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Hometown Community Bank Website
Member FDICFDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government

Our Mission:

"We strive to promote prosperity within our community by creating an accessible financial environment for our customers to reach their full potential.”


com·mu·ni·ty

"A group of people having common interests: a farming community; a rural community"

"Sharing, mutual participation, and fellowship"

Fields and sky as far as the eye can see

Our Story

At THE BANK, community isn’t just a word — it’s the foundation of everything we do. Our community is made up of you: our customers, our directors, and our dedicated staff across northwestern and central Kansas. Since our earliest roots in the small town of Winona in 1963, we’ve grown to serve a much broader region while maintaining the same values, leadership, and commitment to service that shaped us from the beginning.

Grounded in Agriculture. Committed to Progress.
Kansas agriculture built our communities, and it built us too. From the start, we’ve been leaders in agricultural financing — not only because agriculture drives our regional economy, but because we value the work, understand the challenges, and have the expertise to support producers through changing times. As farming practices, technology, and financing needs have evolved, THE BANK has kept pace with products, services, and knowledge that meet modern demands.

We’ve always believed in our agricultural producers. Their success is directly connected to ours, and we’re proud to play a role in strengthening the region they call home.

Serving a Diverse Community
Like any strong community, ours is diverse — united by shared goals, values, and a commitment to growth. We serve more than agricultural customers; THE BANK offers a full range of personal, commercial, and community focused banking services designed to support every stage of life and business.

We are also proud of our Board of Directors — individuals from across our service area who bring varied business experience, deep local involvement, and a shared dedication to the communities we serve.

A Legacy More Than a Century in the Making
Our history spans more than 100 years, multiple banks, and generations of community partnerships.

Our Beginnings: Winona & Oberlin

  • 1917: The Farmers State Bank was founded in Page City, Kansas.
  • 1935: The bank moved to Winona.
  • 1963: R.L. Gaskill constructed a new building, beginning the ownership and leadership that has been passed down through generations.
  • 1964: A new building opened at 101 Front Street — with community members helping to move the original safe into the new building.
  • 1985: Gaskill formed Decatur Investment, Inc., acquiring the failed assets of Decatur County National Bank in Oberlin.
  • 1997: Over time, changes in banking laws allowed the Winona charter, which included a branch in Oakley, to merge with Oberlin and grow to new levels.

THE BANK in Oberlin proudly stands as our current headquarters, where the strength of the community plays a vital role in our growth and continues to guide our vision and operations. These early steps created the foundation for THE BANK’s regional presence.

Growth Through Trusted Leadership
From 1989 onward, THE BANK expanded steadily, merging with or acquiring several respected institutions:

  • A failed branch of Heritage Savings & Loan in Norton
  • State Bank of Atwood and its Herndon branch
  • Selden State Bank
  • Jenning State Bank
  • Gold Bank branches in Oberlin, Norcatur, and Colby
  • First National Bank branches in Bird City, Colby, and Quinter
  • Citizens State Bank in Grainfield
  • Gorham State Bank of Gorham and its Victoria branch
  • BankWest of Kansas with locations in Goodland, Saint Francis, and Colby

Under the long-term leadership of the Gaskill family, THE BANK has earned a reputation as one of the region’s strongest financial institutions. Independent industry ratings consistently place us at the top for earnings, capital strength, safety, and soundness.

In 1996, the American Banker named us “The Best All-Around Agriculture Lender” in the United States. More recently, in 2024, the Independent Community Bankers of America® recognized THE BANK in the “Top 20 Agriculture Lenders” of our class nationwide. These honors reflect our deep commitment to our customers while also offering superior products and services.

Today, THE BANK continues to be driven by the principals that built us. Chairman of the Board Guy Gaskill, a fourth generation banker, began his career in Winona and carries forward the family’s legacy of service and integrity. THE BANK is proudly owned by the Gaskill family, along with our directors and employees — all united in a commitment to reinvesting in and strengthening our local communities.

Branch Histories that Tell the Story of Our Region
Each community we serve has its own proud past — and each branch adds a unique chapter to THE BANK’s broader story:

  • Atwood: Chartered in 1893, the county’s first bank; Joined THE BANK in 1992.
  • Bird City: Serving Cheyenne County as First National Bank since 1929; Added to THE BANK 2012.
  • Colby: Formerly Gold Bank; acquired in 2002 and expanded through 2012 and 2025 acquisitions.
  • Goodland: Formerly BankWest of Kansas, first charted in 1929; joined THE BANK in 2025.
  • Gorham: Formerly Gorham State Bank, first chartered in 1905; joined THE BANK in 2023.
  • Grainfield: Citizens State Bank founded in 1905; joined THE BANK in 2014.
  • Norton: Formerly Peoples Heritage, acquired in 1990.
  • Oakley: Opened in 1989 after the Winona charter moved; a branch of THE BANK since 1997.
  • Oberlin: Today's headquarters that merged into THE BANK in 1985.
  • Quinter: Formerly First National Bank; became part of THE BANK in 2012.
  • Selden: Joined THE BANK after acquisition in 1984; merged fully in 1995.
  • Saint Francis: Joined THE BANK in 2025 through merger with Goodland.
  • Victoria: Joined THE BANK in 2023 through merger with Gorham.
  • Winona: Our beginning — and still part of our story today.

Looking Ahead
From our earliest days to our most recent expansion, one thing has never changed: our dedication to the people and communities we serve. We prioritize customer service, financial strength, and forward thinking solutions — always with the personal touch that defines community banking.

We invite you to stop by any of our fourteen branches and meet the friendly, knowledgeable staff who make THE BANK what it is today.


THE BANK — rooted in history, growing with our communities, and committed to serving you.