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State of Kansas vs. Mika Milburn-Kee
The State of Kansas has filed criminal charges against Mika Milburn-Kee in Bourbon County District Court. The complaint, filed on March 24, 2026 by Assistant Attorney General Olivia R. Higdon of the Criminal Division’s Economic Crimes unit, stems from an incident that allegedly took place on October 25, 2025 in Bourbon County.
Count One charges Milburn-Kee with Interference with the Conduct of Public Business in Public Buildings under Kansas statute K.S.A. 21-5922(a)(5). This law makes it a crime to knowingly disrupt, impede, or hinder the normal work of a government official by intruding into a chamber or area set aside for that official’s use. This charge is classified as a Class A Nonperson Misdemeanor and carries potential penalties of up to 12 months confinement, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. This appears to be related to areas designated for use in the election that was underway at the time.
Count Two charges Milburn-Kee with Disorderly Election Conduct under Kansas statutes K.S.A. 25-2413(c) and K.S.A. 25-2432. The complaint alleges that she unlawfully and willfully approached or remained closer than three feet to a table being used by an election board without the admitted purpose of voting or without the authority of the supervising judge, contrary to the form of the statutes in such case made and provided against the peace and dignity of the State of Kansas. This charge is classified as a Class B Nonperson Misdemeanor and carries potential penalties of up to 6 months confinement, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Additionally, under K.S.A. 25-2432, if convicted of this offense, the defendant would be required to forfeit any public office or public employment.
The case is being prosecuted not by the local county attorney, but by an assistant attorney general out of the state office in Topeka.
Witnesses
The State has identified 15 witnesses in this case:
- Jacqueline K. Beatty – Special Agent, Office of the Kansas Attorney General
- Daryl Ludolph – Former Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Office of the Kansas Attorney General
- James Birket, #137 – Detective, Fort Scott Police Department
- Brian Thurston, #112 – Detective Sergeant, Fort Scott Police Department
- Susan Walker – County Clerk, Bourbon County
- Amber Page – Deputy County Clerk, Bourbon County
- Shane Walker – Employee, Bourbon County
- Lora Holdridge – Register of Deeds, Bourbon County
- Dianne Keating – Early Voting Supervisor, Bourbon County
- Anthony George – Advance Polling Supervisor, Bourbon County
- Clay Barker – Chief Counsel, Office of the Kansas Secretary of State
- Bryan Caskey – Kansas Director of Elections
- Brandi Ross
- Joan Page
- Patty Holman
This case is in its early stages. The complaint has been filed and assigned case number BB-2026-CR-000079, but the court process is just beginning. Being charged with a crime is not the same as being found guilty. The defendant is presumed innocent and has the right to legal representation and to contest the charges through the court system. What follows from here will likely include an initial court appearance, and the case may ultimately be resolved through trial, a plea agreement, or dismissal.
Commissioner Mika Milburn-Kee was asked if she had any comments on this case, but no reply has been received at this time.
CFSEK Announces Kayley Hartman as new Accounting Manager
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is excited to announce the hiring of Kayley Hartman as its new Accounting Manager!
Kayley comes to CFSEK and its affiliates in Columbus, Fort Scott, and Girard with a passion for helping those in need, and great hopes and aspirations for the future of our communities in Southeast Kansas. She is actively training with current CFSEK Accounting Manager, Kim Lynch, who will be retiring in April.
“We are excited to welcome Kayley to our team,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “As a Pittsburg native with a strong background in accounting and finance, she is a great fit for this role. Her enthusiasm for our community is evident, and I know she will be a strong advocate for our work throughout Southeast Kansas.”
After graduating from Pittsburg High School, Kayley attended Pittsburg State University earning a double major in Finance and Accounting. After several years in business accounting and management, Kayley has made the transition to nonprofit work, wanting to make an impact in her community.
“I want to make sure our children thrive because they are the driving force of tomorrow,” Kayley said. “It’s great to be able to work with a like-minded team to support our communities to make our future brighter in Southeast Kansas.”
When outside of the office, Kayley spends her time with her 6-month-old daughter and her fiancé. She is also a self-described bibliophile and is currently creating her own personal library. With 4 dogs and 2 cats, Kayley says walks are a necessity for her.
When asked about her new position, Kayley had this to say: “Accounting is more than just numbers, it’s about the big picture and making sure everything runs smoothly. Working and learning alongside Kim is helpful, and I look forward to this new and exciting challenge supporting our communities in Southeast Kansas!”
