Community News and Events

Money doesn't grow on trees...

“We decided to participate in Teach Children to Save Day because our employees take their role seriously in helping students understand the importance of financial responsibility,” said WCB Marketing Officer, Emily Petersen.  “This is a valuable effort – the earlier we can teach children to save, the more likely they are to continue saving into adulthood.”       Teaching children how to save and budget will help them manage their finances in the future.  Financially educated consumers are more likely to save for the future and manage their finances responsibly.

Dave Ladwig is the newest member of the WCB Board of Directors!

	Dave Ladwig has been elected to Washington County Bank’s Board of Directors. Ladwig, Vice President of WCB’s Commercial Division, has over 14 years in the finance industry. A native of Schuyler, Nebraska, he is active with the Blair Little League Board, Blair Rotary and President of the RMA Board of Directors.

To help eliminate identity theft!

On April 17th, Washington County Bank invited the community to do a little spring cleaning by getting rid of extra paperwork such as old bills, tax records and confidential personal records in an effort to reduce identity theft.  A mobile shredding company was on site in Blair and Tekamah to shred these confidential papers safely through a commercial grade shredder.  Participants also registered to win one several personal shredding machines.  The event was a HUGE success, bringing in over 3,000 pounds of paper!

Lincoln, Neb., December 11, 2009-The Nebraska office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has announced its $1 million club lenders.

$1 Million Club Lenders are:
Adams Bank and Trust                                      $1,468,760
Platte Valley State Bank and Trust Company   $1,660,900
Washington County Bank                                 $1,864,828
Wintrust Mortgage Corporation                       $1,460,047
US Bank Home Mortgage                                $1,806,627
Professional Mortgage                                      $1,225,043
Cass County Bank                                            $1,330,530

These lenders will be recognized by Rural Development and will receive a plaque acknowledging their activity in the GRH program, which has fostered rural homeownership in the state.  In Fiscal Year 2009, 76 approved lenders participated in the GRH program and provided more than $93.5 million to assist 1,102 rural Nebraska households in achieving homeownership. 

Fiscal Year 2010 should be a strong year as well. Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul, USDA Rural Development said, "The guaranteed rural housing loan program is very solid.  Year after year we have assisted many individuals and families with the purchase of a home in rural Nebraska.  I encourage approved lenders to continue to use this program, helping even more Nebraskans to achieve homeownership."

Through the GRH program, loan funds are provided by private lending institutions and guaranteed by the federal government.  The program features no down payment to eligible income households and no maximum mortgage limits.  Dwellings must be located in a rural community with a population of up to 20,000 and including Norfolk and Columbus.

Existing guaranteed or direct loan borrowers may refinance their home loans under the GRH loan program.  This provides a borrower with an opportunity to obtain a possible lower interest rate.

For additional information contact Krista Stevens at USDA Rural Development, Rm. 152 100 Centennial Mall North, Lincoln, NE 68508, (402) 437-5518 or at krista.stevens@ne.usda.gov.