he looks forward to contributing his experience and staying engaged in Clay Center’s future growth. He is proud to call Clay Center home and honored for the opportunity to serve.
Address: 501 Webster St
Email: kblake1950@icloud.com
Phone: 785-632-6866
Elton Hess, Ward 2
Born and raised in Clay Center, Elton has spent his life investing in the community. He has worked at Hess Salvage, Inc. for more than 30 years and, alongside his wife Nancy, has operated Hess Rentals since 2000, now owning 11 properties. Elton previously served on the City Council from 1995–2003 and looks forward to once again being a voice for the people. He and Nancy have one daughter, Victoria, who resides in Kansas City. Elton calls Clay Center the “Fountain of Youth,” as this town keeps him feeling young.
Address: 717 Huntress Street
Email: nhess__88@hotmail.com
Phone: 447-3063 (Cell); 632-3515 (Home)
Mike Schultze, Ward 2
Originally from Ogallala, Nebraska, Mike earned his associate degree in Automotive from SCC-Milford before moving to Kansas in 1992 and settling in Clay Center three years later. With more than 20 years in the automotive field, including 15 in management, he brings strong experience and leadership to his work. Mike and his wife Lacy have two children, Zachary and Marissa. Proud to call Clay Center home, he is excited to give back and help the community continue to grow and thrive.
Address: 2635 9th Street
Email: play2pro2@gmail.com
Phone: 630-0172 (Cell)
Karla Sweet, Ward 3
Karla moved to Clay Center in 1998 after marrying her husband, Jeremy, a lifelong resident. Together they have two children, Emilee and Aiden. Since 2004, she has built her career with United Bank & Trust, where she currently serves as Vice President, and in 2014 she earned her Business Administration degree from K-State. Karla enjoys serving on the City Council and helping shape Clay Center’s future growth and development.
Address: 1224 Dexter St.
Email: sweet.karla@ymail.com
Phone: 785-630-0202
Daton Hess, Ward 3
A lifelong Clay Center resident, Daton built his career in construction, including nine years as a supervisor with Oetinger-Lloyd Construction. He has served on the City Council for the past six years, focusing on improving streets, maintaining an award-winning sewer department, and building a responsible budget. Daton and his wife Liana have been married for 34 years and have two daughters, Melissa and Kimberly, along with two grandchildren. He considers it a privilege to serve the community and is guided by Lincoln’s words: “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
Address: 1209 Sherman Street
Email: daton_59@yahoo.com
Phone: 632-7363 (Cell); 632-5367 (Home)
Theresa Charbonneau, Ward 4
Theresa built her career in finance, human resources, and later real estate before returning to Kansas, where she and her husband Mark now share a blended family of six children and 17 grandchildren. In 2013, she opened North Central Kansas Real Estate, where she serves as Broker/Owner. Theresa enjoys spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, as well as hiking, reading, and volunteering in the community. She is honored to serve on the City Council and looks forward to contributing to Clay Center’s continued growth.
Address: 624 Clarke Street
Email: nckre.theresa@gmail.com
Phone: 785-447-3380
Glenn Hoover, Ward 4
Glenn is the owner of Hoover Jewelers, a business he has operated for 27 years, following a 22-year career in the U.S. Army. He chose Clay Center as the place to raise his family, and today they have also made it their home. Glenn values the town’s strong schools, progressive hospital, and welcoming community, and feels privileged to serve on the City Council. He is committed to doing his utmost to help improve the quality of life for all who call Clay Center home.
Address: 1115 5th Street
Email: hooverjewelers10@gmail.com
Phone: 447-2158 (Cell)