Tara Stefanich - Mortgage Lender - First State Bank

02/17/2026

815-433-3727

12/23/2025

Blake Hartman, Loan Officer/Credit Analyst and Tara Stefanich, Mortgage Loan Originator braved the cold at the Ottawa Community Food Basket’s Freezin’ for a Reezin’ event earlier this December! ❄️🥶 We’re proud to support our community and the incredible work being done to help local families in need.

Member FDIC
NMLS # 688620

10/08/2025

All First State Bank locations will be closed on Monday, October 13th in observance of Columbus Day. As always, 24/7 banking is available through Online Banking and our Mobile App. We will reopen at regular business hours on Tuesday, October 14th.

Member FDIC

08/22/2025

First State Bank's Employee Spotlight for August is Heather Gerkitz. Heather is our Mortgage Loan Processor at our Ottawa Branch. She has been with us since 2019. Get to know Heather! 1. What do you like best about your role at FSB? - I like Residential Mortgage Processing because not every loan file is the same, some are easy and some are challenging. You are helping people with one of the biggest purchases in their life and that gives you a sense of gratification when they get to their closing and First State Bank has made it a smooth experience.
2. What advice would you give to new hires at FSB? - Ask questions, everyone was in their position at one time and that is how you learn a lot is by asking questions and learning from each other.
3. Least favorite Food? - Sweet & Sour Pork; when I was about 8yrs old my mom made Sweet & Sour Pork for supper and made me try it even though I gagged at the smell of it. Needless to say, when I took a bite I GAGGED !!!!. I never have forgotten that and any time I see Sweet & Sour Pork on a menu, well………….you can only guess what my reaction is. 😊
4. What do you like to do in your spare time? - I love to play Golf any chance I get.
5. What is an ability you wish you had? - I always wished I could sing.
6. What phobias do you have? - Traveling alone, especially flying by myself (I have not done that….yet!)

Member FDIC

07/01/2025

06/16/2025

All First State Bank locations will be closed on Thursday, June 19th in observance of the Federal Holiday, Juneteenth. As always, 24/7 banking is available through Online Banking and our Mobile App. We will reopen at regular business hours on Friday, June 20th.

Member FDIC

12/23/2024

All First State Bank locations will be closing at noon on Tuesday, December 24th and closed on Wednesday, December 25th in observance of Christmas. As always, 24/7 banking is available through Online Banking and our Mobile App. We will reopen at regular business hours on Thursday, December 26th.

Member FDIC

11/27/2024

In observance of Thanksgiving, all First State Bank locations will be closed on Thursday, November 28th. Don't worry—you can still access your accounts 24/7 with our Online Banking and Mobile App for all your banking needs! We’ll reopen during regular business hours on Friday, November 29th.Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, warm, and joyous Thanksgiving! 🍁✨

Member FDIC

11/06/2024

All First State Bank locations will be closed on Monday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day. As always, 24/7 banking is available through Online Banking and our Mobile App. We will reopen at regular business hours on Tuesday, November 12th.

Member FDIC

10/29/2024

10/17/2024

Vote for your favorite pumpkin! (Hint: it’s Monstrously cool!)

🎃 FSB Pumpkin Decorating Contest 2024! 🎃

It’s time to get into the fall spirit! Each of our First State Bank branches has decorated a pumpkin, and now we need YOUR help to choose the best one! 🏆✨🎨

Vote for your favorite pumpkin by clicking the link below and help us crown this year’s Pumpkin Champion! Every vote counts, so let us know which creative design is your top pick.

👇 Vote here: https://brev.is/LzkNB

Voting ends October 31st, so be sure to cast your vote and share the fun with your friends! 🎃🍂

Member FDIC