Kansas Municipal News
Fed’s Bowman backs raising rates 75 basis points in July
Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman said she supports raising interest rates by 75 basis points again in July and following that with a few more half-point hikes. The hawkish remarks Thursday come roughly a week after the central bank delivered the largest rate increase since 1994. Fed officials are sending a strong signal that they will do what is needed to rein in soaring inflation, while acknowledging that it’s becoming more challenging for them to achieve a soft landing on the economy.
Source: The Bond Buyer
Emporia Municipal Band plays Thursday
The Emporia Municipal Band invites the community to travel the world with music this week. The band hits the stage at Fremont Park at 8 p.m. Thursday. The theme is “Travel Around the World with EMB.” The musical offerings include “The Star Spangled Banner,” written by Francis Scott Key and arranged by John Philip Sousa; the “Orpheus Overture,” “Russian Sailors’ Dance,” “Festivo,” “At the Dixieland Jazz Funeral” and much more. The Emporia Municipal Band is currently in its 80th season. All concerts are free and open to the public.
Source: Emporia Gazette
Muni yields fall on back of UST strength
Municipals outperformed (dropped in yield more than) moves in U.S. Treasuries Thursday, playing catch up to taxables’ massive flight-to-safety rally that hit Wednesday, while equities ended in the black. Municipal triple-A yield curves saw up to 10 basis point bumps on the long end while UST saw yields fall four to eight basis points.
Source: The Bond Buyer
Bentley residents cleaning up after storm
Bentley residents have been dealing with the aftermath of a severe storm Wednesday evening that hit the city with straight-line winds and golf-ball sized hail. Resident Doug Frazier spent several hours Thursday morning cleaning limbs up from his front yard on Devinshire Avenue. “I’ve got most of it down now,” he said. “I’ve got a few more limbs to trim off that [tree] there.” Two weeks ago, he’d cut down a large tree in his back yard, and he was thankful that was gone before the storm. “Otherwise I probably would have had more damage,” he said.
Source: Harvey County Now
Kansas schools are poised to ditch class hours for real-world training as graduation requirements
For more than a century, Kansas students have earned credits — and, after enough of them, a high school diploma — based on how much time they spend in a classroom. The age-old “Carnegie unit” approach to education became the academic law of the land way back in 1906. And it stuck: One credit equals about 120 instructional hours in one subject. Kansas requires students to pass at least 21 credits to graduate from high school. But a group in charge of evaluating the state’s graduation requirements says that classroom time makes for a poor yardstick for measuring learning. So it argues for ways to let local school districts sub in other metrics more calibrated to the 21st century.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Nickerson aims to revitalize the high school library
With encyclopedias from the 1960s and other literature students have not checked out in decades, the Nickerson High School Library aims to renovate the space into a student-focused location, including a coffee shop and a new “student union” feel. This summer, Nickerson High School staff plan to take the first step toward a new renovation of the library by removing old books and reorganizing shelves to create more space. From Thursday, June 23 to Saturday, June 25, Nikki Barton, a paraeducator at Nickerson High School, said she plans to give away about 5,000 old books from the library. “There are still some books stamped with Nickerson Rural High School, which date back to before my grandparents graduated there,” Barton said.
Source: Hutch News
Topeka sees rise in number of authorized fireworks vendors
Local residents hoping to paint the sky this Independence Day have an increased number of places at which to buy fireworks. Licenses to peddle pyrotechnics have been issued for 50 sites in Topeka and Shawnee County, up from 47 last year. Twenty-eight are in Topeka and 22 are outside the city limits … People outside Topeka city limits face a mish-mash of differing rules on when fireworks may be sold or discharged, depending on where they’re located.
Source: CJonline
Harvey County discusses wind farm possibility
Planning and Zoning Director Karen Rothe updated the Board of Harvey County Commissioners on Tuesday about Next Era Energy’s plans to develop wind energy in the county. Rothe said the planning commission met June 7 to look over the regulations for wind energy. She also said she was putting together a spreadsheet comparing Harvey’s land-use regulations to those of other counties. “We have really good regulations,” she said. “We are among the stricter regulations in the area.” Rothe noted that Brian Stucky of Goessel asked the planning commission to ban wind turbines altogether from the county. No action was taken. She said she also received a lot of requests, mainly from firefighters, to ban turbines from the Sand Hills. Next Era Energy already has expressed that it no longer had an interest in developing wind energy there.
