Bourbon County

State of Kansas vs. Mika Milburn-Kee

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The State of Kansas has filed a criminal charge 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.

The single count 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. The state alleges that is what Milburn-Kee did on that date. This appears to be related to areas designated for use in the election that was underway at the time.

Under Kansas law, this offense is classified as a Class A Nonperson Misdemeanor. That is the most serious level of misdemeanor in Kansas, but it is still below a felony. A conviction could carry up to 12 months of confinement, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. It is worth noting that a “nonperson” designation means the offense does not involve direct harm to an individual, which can affect how it factors into any future sentencing under Kansas guidelines.

The case is being prosecuted not by the local county attorney, but by an assistant attorney general out of the state office in Topeka.

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 charge 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.

State of KS vs Mika Milburn-Kee

Bourbon County, Youth

Bourbon County CASA is currently in need of volunteers

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Bourbon County CASA

When a child enters foster care, everything changes — their home, their school, their routines… and often the adults in their life.

A CASA Volunteer may be the only consistent adult showing up just for them.

Be the steady voice.

Be the one who shows up.

Bourbon County CASA is currently in need of volunteers who are willing to make a difference in a child’s life. Your time and compassion can provide stability, advocacy, and hope when it matters most.

If you feel called to serve, we would love to visit with you about how you can get involved.

Contact Christa at

(620) 215-2769

or email

[email protected]

to learn more.

One caring adult can change everything.

Will it be you?

Click HERE to visit the

Bourbon County CASA

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit the

Kansas CASA Association

website!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College

FSCC’s Annual Women’s Free Luncheon is April 16

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC’s Annual

Women’s Luncheon

Thursday, April 16th

10am-2pm

Ellis Fine Arts Building

2108 Horton St.

FREE Event!

$10 with the pasta bar lunch

Questions:

Taylor Bailey

620-223-2700 x 4600

Email: [email protected]

Attendees can look forward to a day of presentations, giveaways, and community engagement!
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
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Government, Kansas

The Kansas Water Authority (KWA) will meet April 8,

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 Kansas Water Authority Meeting in Great Bend

April 8, Camp Aldrich Dining & Events Center

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.

Note to Editor: The Americans with Disabilities Act, (42 U.S.C. 12101), requires the Kansas Water Office to print the reasonable accommodations messages.
Business, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Bids & Dibs Hosts Chamber Coffee on March 26

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Bids & Dibs
Thursday, March 26th

 

8am

Bids & Dibs
121 E. 2nd St.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend a Chamber Coffee celebration on Thursday, March 26th at 8 a.m., hosted by Bids & Dibs, 121 E. 2nd St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.

Bids & Dibs is celebrating 14 years in business and continues to stand out as one of Fort Scott’s favorite shopping destinations. Since opening in 2012, the boutique has grown into the largest resale boutique in Kansas, offering a fun, ever-changing selection where style meets savings.

As they celebrate this milestone, Bids & Dibs remains dedicated to creating a welcoming, community-driven shopping experience that keeps customers coming back. In addition, Bids & Dibs will be recognized as a Family Friendly Workplace by the Kansas Children’s Service League. This recognition helps reinforce the purpose of the initiative by acknowledging employers who are taking meaningful steps to support employees and families.

For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar at fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.

Click HERE to visit

Bid & Dibs

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

Bid & Dibs

website!
A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
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Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Newsletter of Lowell Milken Center for March 25, 2026

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Fort Scott Community College

Higher Learning Commission Commends FSCC Faculty for Academic Assessment

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 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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Fort Scott Community College, Uncategorized

FSCC Expands Commercial Driver’s License Training to Miami County Campus

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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.

 

Fort Scott Community College

Fort Scott Community College to Host 49th Annual Aggie Day on March 27

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Fort Scott Community College will welcome nearly 1,500 high school students from across the four-state region for its 49th Annual Aggie Day, taking place on Friday, March 27, 2026.

This long-standing tradition remains one of the largest and most impactful agriculture education events in the region.

