City Council Bios
Joe Blubaugh Bio:
Joe Blubaugh has been a proud resident of Silver Lake since 2008. A graduate of Phillipsburg High School, Joe earned his bachelor's degree in communications from Fort Hays State University. After retiring as an Air Force officer following a 30-year career, he now serves the community as a self-employed Realtor. During his military service, Joe held roles as a Public Affairs Officer, Administrative Officer, and Squadron Commander, with deployments to Germany, Guam, and Djibouti, Africa. His passion for serving others extends beyond real estate, as he also enjoys working as a substitute teacher in the Silver Lake School District. Joe's background includes experience in radio broadcasting and public affairs roles in both state and federal government. He is married to his wife, Sara, and has three children: Mikayla, Jaxon, and Carly.
Brad Bryant Bio:
Raised in Concordia, Kansas, Brad has lived in Silver Lake since October 1988. He is a graduate of Concordia High School, Cloud County Community College, and the University of Kansas. His work experience includes eight years as a Public-School Teacher, 28 years with the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office as an Election Administrator, and seven years in the private sector in election services.He served on the USD 372 Board of Education from 1999-2007. Brad and his wife, Nancy had four children graduate from Silver Lake Schools.
Michael Hamilton Bio:
Proudly serving the City of Silver Lake, Michael Hamilton brings his passion for community and wealth of experience to the position of Councilmember. With over 30 years as a resident, Michael's deep connection to Silver Lake is the foundation upon which he envisions a prosperous future for our beloved city.
A product of Silver Lake High School, Michael's academic journey is marked by achievement, earning his BS in Biology from Washburn University in 2013, followed by a BSN in Nursing in 2017. His dedication to healthcare and community well-being is further demonstrated through his Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Wichita State University in 2019.
Currently, as a Physician Assistant in Emergency Departments at both Holton Community Hospital and the University of Kansas St. Francis Campus, Michael continues to make a positive impact on the health and safety of our community.
As a Councilmember, Michael Hamilton is committed to realizing manageable improvements, fostering increased community engagement, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. His focus on boosting civic pride and driving economic development is a testament to his dedication to the growth and prosperity of Silver Lake.
Kenneth Wade Bio:
Kenneth Wade is an accomplished Outreach Specialist in the Planning Branch of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District. With a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agronomy from Missouri State University, Mr. Wade boasts a remarkable thirty-six years of federal service, showcasing a diverse career path within the Kansas City District.
Throughout his tenure, Kenneth has taken on various roles, including Forestry Technician, Park Ranger, Park Manager, and Operations Project Manager. Notably, as Operations Project Manager at Perry Lake in Kansas, he successfully managed daily operations and executed a multi-million-dollar budget, demonstrating his strong leadership and organizational skills.
Currently serving as the Outreach Specialist in the Planning Branch, Kenneth acts as a crucial liaison between the Corps and stakeholders along the Missouri River, extending from Rulo, Nebraska to the confluence of the Mississippi. On a special assignment with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Region 7 in Lenexa, Kansas, Kenneth remains committed to serving and protecting our environment.
Kenneth Wade and his wife Lori, with whom he has shared thirty-two years of marriage, call Silver Lake, Kansas, their home. Kenneth emphasizes his commitment to the people of Silver Lake, pledging to listen to their comments, questions, and concerns. Safety, security, and infrastructure are focal points for him, and he believes in the importance of teamwork and informed decision-making.
Kenneth Wade is dedicated to doing his best for the citizens of Silver Lake, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing the well-being and improvement of our city. His wealth of experience and passion for community engagement make him an asset to the City.