Source: Harvey County Now
Hutchinson councilwoman wants to allow more backyard chickens
Just three months after the city updated its regulations on keeping animals on residential property, Hutchinson City Councilwoman Sarah Bagwell suggested Tuesday significantly loosening rules for backyard poultry. “I want an agenda item to have an ordinance change to let people have 12 chickens,” Bagwell said. “If they have more than 2 acres, up to 50 with a permit.” She also suggested allowing both layers and meat hens. The average lot size in the city is 6,000 square feet, Bagwell said, which limits flocks to three chickens. The code also prohibits the slaughtering or processing of chickens.
Source: Hutch News
Hutchinson approves new law enforcement contracts with the Reno County
The Hutchinson City Council Tuesday approved amendments to a few contracts it has with Reno County on shared costs of operating the Law Enforcement Center and E-911 Emergency Communications in response to disputes that surfaced last year. … The primary change in the Law Enforcement Center agreement is that the city’s share of the cost of operating the Reno County Correctional Facility will drop from 14% to 12%. That’s because the Reno County Sheriff’s Office is no longer transporting prisoners for municipal court or driving individuals to Larned State Hospital in city-related cases.
Source: Hutch News
Municipal Bond Trends for June 22, 2022
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.
Downtown Pittsburg may soon be on the National Registry
The City of Pittsburg is looking towards its past to potentially benefit its future. The city has received a $16,000 Historic Preservation Fund Grant through the National Park Service to help with an upcoming survey. It will focus on collecting information about the historic buildings on Broadway. City officials say this could help promote future development, tourism, and potentially help establish Downtown Pittsburg as a historic district to be put on the National Register of Historic Places.
Source: KSNF/KODE
City of Pittsburg partners with PSU for economic analysis
The City of Pittsburg will continue to receive help from Pitt State when it comes to analyzing the local economy. The Kelce College of Business will be conducting an economic research project for the city. It’s something that’s been done in the past. The city commission approved $25,000 to fund the next project for one year. According to Deputy City Manager Jay Byers, the study will analyze the health of the Pittsburg economy including credit scores and the state of the middle class.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Powell tells Congress the Fed is ‘strongly committed’ on inflation, notes recession is a ‘possibility’
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell told congressional lawmakers Wednesday that the central bank is determined to bringing down inflation and has the ability to make that happen. “At the Fed, we understand the hardship high inflation is causing. We are strongly committed to bringing inflation back down, and we are moving expeditiously to do so,” the Fed chief said in remarks for the Senate Banking Committee. “We have both the tools we need and the resolve it will take to restore price stability on behalf of American families and businesses.” Along with expressing resolve on inflation, Powell said economic conditions are generally favorable, with a strong labor market and persistently high demand.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
Will High Inflation Erode the Potential Benefits of Government Infrastructure Spending?
As local and state governments, including transportation agencies, were already grappling with ongoing supply chain disruptions for their current infrastructure projects, the historic inflation will also likely serve as a significant blow to the overall progress, funding allocation, and timely completion of these projects. Given the complexity and longer time horizon of many of these capital programs, local and state governments generally allocate set funding with an inflation factor, including the infrastructure programs funding through the federal government. However, with the current inflation numbers, the public sector may be faced with the dilemma to either scale back on the scope of these projects or find alternative funding sources.
Source: Municipalbonds
City to take over management of Lenexa Cemetery
Since 1872, the Lenexa Cemetery Association has cared for the tract of land southeast of 87th Street Parkway and Pflumm Road, commonly known as the Lenexa Cemetery. The Lenexa City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding on June 21, 2022 to transfer property and assets of the Cemetery to the City at the end of this year. The Lenexa Cemetery sits adjacent to the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, which is located immediately south of the site. The Lenexa Cemetery Association’s Board of Directors approached the City about taking over the operation of the 4.34 acre site. The non-profit association has an aging membership and raised concerns about their ability to sustain ongoing cemetery operations.
