Survey shows negative rural growth

Growth has turned negative in the nation’s agricultural areas, according to a monthly survey by Creighton University. Most bankers expect a decline in farmland prices in the region over the coming year. [Continue]

Wisconsin banks to merge

Security Financial Bank, Durand, Wis., and Peoples State Bank of Bloomer, Wis., will merge later this year, the banks’ holding companies announced in a joint press release Feb. 17. [Continue]

First National combines charters

First National of Nebraska is filing an application with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to combine its Nebraska and South Dakota banking affiliates into one charter. [Continue]

Wisconsin bank names CFO

Waterstone Financial, Inc., of Wauwatosa, Wis., has appointed Allan Hosack as chief financial officer and senior vice president. Hosack replaces Richard C. Larson as CFO. [Continue]