Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced he has asked the State Budget Agency (SBA) to initiate plans to reduce state agency appropriations by 15 percent for the Fiscal Year 2021 because of the sharp drop in state revenues that was reported for April and to prepare for a continued decline in state revenue because of the economic impact of COVID-19. 

“This is the first of what is likely to be a number of steps we’ll take to rein in state spending while we continue to provide critical government services to Hoosiers without interruption,” Gov. Holcomb said.

“It will be imperative that we effectively manage our resources. During the last economic downturn, the state’s general fund revenues were nearly $3 billion less than forecast. SBA estimates we could face an even greater loss of general fund revenue in the final 14 months of this biennium,” Holcomb said. 

SBA already has initiated actions to reduce spending for the remainder of the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. Cost savings measures were instituted in April to review operations, space, travel, hiring and many other areas for savings.

In addition to the state agency reversions, Gov. Holcomb said the state would not move forward or put on hold several previously announced projects:

• Use of $291 million in reserves to pay for several capital projects approved in the 2020 legislative session. Bonding authority may be used to move forward with those projects later
• Approximately $65 million in Next Level Trails grants
• $110 million of deferred maintenance projects, including $70 million for state parks

“By taking immediate action to tighten our belts across state government, we will maintain maximum flexibility to navigate a still very uncertain economic picture. All options are on the table, and as we approach tax filing deadlines and better understand all of the federal funds available to Indiana, we will make more precise adjustments ahead of crafting a budget for next biennium,” Gov. Holcomb said

In November of 2019, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) awarded Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry a grant totaling $7,500 to fund processing fees on livestock donated to serve Indiana residents.

Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, more than ever, families are struggling to buy groceries. Meat provides one of the most important nutrients (protein) that is vital to the growth and development of children and the health of all Hoosiers. Sadly, it is also one of the most expensive and hardest commodities for hunger relief agencies to get.

Food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens continuously work to protect the most vulnerable and under-served in our communities. These uncertain times are putting added stress and strain on many families and individuals throughout our communities and the number of Hoosiers in need has risen drastically. With the spread of COVID-19, these hunger relief agencies are facing increased demand as people lose income due to the measures put in place to slow the spread of infection.

“Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry has the opportunity to help farmers and reduce food insecurity by receiving 500 pigs per week. The average cost to process a pig is about $200.00 so that is $100,000 per week that we will need to raise. We are so thankful for the Indiana State Department of Agriculture for helping us meet our community’s needs right now.” said Debra Treesh, Executive Director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry.

“We are committed to responding to the needs of our communities facing hunger. The funds provided by the ISDA will pay to process about 6,500 pounds of donated livestock – providing 26,000 more meals through area hunger-relief agencies.” shared Amber Zecca, Fund Development Director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry.

Two Salem residents were both arrested on multiple drug charges after officers served unrelated arrest warrants at their residence.  

Troopers Kyle Taylor, Bret Walters, Eric Powers, and Deputy Nathan Maudlin arrived at 5276 West Beeline Road in Salem armed with arrest warrants for Travis Hollen.

Officers made several attempts to contact Hollen, but he did not come to the door.

After officers made entry into the residence, Trooper Taylor located Hollen and Victoria Fauber inside.

Trooper Taylor also observed drug paraphernalia and other indicators of drug possession, as well as three loaded rifles. 

Officers secured the house and requested and were granted a search warrant.  

As a result of the investigation, both Hollen and Fauber were arrested on the following charges: 

Travis Hollen, 37, Salem, Indiana:  Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon – Level 5 Felony, Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 5 Felony, Possession of Cocaine or narcotic drug – Level 5 Felony, Unlawful Possession of Syringe – Level 6 Felony, Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony, Possession of Marijuana – A Misdemeanor, Possession of Paraphernalia – A Misdemeanor. 

Hollen was also wanted for Habitual Traffic Violator for Life and Habitual Traffic Offender, each Level 5 Felonies.  