Source: City of Lenexa
Riley County enters HIGH incidence rate of COVID cases
Riley County has reached the High incidence rate with 76 new COVID cases. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recorded 76 new cases between Jun 11 – 17. The Incidence Rate is 102.4, putting the county in the HIGH incidence category with 100 or more cases per 100,000 people. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is currently caring for two COVID-19 positive patients. According to Wednesday’s report, Health Department Director Julie Gibbs says “while the number of cases is increasing in the state, the number of hospitalizations is remaining low.” She also continues to encourage everyone to get vaccinated if they are able to.
Source: 1350 KMAN
County could pay 160% more for fuel in 2023
If oil companies still keep fuel prices high in the coming months, Labette County is looking at paying 160% more for fuel in 2023, Labette County commissioners heard on Monday. Public Works Director Sandy Krider seeks bids on a fuel contract for the county each year. Many departments (including the sheriff, ambulance service, appraiser’s office, Public Works, Noxious Weeds vehicles, abandoned cemetery vehicles and mowers and the city of Altamont) use this unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel by pumping it out of the Public Works tanks in Altamont using an access card.
Source: Parsons Sun
Municipal Bond Trends for June 21, 2022
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.
Colorful mural coming to downtown Great Bend
As part of the ongoing efforts to improve the 2000 block of Forest Avenue for the Final Fridays on Forest events, the Great Bend City Council Monday night approved a request from Great Bend Alive Inc. to repair and paint the alley between the 2000 block of Forest and the 2000 block of Lakin with a colorful geometric pattern.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
Emporia Main Street earns accreditation
Emporia Main Street has once again earned accreditation through Main Street America for meeting “rigorous performance standards,” it announced last week. Main Street America, a program of the National Main Street Center, works to revitalize older and historic commercial districts to build vibrant neighborhoods and thriving economies. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization.
Source: Emporia Gazette
Prairie Village tackles zoning laws in effort to create attainable housing
Living in Prairie Village is becoming less and less affordable, and as fewer people can afford to reside there, some officials are working to create opportunities for attainable housing. On Tuesday evening, the City Council will vote on recommended changes to zoning regulations to create opportunities to develop and preserve attainable housing — and to solidify the city’s position to advocate for attainable housing in regional initiatives.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal
IRS boosts business mileage rates as gas prices soar
The Internal Revenue Service has some good news for taxpayers who use the federal mileage rate for business use of a vehicle. With gas prices soaring at the pumps, the IRS has increased the standard business travel reimbursement rate to 62.5 cents per mile, up 4 cents from the rate of 58.5 cents that went into effect in January. The new rate goes into effect on July 1 through Dec. 31. The rate applies for use of a car, van, pickup or panel truck.
Source: IRS
Wichita considers changing charges for fentanyl test strips
Right now it is illegal to possess a fentanyl test strip in the City of Wichita. But some members of the community say that the strips save lives, and the penalties for possession should be relaxed. On Tuesday, members of the Wichita City Council came together to discuss the issue. In the end, they decided to table any action on fentanyl test strips, and during their discussion, there were mixed opinions about what the city council should do. “I think we need to get moving of these fentanyl test strips as soon as possible. This is something that could save lives,” said City Council Member Mike Hoheisel.
Source: KSN-TV
Up to $500 fine waits for those who break Emporia fireworks ordinance
The City of Emporia is reminding residents about the city’s fireworks ordinance ahead of the July 4 holiday. Fireworks are allowed within the corporate limits of Emporia between June 27 and July 5 from the hours of 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Other rules are as follows: No fireworks may be discharged in the streets. No fireworks may be discharged in parks, the golf course, city parking lots or recreational fields, the zoo, the rec center or the aquatic center parking lot. No fireworks may be discharged within 200 square feet of the property line of a hospital, a school or nursing home. No bottle rockets, metal sparklers or unmanned aerials.