Students representing Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas will compete in a variety of Career Development Events (CDE) designed to build leadership skills, technical knowledge, and career readiness. These contests include entomology, agricultural speech, floriculture, meat evaluation, livestock judging, poultry evaluation, milk quality and products, veterinary science, food science, farm management, and nursery landscape.

Registration for the event will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. in Arnold Arena on the west side of the FSCC campus, with competitions running throughout the day across multiple campus locations.

“Aggie Day is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity for students to experience agriculture at a higher level and see the many career paths available to them,” said Conner Vernon, FSCC Agriculture Instructor and Livestock Judging Coach. “We enjoy watching students apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios and take pride in creating an environment where they can grow, compete, and connect with others who share similar interests.”

Sara Sutton, FSCC Agriculture Department Chair, emphasized the broader impact of the event. “Aggie Day is one of the most rewarding days of the year for our department. Hosting nearly 1,500 students on our campus provides a unique opportunity to showcase not only our agriculture programs, but the college as a whole. These students represent future leaders in many different fields, and we are proud to give them a hands-on, high-quality experience that reflects what FSCC has to offer.”

While rooted in agriculture, Aggie Day attracts a diverse group of students with interests that extend beyond the agricultural industry, including science, business, communications, and technical fields. The event provides students with exposure to a college campus environment while highlighting Fort Scott Community College’s commitment to hands-on learning and workforce development.

The success of Aggie Day is made possible through the collaboration of FSCC agriculture faculty and students, college employees, and area FFA advisors, extension agents, and 4-H leaders who assist in coordinating and hosting the contests.

Fort Scott Community College is proud to continue this 49-year tradition and remains committed to supporting the development of the next generation of leaders through experiential learning opportunities.

For more information about Aggie Day or FSCC Agriculture programs, please contact the Fort Scott Community College Agriculture Department.

 

Government, Kansas

Small Business Grants For Registered Apprenticeships Awarded

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Registered Apprenticeship Small Business Grants Awarded; New Round Opens

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland and the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship today announced that $28,000 has been awarded to four small businesses across Kansas for projects that will attract and retain workers and continue building the state’s workforce through apprenticeships. Each awarded company will receive $7,000.

“Over the last seven years, Kansas has invested heavily in workforce development and retention — and our Registered Apprenticeship programs have been a key part of our strategy,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By supporting apprenticeship opportunities, we’re not just investing in Kansas businesses of all sizes — we’re providing pathways for hardworking Kansans to achieve prosperity in our state.”

The Small Business Registered Apprenticeship Grant Program assists existing Registered Apprenticeship programs with technical instruction, outreach, on-the-job training, marketing, staffing, partnerships and administrative costs. These opportunities continue to expand high-wage, high-demand Registered Apprenticeship programs across the state.

The grant awardees are:

  • Dalton’s Heating and Cooling, Franklin County ($7,000): Developing heating and cooling (HVAC) apprenticeships
  • Gifted Care Service, LLC, Geary County ($7,000): Creating healthcare and direct care service apprenticeships
  • Little Kyngs and Queens Daycare, Sedgwick County ($7,000): Developing early childhood education apprenticeships
  • Rincks Dwood Plumbing LLC, Montgomery County ($7,000): Establishing plumbing apprenticeships

“Apprenticeships have been crucial for urban communities — and especially for our rural towns and businesses in Kansas,” Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship Director Shonda Anderson said. “By awarding these funds, we’re creating a pipeline for career-seekers to obtain education that comes with a guaranteed job lined up after completion — and, in the process, ensuring we keep our skilled workforce right here in Kansas.”

The Small Business Grant Awards are open now for an additional round of funding. The application deadline is Friday, April 24.

For this new round of funding, the program will:

  • Increase the employee cap from 10 to 25 full-time employees to expand eligibility to more small businesses in Kansas; and
  • Allow current apprenticeship employers who have not hired an apprentice to apply, encouraging participation from existing programs and increasing participation

This round of funds may be used for staff time to develop programs, training equipment, related technical instruction, contracted services and administrative costs. Funding cannot be used for apprenticeship wages.

