There is no realistic scenario in which government units in Indiana come out of the COVID-19 pandemic unscathed, says a new report from Ball State University.

“COVID-19 Effects on Indiana’s State and Local Taxes,” an analysis by Ball State’s Center for Business and Economic Research, finds that the economic shutdown caused by COVID-19 has deeply damaged the state’s economy.

The study estimates state and local governments are now facing tax revenue losses for all local governments that range from $240 million to $700 million in 2020. CBER anticipates tax revenues will rebound by the end of 2021 but remain beneath the 2019 levels by as little as $39 million and as much as $559 million.

“Our scenarios reflect a state that will not fully recover from this pandemic before 2022, if not much longer,” said Michael Hicks, CBER director who conducted the study with Dagney Faulk, CBER research director, and Srikant Devaraj, a CBER research professor. “These estimates are for a deep and lengthy downturn, and each of our scenarios are among the seven worst since the start of the Great Depression.”

CBER estimates decreases in tax revenues to state and local government for five familiar economic scenarios resulting from the pandemic in 2020 and 2021:  a V-shaped recession (downturn followed by a quick and lasting recovery), a V-shaped recession with hangover (quick down, quick upturn followed by slow growth), Nike swoosh (gradual, but still aggressive recovery), roller coaster (up and down economic growth), and L-shaped recession (fast downturn followed by long, brutally-slow recovery).

For each scenario, CBER estimated the impact on Indiana state sales tax, personal and corporate income tax, and other tax revenue with reasonable assumptions. For calendar year 2020, researchers expect tax losses to range from 3.8% to 10.9% of 2019 total revenues for the state. In 2021, the study anticipates tax revenues will still range from 0.7% to 9.4% beneath those of 2019.

“While we generally anticipate improved economic conditions in 2021, our most optimistic scenario places GDP at only 2% above that of 2019,” Hicks said. “Our most pessimistic scenario considers GDP in 2021 at 2% beneath the 2019 level. “

Compared to the state, county-level tax losses comprise a smaller share of total revenues, ranging from losses of 2.4% to 6.8% across the five scenarios in 2020 and between 0.4% to 5.8% losses in 2021. In 2020, the report anticipates county-level revenue losses to range from less than 1% of total tax revenue to more than 48%.

Hicks said the wide variation in anticipated tax losses for local governments can be attributed to variations in local economic structures, with a higher share of employment in the most “at-risk” sectors of recreation, eating and drinking establishments, and accommodations.

Variation in tax revenue losses can also be attributed to variation in the local share of non-property tax revenues, which is a local decision, he said.

Faulk said the goal of this study is to help state and local policymakers better understand the fiscal impacts of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic and aid with budget planning considerations.

“We also hope that our work will help federal policymakers understand the risks of diminished public services to state and local economies,” she said.

A Corydon man lead ISP Troopers, along with several sheriff deputies, on a lengthy pursuit through Harrison and Floyd Counties early Saturday morning. The chase ended with his arrest on multiple charges. 

The driver, identified as Mark Christopher Kirby, 22, of Corydon, Indiana, was incarcerated at the Harrison County Jail and is charged with the following: 

1. Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle – Level 6 Felony 
2. Resisting Law Enforcement – A Misdemeanor
3. Driving While Suspended (Prior) – A Misdemeanor 
4. Possession of a Handgun without a License – A Misdemeanor
5. Reckless Driving – C Misdemeanor 

Around 2:40 Saturday morning, Trooper Nathaniel Newton was patrolling on Highway 337 near Quarry Road in Harrison County when he observed a motorcycle in front of him with no taillights, no license plate light, and no license plate.

When Trooper Newton tried to pull the bike over, the driver failed to stop and then led Trooper Newton and other joining officers on a 58-mile pursuit.

The chase eventually entered Floyd County on SR64 before returning to Harrison County along SR62.

The driver committed numerous traffic violations throughout the chase, including running stop signs, traveling in the opposite lane of travel, and speeding.

The pursuit lasted nearly an hour and ended near Trestle Road in Harrison County when the driver drove off into a field. Harrison County Deputies then gave chase on foot and were able to stop the driver and take him into custody. 

Indiana State Police Detectives initiated a criminal investigation on May 30 after receiving an allegation that a male under the age of 14 had been sexually molested by Harley Deweese, 21, of Petersburg.

The alleged incident occurred during the month of May at an undisclosed location in Pike County. After reviewing the criminal investigation, the Pike County Prosecutor’s Office issued an arrest warrant for Deweese.  He was charged with Child Molesting, a Level 1 Felony.