Source: KSNT 27 News
KCKCC receives $1.4 million grant to serve local high school students
Kansas City Kansas Community College has been awarded $1.4 million by the U.S. Department of Education to implement the Upward Bound program. The grant begins in fall 2022 and will continue through August 2027. “Being awarded the Upward Bound grant allows Kansas City Kansas Community College to expand services into schools to help those students who need it the most. These expanded services, built around intensive and intentional academic and student support services, will help increase high school graduation rates and college preparedness,” said Dr. Greg Mosier, president of KCKCC. “The Upward Bound program expands KCKCC’s ability to positively impact workforce needs and educational readiness of underserved students in our community.”
Source: Wyandotte Daily
State Board of Regents freezes tuition for students of state universities
On Wednesday, June 15, the Kansas Board of Regents voted to hold tuition flat at state universities during the upcoming school year, something they were able to do because of the historic level of funding provided by the budget Governor Laura Kelly signed in May. As part of her budget, Governor Kelly restored university funding to pre-pandemic levels to enable state universities to freeze tuition and knock down barriers to higher education. “I’m pleased that my call to freeze tuition at state universities has been taken up, especially as pandemic-induced inflation impacts the lives of Kansan students and their families,” Governor Kelly said. “Continuing the streak of low-to-no tuition growth under my Administration ensures our state can maintain its workforce pipeline and keep higher education degrees attainable.”
Source: The Sabetha Herald
Unemployment rate lowest recorded in Kansas history
Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday celebrated Kansas hitting the lowest unemployment rate in the state’s recorded history, at 2.3 percent. Unemployment continues to decline in the state, even as the unemployment rate nationally holds flat. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kansas has the sixth lowest unemployment rate in the country relative to other states. “My Administration has worked to ensure that every Kansan who wants a job, can have a job,” said Gov. Kelly. “I’m proud that we have achieved the lowest unemployment rate in our state’s history at 2.3 percent, over a full percentage point below the nation’s unemployment rate. We will continue breaking economic records by prioritizing job creation, business investment, and workforce development.”
Source: Morning Sun
Governor Laura Kelly Promotes Rural Economic Development with Stops in Independence and Cherryvale
Today, Governor Laura Kelly celebrated new beginnings for rural economic development during a several-stop visit to Southeast Kansas. First, she traveled to Cherryvale to break ground on Bartlett Grain’s new, $375 million soybean processing facility, which will create 50 high-quality jobs for local residents. Governor Kelly also toured Indy Brew Works, a family-owned brewery in Independence, where she talked with the owners, economic development leaders, and city officials about the work the state is doing to assist small businesses. “When I took office, I brought back the Kansas Main Street Program to help cities access technical services, networking, and training opportunities to restore their historic downtown districts,” said Governor Kelly. “Independence is a Main Street community, and it was a pleasure meeting with local small businesses leaders today to see how Main Street has succeeded – and to hear how my Administration can build on its support for businesses in smaller towns.”
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
City of Wichita offers free swim lessons, encourages parents to enroll kids for safety
The City of Wichita is offering free swimming lessons to kids at McAfee Pool this summer with help from two community donors. The second session of classes started Monday morning. The program was in such high demand, all the spots, at least free ones, are filled. “It’s definitely at least a known issue in our community that a lot of young kids, especially that grow up around here, don’t learn how to swim,” Kyle Ellison, executive director of Real Men Real Heroes, said. Real Men Real Heroes and Skaer Veterinary Clinic helped fund the program. Ellison said that it’s been two years in the making. “It’s just something that’s really a big confidence builder for kids, and they know how to swim, and it just opens up a lot of opportunities,” he said.
Source: KAKE – News
Hutchinson looking to add more hotels as shortage impacts state fair, local events
More than 200,000 people are excepted to visit Hutchinson in September for the Kansas State Fair, but the big question is, where will everyone stay? “We sell out everything here in town that we can. We go up to McPherson, and we sell out most of that, and we have actually had to put people up as far as Maize,” said Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz. Some said this is a big issue for the fair, the city, and visitors. “Right now, our quantity of hotel rooms is less than what we would like it to be because we had our largest hotel abruptly close down in December of 2019,” said VisitHutch Vice President of Operations and Tourism, LeAnn Cox.
