April 15-21

Bankers in the News

Anniversaries:

• Tony Heiting, Security First Bank | Chadron, 20 years
• Emily Redel-Hurt, i3 Bank | Bennington, 30 years

Emily Redel-Hurt

Photo: Emily Redel-Hurt

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Banks in the News

Adams Bank & Trust | Lodgepole, donated $8,000 to the Lodgepole Community Fund to support the renovation at the Panther Activity Center, a hub for youth activities, community events, meetings and recreation.
 
Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust | Wayne, received the “Business of the Year” award at the Wayne America Banquet on April 12.
 
Equitable Bank | Grand Island, donated $1,100 in cash prizes to winners during the bank’s relay race fundraising event this past weekend at Fonner Park. The event raised money for the permanently disabled jockey fund.
 
Flatwater Bank | Gothenburg, donated $60,000 to the Cottonwood Fire Disaster Relief Fund, through a matching grant from FHLBank Topeka’s Community Assistance Recovery Effort (CARE) Program. The program matches $3 for every $1 an FHLBank member contributes toward disaster relief efforts.
 
HSB Henderson | Henderson, opened a new branch at 402 N Jeffers Street in North Platte last week. Additionally, the new branch celebrated their grand opening with a $40,000 donation to rural fire departments across greater Nebraska. The funds were provided in partnership with FHLBank Topeka’s CARE Program.
 
Homestead Bank | Cozad, has entered into an agreement to acquire First State Bank in Randolph, pending regulatory approval. The purchase is expected to be finalized in mid-2026.
 
NebraskaLand Bank | North Platte, donated a total of $48,000 to six area volunteer fire departments across Lincoln County. The funding came from FHLBank Topeka’s CARE Program, which provided a matching grant to support the bank’s contribution.

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Bankers on the Move

Recent Hires:

• Ben Landgren, Security Bank | Laurel, loan officer
• Jeni Thalman, i3 Bank | Bennington, BSA analyst

Jeni Thalman

Photo: Jeni Thalman

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Retirements

Greg Soles, Homestead Bank | Ainsworth, will retire on April 24 after 45 years with the bank. There will be an open house that day to celebrate.

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Deaths

 
Karleen Raley (age 82) | Hallam, passed away on Feb. 5. She served the banking industry for over 50 years in a variety of roles.