Commercial Bank & Trust is proud to announce a strategic initiative to unify sister bank, First State Bank of Warren, into the Commercial Bank operation effective June 24, 2024. Given the proximity of locations, unifying as one bank under the Commercial Bank charter will aid customer access and convenience. Customers will have access to a total of eight banking offices and nine ATMs in the southeast Arkansas communities of Monticello, Warren, Hermitage and Hampton.
Both Banks were purchased by Bennie Ryburn, Sr., more than 50-years ago, and have operated as separate and distinct banks since that time. Todd Smith, president of Commercial Bank and First State Bank of Warren was asked about the reason for the change and described it this way, ‘Joining the two banks together will remove back-office redundancies and allow us to offer greater convenience, and better products and services such as enhanced technology for customers. It will also allow our staff to spend more time with customers and less on administrative duties that act as a barrier to service. It’s a win-win for the communities we serve because no staffing, philanthropic-giving or community development will be reduced. We will eliminate the structural red tape of operating with two names.’ (more…)
The CALL in SEA is expanding their work across Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha, Drew, and Lincoln counties. The mission of The CALL is to educate, encourage, and equip the Christian community to provide a future and hope for children in foster care in Arkansas. The CALL’s vision is no waiting children in foster care in Arkansas. The CALL recruits, trains, and supports foster and adoptive families to step into the gap for children in crisis. The statewide organization is defined by its core values: Christ-centered, church-focused, relational, service-oriented, accountable, and excellence-driven.
Quail Forever’s 2023/2024 Farmer of the Year Award, sponsored by John Deere, is presented to Jason Cater of Monticello, Arkansas. The annual award recognizes the innovative use of precision ag technology and utilization of data to identify profitable solutions for agriculture and wildlife on working lands throughout America. 
The spring 2024 season of Seark Miracle League is right around the corner. Starting April 9th and running through May 4th. Come out and support these amazing athletes. And a big Thank You to South Arkansas Rehab for sponsoring the spring season.