Source: KSN-TV
‘Time bomb’ lead pipes set to be removed. But first water utilities have to find them
It took three years for officials to notice lead was seeping into the city’s drinking water. Missouri regulators had given the green light in 2014 for Trenton to start adding monochloramine to its drinking water to disinfect it without the harmful byproducts of chlorine. But by 2017, the city noticed something alarming. Lead levels in drinking water in the northwest Missouri town — population 5,609 — had spiked. Over the next two years, one-quarter of the homes tested exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s action level — 15 parts per billion — at least once.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Neighborhood Center brings low-cost or free meals, fellowship to older adults in JoCo
Johnson County has filled a void in Olathe by opening a new congregate dining site where older adults can socialize and eat together. The newest Neighborhood Center is at Olathe Towers, 1425 E. College Way. The site hosts older adults from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays, with a hot lunch served at 11:30 a.m. Breakfast is offered Tuesday through Thursday. “Olathe has not had a congregate site in more than 10 years. We created a unique partnership with Olathe Towers, an older adult high-rise,” Brandy Hodge, spokeswoman for Johnson County Aging & Human Services, said by email.
Source: Joco 913 News
$800M in upgrades happening at 2 aging JoCo wastewater plants
Two major improvement projects costing more than $800 million combined are bringing some much needed upgrades to two of the county’s oldest wastewater treatment facilities. … The Tomahawk Creek facility, 10701 Lee Boulevard, was originally built in the 1950s and was recently expanded in a nearly complete overhaul that finished in May. The Myron K. Nelson plant, 4800 Nall Avenue, dates back even further to the 1940s, and a major renovation project there is just now getting underway. The two facilities combined process more than half of the county’s wastewater each day.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Fed promises ‘unconditional’ approach to taking down inflation in report to Congress
Federal Reserve officials rolled out strong language Friday to describe their approach to inflation, promising a full-fledged effort to restore price stability. In its annual report on monetary policy – a precursor to Chairman Jerome Powell’s appearance before Congress next week – the central bank promised it would launch a full effort to bring down inflation pressures running at their fastest pace in more than 40 years. “The Committee’s commitment to restoring price stability — which is necessary for sustaining a strong labor market — is unconditional,” the Fed said in a report to Congress. That marks the Fed’s strongest statement yet, affirming its commitment to continue raising interest rates and otherwise tightening policy to solve the economy’s paramount issue.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
USD 457 bus drivers place at competition
Three Garden City Public Schools brought home awards from the Kansas State Pupil Transportation Association’s Bus Rodeo Safety Competition on June 1 in Salina. Jerry Guerrero took first place in the Experienced Transit Driver Division; Andrew Herring took second place in the Rookie Transit Driver Division; and Liz Nunez received a medal for a perfect written score. The winners were presented their awards at a banquet that was held on June 3.
Source: Greater Garden City » Feed
Cottonwood Falls unveils online bill paying
With gas prices at record highs, even short trips in small towns can bring second thoughts. But Cottonwood Falls has a new way to save a drive. “It is an option that will allow people to pay from home, without having to have a check or cash and coming into the office,” City Clerk Bree Larkin said. The city added online utility bill paying to the city website in early June. Larkin said it will be available for July consolidated payments of water, sewage and trash. “We’ve had quite a few people ask for it,” Larkin noted. “We want people to have the option to pay in multiple ways that work for the best for them.”
Source: Emporia Gazette
Emporia housing board ponders education, enforcement of rental property standards
Emporia’s Community Housing Board is considering ways to improve renting standards for tenants and landlords in the city. The board held a special meeting on Thursday evening to discuss possible solutions to the influx of issues surrounding rental properties in the city, including inattentive landlords and a surplus of vacant properties. Matt Lowery, chairman of the housing board, said the endgame is enforcement of current property standards and educating landlords and tenants on their rights and responsibilities.