Victoria Fauber, 27, Salem, Indiana:  Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony, Possession of Cocaine or narcotic – Level 6 Felony, Unlawful Possession of Syringe – Level 6 Felony, Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony, Possession of Marijuana – A Misdemeanor, Possession of Paraphernalia – A Misdemeanor. 

Indiana State Police Sergeant Tracy Spencer arrested a Vallonia man on Wednesday after allegedly finding him passed out behind the wheel and traveling with his infant child.  

Derek W. Ribelin, 34, of Vallonia was arrested and jailed at the Scott County Jail and was charged with the following: 

1. Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) Impairment with Passenger Less than 18 – Level 6 Felony.
2. Neglect of a Dependent – Level 6 Felony
3. OWI – Class C Misdemeanor
4. Possession of a Handgun without a Permit – Class D Misdemeanor
5. Possession of Marijuana – Level 6 Felony

Around 9:50 Wednesday evening, Sgt. Spencer was patrolling I-65 northbound near Scottsburg when he observed a vehicle stopped along the right side on the interstate with its flashers on.

Sgt. Spencer stopped to check, and upon approaching the driver’s side of the car, found the male driver either asleep or passed out behind the wheel.

The driver’s nine-month-old son was standing on his lap, crying and banging on the window. 

The child was taken by ambulance to Scott Memorial Hospital for observation and, in a short time, released to the biological mother. 

After several attempts, Sgt. Spencer was able to wake the driver, later identified as Ribelin.

Ribelin appeared to be intoxicated, and Sergeant Spencer also observed an open alcoholic beverage container sitting on the passenger’s seat.

Scottsburg City Police and Scott County Deputies arrived to assist, and Sgt. Spencer continued the investigation, which included Standard Field Sobriety Tests and a preliminary breath test with a result of .136 BAC.

Sgt. Spencer then transported Ribelin to Scott Memorial Hospital and obtained an official blood draw.

Officers who remained at the scene also located a loaded pistol in the driver’s side door pocket.  

The Washington County 4H Fair will be held at the Washington County Fairgrounds July 5-10 if Indiana’s truly “Back on Track” with Stage 5 by then, according to Megan Broughton, Extension Educator with the Washington County Extension Office. 

On Friday, May 15th, Purdue Extension announced that they would be allowing in-person events starting July 4th, based on the Governor’s Back on Track Plan.

In order for these events to occur, an extensive list of guidelines must be met, said Broughton in a press release this afternoon.

Broughton will be giving more details Friday morning on WSLM’s Coffee Club program, which airs Monday-Friday at 8a on WSLM 1220 AM and WSLM 97.9 FM. 

Washington County 4-H Livestock Superintendents and 4-H Council met to discuss these guidelines and whether or not an in-person fair for Washington County is feasible.

They decided to go ahead with the planning of an in-person 4-H only fair for July 5-10, 2020.

This will be a smaller than usual fair for the 4-H youth to exhibit their projects and animals.

Many restrictions and guidelines have been put in place that will be enforced during the 4-H Fair, Broughton said. 

Some of the guidelines are as follows:
 Employees and volunteers will be health screened daily. 
 Employees, volunteers, and youth will wear face masks while on the fairgrounds. 
 Everyone will be expected to observe a 6-foot social distance to anyone that is not in their household. 
 High-traffic areas will be cleaned and sanitized multiple times daily. 
 Everyone coming onto the fairgrounds will be tracked in case tracing is necessary. 
 Static projects will be judged in a closed setting. 
 Animals will not be on the fairgrounds overnight. 
 All shows will be live-streamed so that those at home can watch friends and family members. 
 All 4-H members will have the option to participate virtually

If at any time the Washington County 4-H Council deems it necessary, a totally virtual fair will replace the in-person fair.

This is also based on Indiana and Washington County being in Stage 5 of the Governor’s plan.

If Indiana does not reach Stage 5 by July 5th, the fair will be in a virtual format.

For further information, call Purdue Extension – Washington County at 812-8834601 or email mcbrough@purdue.edu.