Marshall County Democratic candidates to host smoked chicken fundraiser Saturday in LaPaz

Marshall County Democratic candidates are hosting a smoked chicken fundraiser this Saturday, August 29, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 13501 U.S. 6 in LaPaz, just west of Mac's Market.

The fundraiser is $10 and includes a smoked chicken filet sandwich with chips and a drink. Attendees can pre-order and pick up their meals or stop by and purchase them on the day of the event. Pre-orders can be placed at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mcbbq.

The event will support three Democratic candidates appearing on the November ballot.

Jessica Oblenis is running for Marshall County Council District 3 because she believes every district deserves a clear, honest voice at the table. For years, she has listened to neighbors, business owners, and families talk about decisions that affect their daily lives — often feeling unheard or left out of the process. Oblenis says she wants to change that.

"This isn't about party politics," Oblenis said. "It's about budgets that make sense, transparency that people can trust, and ensuring that my district's concerns are part of the conversation before decisions are made."

Emanuel Reese is running for County Commissioner for District 1. A Navy veteran, childhood cancer advocate, small business owner, painter, former health and safety coordinator, and maintenance supervisor in long-term healthcare, Reese is a proud union supporter and advocate for working families and farmers. He believes in servant leadership, accountability, and practical progress for Marshall County.

Reese is focused on innovative but responsible change, transparency in government, infrastructure investment, support for local businesses and agriculture, and ensuring Marshall County remains a place where future generations can live, work, and thrive.

Neika Smessaert is running for County Council District 1. Her strengths include understanding the power of the collective voice, reaching out to diverse communities to listen, and understanding the struggles of being a small business owner. She is focused on building community through honesty, transparency, and integrity, and speaking in ways that people can easily understand.

Smessaert understands the importance of learning and growth in areas where she has less experience and is not afraid to change her mind if new information becomes available. Protecting finite natural resources and effectively supporting members of the community are important values for her, and she plans to work hard to help make that happen.