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Temple & Temple Excavating & Paving, Inc. is celebrating its 76th year in business by continuing to invest in the communities it serves. Recently honored with the Governor’s Half Century Business Award, the company remains committed to supporting local projects that enhance the quality of life in Southern Indiana.
The latest project Temple & Temple supported in Washington County is the complete renovation of the basketball court in New Pekin’s Community Park.
“Temple & Temple has always been the biggest supporter of the Town of New Pekin,” said New Pekin Town Manager Jaden Stone. “Anytime we need their services, whether it be with our utilities or a paving project, they are always prompt at responding and provide exceptional service.”
Temple & Temple has also been a key supporter of the Washington County Family YMCA’s planned expansion. Kristy Purlee, CEO of the Washington County Family YMCA, expressed her appreciation for the company’s ongoing contributions.
"I am deeply grateful to Temple & Temple Excavating for their unwavering support of the YMCA and our broader community. Their generosity goes beyond the projects and programs we offer; they truly invest in the well-being of Washington County."
From donations for an Awareness Washington County project in 2014 that allowed the installation of outdoor fitness equipment at no cost to covering additional costs to build outdoor recreation courts in 2019, Purlee recalled several instances over the past decade where Temple & Temple’s support has been instrumental in turning the YMCA's vision into reality.
“Ken Temple’s dedication to using his business to support the people who live and work in Washington County is nothing short of inspiring,” Purlee added. “We are fortunate to have such a committed partner in Temple & Temple Excavating, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for all they do to strengthen our community,”
Temple & Temple plans to continue addressing Indiana’s housing shortage, with six housing projects under consideration in New Pekin, Salem, Scottsburg, and Charlestown.
“Having worked in these communities for decades, it became evident that the housing shortage was going to be an important problem to solve,” said Ken Temple, President & CEO of Temple & Temple.
The proposed developments, seeking READI 2.0 funding, are expected to create significant economic opportunities in the region.
“We are very excited about their newest project in New Pekin. Riley Estates will bring more housing into our community, which will boost economic development in our area,” said New Pekin Town Manager Jaden Stone.
The Washington County Sheep Association will hold its 18th annual Midwest Hair Sheep Sale on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 1 p.m. EDT at the Washington County Fairgrounds located at 118 E. Market St. in Salem. Sheep will be penned and ready for viewing by 11 a.m.
Thirty-one rams, 88 ewes, 1 pen of ewes, and 2 flocks from Indiana, Illinois, and Virginia are consigned. Breeds include registered and commercial Katahdins, Dorpers and White Dorpers. A complete listing of consignments is available at: https://extension.purdue.edu/county/washington/index.html.
For more information, contact the Washington County Sheep Association: Aaron Walker, 812-620-3356; Jason Webster, 812-752-5700, or Purdue Extension – Washington County, 812-883-4601.
Anyone wanting to start a flock, add to their flock, or learn more about the hair sheep industry is encouraged to attend this sale.
The Washington County Sheep Association will have concessions available at the sale.
By David Ober, Senior Vice President of Business Operations & Finance, Indiana Chamber of Commerce
Indiana has long stood out as a state fostering a competitive, business-friendly environment with a tax system designed to support economic growth. The Indiana Chamber Foundation’s recent tax study, “Indiana’s Tax System: A Comparative Analysis,” offers key insights into how our state stacks up against its peers, including neighboring states like Ohio and Illinois, and national competitors such as Tennessee, Texas and North Carolina. While Indiana remains a leader in tax competitiveness, particularly for businesses, the study also highlights areas where reforms are necessary to ensure that we continue to grow equitably and sustainably.
One of the key takeaways from the study is that Indiana’s overall tax burden remains significantly lower than the U.S. average. In FY22, Indiana’s combined state and local tax revenue was 9.6% of personal income, compared to the national average of 10.8%. Additionally, Indiana’s state and local tax revenue as a percentage of state GDP was 8.6%, compared to the national average of 8.9%.
Indiana also ranks fifth lowest among benchmark states for the total effective business tax rate at 3.8%, compared to a national average of 5.0%. This positions us favorably compared to nearby states like Ohio (4.3%) and Illinois (5.5%), where higher business tax rates and overall burdens make them less competitive. While Indiana’s competitive business tax rate is an advantage, businesses also play a critical role in funding public services. In fact, businesses in Indiana pay 38% of all state and local taxes. While some may believe that businesses should carry a larger tax burden, increasing business taxes can lead to higher consumer costs, fewer jobs and less investment in local communities.
The study also highlights challenges in capital-intensive industries. Manufacturing and life sciences, which are critical to Indiana’s economy, face higher effective tax rates due to our property tax structure. For example, the effective property tax rate in manufacturing is 4.9%, more than double the benchmark state average. This is where we lag states like Kentucky and Wisconsin, where lower property taxes create a more attractive environment for capital investment. Moreover, higher property taxes for these industries often lead to an overdependence on tax incentives to attract new business and foster economic growth. While incentives can help attract investment, they can also create long-term imbalances if used as a substitute for a more competitive tax structure.
Addressing these industry-specific challenges should be a priority in our tax reform efforts. A balanced approach should focus on making the system more competitive while ensuring that all taxpayers contribute fairly. By fostering a tax environment with reasonable rates and predictable policies, we can support both businesses and individuals without compromising the stability of the broader tax base.
Indiana’s tax system has been a cornerstone of our economic success, but there is always room for improvement. As the study has shown, Indiana is highly competitive, but targeted reforms can ensure we remain a leader in economic growth. By addressing specific challenges in key industries, we can continue to create an environment where businesses and residents alike can thrive. The work we do today will ensure Indiana remains a leader in opportunity and prosperity for generations to come.
To view the entire report, visit www.indianachamber.com/tax.
BBB serving Greater Kentucky and South Central Indiana will hold its annual Shred & Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 am to 2 pm at RML Shredding.
BBB will partner with RML Shredding and River Metals Recycling for this free community event. Individuals can bring old documents (up to four boxes) for shredding and/or old electronics for secure recycling. Visit bbb.org for a full list of items eligible for recycling.
New this year, the event will be held at RML Shredding and food trucks will be on-site as well. Drop off your old documents and electronics, and grab lunch while you’re there!
BBB’s Shred & Electronics Recycling Event is free to the public, but donations are appreciated. Proceeds go to BBB Consumer Education Fund's support of scam prevention programs, BBB Charity Review program, student scholarships, and more!
BBB Annual Shred & Electronics Recycling Event
When: Saturday, September 28th
10 am to 2pm
Where: RML Shredding
1925 Production Dr, Louisville, KY 40299
Cost: Free (donations appreciated)
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Latest Washington County Mugshots
The following individuals were arrested recently by local law enforcement agencies. Those listed, in most cases, are just facing charges at this point, and are to be considered innocent of those charges unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are often dropped or lessened. Mugshots are collected from local law enforcement agencies on Mondays and are public records.
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