At approximately 12:30 this afternoon, Deweese was arrested at his residence without incident and taken to the Pike County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.

Arrested and Charge:

• Harley Deweese, 21, Petersburg, IN

1. Child Molesting, Level 1 Felony

Assisting Agencies: Pike County Sheriff’s Office and Petersburg Police Department

On Wednesday, June 10, 2020, a Jefferson County, Indiana man was arrested on a charge of Child Molesting after an investigation by detectives with the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post.

The investigation began this week when the Indiana State Police was notified about a 13-year-old female victim reportedly being pregnant. 

The investigation led detectives to identify Manuel Lopez Velasquez, age 26, as the father of the baby. 

Investigators also determined that Lopez Velasquez and the victim had been living together in Jefferson County and involved in a relationship.

As a result of the investigation, Lopez Velasquez was arrested on a charge of Child Molesting, Level 1 Felony.  He was transported to the Jefferson County Jail where he was incarcerated pending his initial appearance in the Jefferson County Circuit Court.

The investigation is ongoing.

The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana Department of Child Services.

Dave O’Mara Contractor Inc. plans to begin work on U.S. 31 in Bartholomew and Johnson Counties next week as part of an $8.4 million asphalt resurfacing project from just south of I-65 near Taylorsville and S.R. 252 in Amity. The contract also includes resurfacing work in Franklin, which began late last month.

Starting Monday (June 15), crews will begin saw-cutting, followed by patching, milling and paving. The work will be completed under lane closures and is expected to be complete this fall.

Motorists should slow down, use extra caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones. All work is weather dependent.

Following an emergency motion filed by the Office of the Attorney General, a federal appellate court has ruled that convicted killer John Robert Myers II must stay in prison during ongoing court proceedings.

In 2006, a jury convicted Myers of murder in connection with the death of Jill Behrman.

A 19-year-old Indiana University freshman, Behrman went missing after taking a morning bike ride on May 31, 2000.

Her remains were found three years later, and an investigation revealed she died from a gunshot wound to her head.

A U.S. district court ruled in 2019 that Myers should be given a new trial based on Myers’ contention that his defense attorneys provided inadequate representation at his original murder trial. The Office of the Attorney General filed an appeal, which remains pending.

In April, Myers’ current attorneys argued that he should be released from prison pending the outcome of his ongoing pursuit of a new trial.

A U.S. district court agreed, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit on Wednesday sided with the Office of the Attorney General and overturned the lower court’s decision granting a release, which would have occurred on June 15.

The effect of the appellate court ruling is that Myers will remain imprisoned until at least 60 days following the end of the state’s appeal of the U.S. district court’s decision ordering a new trial.

“This result is a just one, allowing the appellate process to play out properly and giving some peace of mind for Jill’s family and friends,” said Steve Creason, chief counsel of appeals for the Office of the Attorney General.

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) announced today it will resume walk-in service and will continue to accept a limited number of appointments beginning June 15, 2020. Hoosiers will be able to complete all transactions needed in a branch with the exception of driving skills exams. The BMV is finalizing its timeline to resume driving skills exams and will share details in the coming weeks.

The majority of branches will return to a five day per week schedule serving Hoosiers Tuesday through Saturday. Branch hours, and branches with different schedules, are noted on the branch map page of the BMV website, found here: https://www.in.gov/bmv/2415.htm

The BMV is focused on maintaining a safe, healthy environment for its customers and employees.

“We know many Hoosiers need to visit a branch in the next few weeks. Folks will check in with our staff prior to entry to a branch and we will work to process transactions as quickly as possible without compromising service or safety,” BMV Commissioner Peter Lacy said.

BMV branches will continue to adhere to CDC guidelines which means there will be a limit on the number of people permitted in a branch at one time. Appropriate spacing will be marked outside branches to accommodate all customers until they can enter for their transaction.

“These operational changes will be an adjustment for both customers and employees. With a couple of steps added to the process for safety reasons, visits may feel different than what Hoosiers have grown accustomed to,” Lacy said. “We promise to do everything possible to minimize wait times.”

Customer-facing BMV team members are required to wear masks and customers visiting a branch are encouraged to do the same.

The Indiana BMV continues to encourage Hoosiers to complete transactions online whenever possible.

Hoosiers may also visit a BMV Connect kiosk, call the contact center, or return renewal through USPS using preprinted forms.