Community News and Events

 

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. 



Washington County Bank recently hosted its annual Chamber After Hours and Farmers After Sunset holiday events.  The holiday celebration was complete with food, spirits & cheer.      We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to our many loyal customers.  Without you we wouldn't be a part of this wonderful community or have the opportunity to wish you a happy, healthy and memorable holiday season.  Happy Holidays from Washington County Bank!

 

 

Being smart about money isn't always easy.  Staying smart about sticking to your budget can be even harder.  That's why Washington County Bank joined together with Blair High School November 12-13 for Money Smart Week in Nebraska.  Students had the chance to learn about the importance of having a budget through an informative presentation and an interactive game.   For more information regarding Money Smart Nebraska, visit www.MoneySmartNebraska.org.

 

W.C. Bee Smart Saver's Club Members were invited to the bank lobby to pick out a pumpkin in October.  Members were able to keep their pumpkin at home or bring it back to the bank for a Painted Pumpkin Contest.  W.C. Bee was very impressed by the creative pumpkins that he saw!  Members also received a Golden Dollar when they made a deposit in October.  For more information on the W.C. Bee Smart Saver's Club call or stop in a WCB bank location near you.

To help eliminate identity theft!

On April 25th, 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 2,000 pounds of paper!