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas has awarded over $2.8 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $28 million in grants since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with a wide variety of charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 26
Cold Weather Rule and LIEAP application period end soon
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Bourbon County CASA is currently in need of volunteers
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FSCC’s Annual Women’s Free Luncheon is April 16
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The Kansas Water Authority (KWA) will meet April 8,
Kansas Water Authority Meeting in Great Bend |
April 8, Camp Aldrich Dining & Events Center |
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The Kansas Water Authority (KWA) will meet Wednesday, April 8, 2026, outside of Great Bend at the Camp Aldrich Dining and Events Center located at 884 NE 110 Ave, Claflin, KS 67525. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. For additional meeting information and the online meeting link, visit the Kansas Water Office website calendar at kwo.ks.gov or call (785) 296-3185. The KWA is responsible for advising the Governor, Legislature and Director of the Kansas Water Office on water policy issues. They also ensure that water policies and programs address the needs of all Kansans as well as serve as advisors of the Kansas Water Plan. The KWA was established in 1981 and consists of 13 voting members who are appointed by the Governor or Legislative leadership. State agency directors serve as ex-officio members. If accommodations are needed for a person with disabilities, please notify the Kansas Water Office at 900 SW Jackson Street, Suite 404, Topeka, KS 66611-1249 or call (785) 296-3185 at least five working days prior to the meeting. |
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Note to Editor: The Americans with Disabilities Act, (42 U.S.C. 12101), requires the Kansas Water Office to print the reasonable accommodations messages. |
Bids & Dibs Hosts Chamber Coffee on March 26
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Newsletter of Lowell Milken Center for March 25, 2026
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Discovery Award project deadline: July 1
Learn more and access submission information:
620-223-1312
Do you know an educator or student who would love this opportunity?
Inspiring educators visiting inspiring stories.
Higher Learning Commission Commends FSCC Faculty for Academic Assessment
Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) is pleased to announce that the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) recognized the college’s efforts in improving the academic assessment process. HLC is an accreditation agency for over 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States. Following a comprehensive peer review in October 2025, HLC commended FSCC for implementing a “systemic, integrated, organized, collaborative and structured approach to academic assessment.”
FSCC faculty transformed academic assessment into a robust, data-informed process for improved student outcomes. Another key to success is the innovative use of a data analytics program and the Learning Management System (LMS) as a centralized repository for collaborative assessment reports, which provide insights guiding instructional strategies for improved student learning outcomes.
The HLC Peer Review Team noted the scope of FSCC’s strategy that ensures quality across student learning experiences. Per HLC’s report, “FSCC developed a comprehensive assessment plan which describes the process for assessing student learning outcomes at the institutional, general education, program/department, course, and co-curricular level.”
The HLC Institutional Action Council (IAC) continued and reaffirmed the accreditation of Fort Scott Community College with interim monitoring with the next Reaffirmation of Accreditation in 2035-2036.
HLC’s recognition confirms FSCC’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable education, meeting the needs of students and community through academic, technical, and occupational programs to prepare students for a global workforce.
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FSCC Expands Commercial Driver’s License Training to Miami County Campus
Fort Scott, KS – Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) is expanding its Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program to the FSCC Miami County Campus, with the first class scheduled to begin in March 2026. Enrollment is now open.
The expansion follows the successful re-establishment of the CDL program at the Fort Scott campus in 2025 and is part of the college’s continued commitment to workforce development and addressing the regional and national shortage of professional truck drivers.
The six-week training program prepares students to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License and enter high-demand careers in the transportation and logistics industry. Students receive classroom instruction, range practice, and behind-the-wheel driving experience using industry-standard equipment while meeting all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.
“This expansion allows us to bring career training directly to more students and employers in our service area,” said J.D. Handly, CDL Instructor. “The trucking industry is essential to our economy, and employers need safe, well-trained drivers. Our goal is to remove barriers and provide a clear pathway to a strong, well-paying career.”
Graduates of the program may qualify for positions in local, regional, and over-the-road trucking, as well as employment with construction companies, agriculture operations, and municipal fleets. Many employers offer tuition assistance, sign-on bonuses, and immediate job placement opportunities.
The FSCC CDL program emphasizes safety, compliance, and real-world driving skills. Students train on modern tractor-trailer equipment and receive instruction from experienced industry professionals. The FSCC CDL Training Program offers a variety of options: Class A or Class B CDL, Manual or Automatic transmissions, as well as additional training options with Passenger, School Bus, HazMat, Tanker and Doubles/Triples endorsements.
The Miami County expansion increases training accessibility for residents of Paola, Osawatomie, Louisburg, and surrounding communities while supporting regional employers seeking qualified drivers.
Classes are limited in size to maximize behind-the-wheel training time. Interested students are encouraged to enroll early.
For enrollment information or to apply, contact Fort Scott Community College at (620) 223-2700 or visit www.fortscott.edu.