Question 1

What is The First State Bank (Norton, KS)?

Accepted Answer

The First State Bank is a community-focused commercial bank serving northwest Kansas and southwest Nebraska. With approximately $491 million in total assets and $409 million in deposits, the bank specializes in agricultural lending while providing comprehensive personal and business banking services. Operating five branch locations, The First State Bank employs approximately 71 people and maintains a strong presence in rural Kansas communities.

The bank is organized as a state-chartered commercial bank regulated by the FDIC and operates as an S-Corporation under the holding company Norton Bankshares Inc.

Question 2

When was The First State Bank (Norton, KS) founded?

Accepted Answer

The First State Bank was founded in 1902 in Norton, Kansas. For over 120 years, the institution has served the agricultural communities of northwest Kansas, adapting to the evolving needs of family farms, ranching operations, and small businesses throughout the region.

The bank's founding came during a period of agricultural expansion in Kansas, and it was established to meet the financing needs of local farmers and merchants in Norton County.

Question 3

Where is The First State Bank (Norton, KS) headquartered?

Accepted Answer

The First State Bank is headquartered at 105 W Main Street in Norton, Kansas 67654. Norton is located in northwest Kansas and serves as the county seat of Norton County. The historic downtown location reflects the bank's commitment to its community roots and accessibility to local customers.

Question 4

Where does The First State Bank (Norton, KS) operate?

Accepted Answer

The First State Bank operates five branch locations across northwest Kansas and extends into southwest Nebraska. Its Kansas locations include Norton (headquarters), Plainville, Hill City, and Hoxie, while it also maintains a presence in Holdrege, Nebraska.

This geographic footprint positions the bank to serve the predominantly agricultural communities of the region, with branches strategically located to support farming operations, ranching businesses, and rural residents across multiple counties.

Question 5

What services does The First State Bank (Norton, KS) offer?

Accepted Answer

The First State Bank provides a full range of banking services tailored to both personal and business customers:

Personal Banking: Personal checking and savings accounts, youth savings programs, consumer loans, mortgages, and personal lines of credit.

Business Banking: Business checking and savings accounts, commercial loans, business lines of credit, and cash management services.

Agricultural Lending: Specialized financing for farming operations, livestock purchases, equipment financing, land purchases, and seasonal operating loans. The bank has deep expertise in agricultural finance, reflecting the economic base of its service area.

Digital Services: Online banking accessible from desktop and mobile devices, mobile banking app available on iOS and Android platforms, mobile check deposit, bill pay services, fund transfers, text alerts, and account management tools. The FSB Mobile Banking App allows customers to view accounts, transfer money, pay bills, and make mobile deposits from their devices.

Mortgage Services: Residential mortgage lending with various loan products and a mortgage payment calculator available online.

Question 6

What makes The First State Bank (Norton, KS) unique?

Accepted Answer

The First State Bank distinguishes itself through its agricultural specialization and deep roots in rural Kansas communities. With over 120 years of continuous operation since 1902, the bank has developed extensive expertise in agricultural finance, understanding the unique cyclical needs of farming and ranching operations.

The bank's strong financial performance is notable, with a Return on Assets (ROA) of 1.62% and Return on Equity (ROE) of 18%, both indicating healthy profitability. Its Tier 1 Leverage Ratio of 11.87% demonstrates solid capitalization well above regulatory requirements.

As a locally owned and operated institution under Norton Bankshares Inc., The First State Bank maintains community bank values while offering modern digital banking capabilities. The combination of personalized service, local decision-making, and comprehensive online and mobile banking provides customers with both accessibility and the technological convenience of larger institutions.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is The First State Bank (Norton, KS)?

Accepted Answer

The First State Bank is a State-Chartered Commercial Bank with a strong agricultural specialization. As a state bank, it is chartered and regulated by the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner and insured by the FDIC, though it is not a member of the Federal Reserve System.

Commercial banks like The First State Bank accept deposits, make loans, and provide a wide range of banking services to individuals, businesses, and agricultural operations. The bank's designation as having "Agricultural Specialization" reflects its focus on serving the farming and ranching communities that form the economic backbone of northwest Kansas and southwest Nebraska. This specialization means the bank has developed particular expertise in agricultural credit, understands seasonal cash flow patterns, and offers products tailored to the unique needs of agricultural producers.

Question 8

How is The First State Bank (Norton, KS) performing financially?

Accepted Answer

As of June 30, 2025, The First State Bank demonstrates solid financial health with total assets of approximately $491.7 million and total deposits of $408.7 million. The bank reported net income of $3.8 million (year-to-date) with a strong Return on Assets of 1.62% and Return on Equity of 18%.

The bank's loan portfolio totals approximately $275.2 million, with significant concentrations in real estate lending ($125.8 million in quarterly averages) and commercial and industrial loans ($42.1 million). The institution maintains a healthy loan loss allowance of $4.9 million to cover potential credit losses.

With a Tier 1 Leverage Ratio of 11.87% and total bank equity capital of $45.5 million, The First State Bank maintains capital levels well above regulatory requirements, providing a strong cushion for growth and economic volatility.

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