To apply or learn more about eligibility requirements, click here.

For additional information about the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship, visit the webpage here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship:

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship was established by Governor Laura Kelly on Sept. 6, 2022, through Executive Order #22-07. The Office supports apprenticeships across multiple industries to provide a highly skilled source of labor for employers and ensure occupational proficiency for career-seekers. The program incorporates on-the-job learning, technical instruction and mentorship to create long-term employment opportunities in Kansas.

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Business, Clothing, Fort Scott

Bids & Dibs Recognized as Family-Friendly Workplace in Fort Scott

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Bids & Dibs, the largest resale boutique in Kansas, will be recognized as a Family-Friendly Workplace during a special event on Thursday, March 26 at 8:00 a.m.

“Dana Book from the Kansas Children’s Service League will be at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee in the morning,” said Angela Simon, owner Bids & Dibs. “I believe he is also going to present information on some grant funding opportunities for local businesses. This might be something of public interest.”

 

The  Family-Friendly Workplace recognition is presented through the Kansas Power of the Positive (KPOP) coalition and Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL), honoring employers who are committed to creating supportive environments for employees and families across Kansas, according to a press release from Simon.

Founded in 2012, Bids & Dibs has grown into a thriving community-centered business offering consignment, retail, and online sales while fostering a welcoming and supportive workplace culture.

“Family-friendly workplaces are essential to building strong businesses and strong communities,” said Simon. “Bids & Dibs exemplifies what it means to value employees not just as workers, but as people with families, responsibilities, and lives beyond the workplace.”

Through participation in the Family-Friendly Workplace initiative, Bids & Dibs has demonstrated a commitment to listening to employees and implementing practices that support work-life balance, employee well-being, and a positive organizational culture.

The Kansas Power of the Positive, supported by KCSL and partners across the state, promotes strategies that help organizations build safe, stable, and nurturing environments—both at home and in the workplace.

Community members, partners, and local leaders are invited to attend the recognition event and celebrate this milestone with the Bids & Dibs team.

About Bids & Dibs

Bids & Dibs is a Fort Scott-based consignment boutique offering clothing, accessories, home goods, and more for the whole family. Known for its strong community focus and customer-centered approach, the business has become a leader in retail resale across Kansas.

About Kansas Power of the Positive

Kansas Power of the Positive is a statewide coalition focused on strengthening communities by promoting positive experiences, supportive environments, and prevention-based strategies that improve outcomes for children and families.

About Kansas Children’s Service League

Kansas Children’s Service League is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the well-being of children and families through education, prevention, and community-based services.

K-State Extension

HAPp Now: Heart Health Starts Here

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HAPp Now: Heart Health Starts Here

Did you know that Hypertension, or high blood pressure, often has no symptoms? Left unmanaged, it can lead to serious health concerns such as heart disease and stroke. April’s K-State Extension OWL Hour will provide practical, easy-to-understand information to help you take charge of heart health!

HAPp Now is part of the Hypertension Awareness & Prevention (HAPp) initiative. This educational program is designed to help adults understand their blood pressure numbers, why hypertension matters, and what steps they can take to protect their heart health.

During the session, participants will:
• Learn what blood pressure is and what the numbers mean
• Discover simple lifestyle strategies for heart health through the art of ‘habit stacking’
• Learn how to accurately measure blood pressure at home

Small changes can make a big difference, and this session gives participants the tools and confidence to get started!

April’s sessions will be:
• Yates Center: 4/13 at the 4H Community Building.
• St Paul: 4/14 at the Graves Memorial Public Library.
• Fort Scott: 4/15 at the Fort Scott Public Library.
• Iola: 4/16 at the Southwind Iola Extension Office.

There is no cost to attend. All sessions begin at 10:00 a.m. For more information, contact Hollie Yoho at 620-625-8620 or [email protected].

Bourbon County Local News