Source: Emporia Gazette
Infrared technology used after large train derailment in Lawrence
After a train derailed on Friday, the Lawrence Police Department worked to identify if there were any hot spots or fires on Saturday. Using infrared technology, the LPD’s unoccupied aerial vehicle pilots were able to determine there were no dangerous hot spots or fires after around 30 train cars derailed on June 17. UAV pilots shared the information they collected with Union Pacific to coordinate a clean-up plan. Because the wreck was near the Lawrence Municipal Airport, the FAA helped to provide a safe air space. “This valuable, and potentially lifesaving, view would not have been possible without UAV technology,” according to LPD’s Twitter.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Abilene comes in second in national contest for best historic small town
The town of Abilene just made the top ten of a nationwide poll of the best historic small towns. Abilene not only made the top ten for the 2022 Best Historic Small Town category of USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice contest, but nearly came in first place. The list of winners for the 2022 Best Historic Small Town category are as follows: Wickford, RI; Abilene, KS; San Elizario, TX; De Smet, SD; Gettysburg, PA; Taos, NM; Natchitoches, LA; Berkeley Springs, WV; Natchez, MS. This marks the fourth time in a row that Abilene has finished in the top ten for the contest. While the town was able to maintain the top spot throughout the voting period, the community slipped to the number two spot in the final days when rankings were hidden, according to the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Source: KSNT 27 News
GO Topeka working to attract young talent to city, focusing on childcare and housing
GO Topeka is actively working to attract young talent to the capital city. Trina Goss, Director of Talent Attraction and Workforce for GO Topeka, stopped by 27 News Friday morning to tell us how. Unemployment is at historic low levels in Shawnee County. GO Topeka talked with employers who say attracting talent is their number one concern. GO Topeka has made talent attraction and workforce development a top priority by also focusing on childcare and housing. GO Topeka said it’s facilitating child car summits to bring together experts in this field to begin brainstorming how to enhance their options. They’re also studying other states to see what’s working.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Chanute adds housing stock
Chanute City Commissioners sold 11 lots just south of its airport to be developed into housing, according to the Chanute Tribune. Darin Luebbering of Advanced Systems Homes purchased the lots for $5,000 apiece. “It’s not going to be a problem to build these houses,” Luebbering said, adding that state funding and incentives makes it particularly attractive to build now. Luebbering said he expected to build the homes, three to four at a time, within 18 months. The lots have already been developed with utility connections and streets. The city has plans to add another 13 lots at a later time.
Source: The Iola Register
Pittsburg community efforts restore piece of African American History
The Pittsburg Community is getting its first look at a restored piece of African American History. The Carver League Foundation held an open house for its recently renovated building. Since the 1950’s the building had been a gathering place for the African American community in the area, however over time it fell into disrepair. An effort to save the structure began last year. Through those community efforts, angel donations, and volunteers from Pittsburg State University’s School of Construction, the building was restored similar to how former Carver League Members remember it.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Dover celebrates Heritage days
Dover, Ks. celebrated their Heritage Days Saturday with a car show, Antique Tractor display, kid’s activities, a vendor fair, a parade, a beer garden, live music a fire works display and a special appearance from the Shawnee County Mounted Posse. Settlers came to Dover in 1856 and in 1860, Dover was made a voting precinct of Auburn Township. In the fall of 1867, Dover was erected into a township. The first postmaster was Alfred Sage, appointed in 1862, and the family name, Sage, is still widespread in the area today.
Source: KSNT 27 News
‘I knew I was dying’: How 5 rounds of Narcan possibly saved Kansas police officer’s life
The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department is opening up about a medical emergency possibly due to fentanyl exposure. Officer Dallas Thompson dropped to the ground. His team used five rounds of Narcan before emergency workers transported him to the hospital. The community policing team is still emotional as they discuss what happened in January. … Officer Thompson and his team were helping deliver food to families in need through Harvesters at a local church. They quickly switched gears to help in a burglary investigation. Eventually, a suspect was detained. Thompson did a quick pat-down while wearing gloves. He found pills crumpled in an envelope. His captain called out that he recognized the pills- they could be laced with fentanyl. Thompson carefully removed his gloves. The envelope and pills were sealed in a special evidence bag.
Source: KAKE – News