Citizens First National Bank

03/02/2026

Our team at Citizens 1st National Bank recently held a $5 Jeans Day, and thanks to our employees’ participation, we were able to pool our donations and give back to a great local cause.

This time, our staff voted to support Storm Lake Community Education & Youth Recreation. We’re proud of our team for choosing to invest in programs that strengthen our community and support local youth. Small contributions truly add up to make a big difference. 💙

Pictured: Jennifer Torres of Citizens 1st National Bank presenting the donation to Joe Kucera, Director of Storm Lake Community Education.

02/27/2026

Citizens First National Bank, trustee of the Thomas Samsel Trust, is proud to announce a major investment in the future of animal care in Storm Lake. Through the trust, the late Thomas Samsel has generously left funds to establish a perpetual animal shelter serving the local community.

To ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the shelter, Citizens First National Bank trustees have partnered with the Caring Paws Rescue Board to implement a strategic funding plan. As part of this effort, the bank has agreed to provide a $150,000 matching contribution once Caring Paws Rescue raises funds to purchase the Lake Animal Hospital facility and convert it into a permanent animal shelter.

Citizens First National Bank is working hand in hand with Caring Paws Rescue to achieve a shared goal: providing compassionate, lasting care for animals in Storm Lake and the surrounding area. A key focus of this partnership is encouraging strong community involvement, not only to support the shelter’s launch, but also to sustain its ongoing operations. Annual operating costs for the shelter are estimated at approximately $140,000, and long-term planning is essential to its success.

As Caring Paws Rescue continues to make progress, Citizens First National Bank will carefully and responsibly disburse funds from the Thomas Samsel Trust to ensure the shelter’s enduring stability and future growth.

Citizens First National Bank extends sincere thanks to Dr. James Hampton for leading Caring Paws Rescue’s capital campaign and offers a heartfelt thank you to Thomas Samsel for his extraordinary generosity and vision for the care of animals in our community.

$150K FROM SAMSEL TRUST HELPS SECURE LAKE ANIMAL HOSPITAL BUILDING
Caring Paws: “Citizens’ trust department has guided the organization and helped implement a strategic funding plan designed to maximize the impact of the Samsels' gift. As part of this plan, Citizens Bank released $150,000 from the trust to match contributions dollar-for-dollar that Caring Paws Rescue has raised to create a permanent animal shelter in Storm Lake and Buena Vista County.”
https://www.stormlake.com/stories/samsels-legacy-launches-caring-paws-rescue-animal-shelter,190449

02/26/2026

We had a great turnout at our Crop Insurance Meeting! Thank you to everyone who attended and took time out of your busy season to join us.

A special thank you to Secretary Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, for sharing timely insights and updates impacting our farming communities, and to Randy Hinders from NAU for his expertise and practical guidance heading into the 2026 crop year.

And of course, thank you to the Cobblestone Ballroom for the great food and welcoming space.

We’re proud to support the farmers and families who keep our rural communities strong. 🌾

02/25/2026

🌾Join us for our Annual Crop Insurance Meeting 🌾

Join Citizens 1st National Bank for our Annual Crop Insurance Meeting tomorrow at the Cobb Tavern. We’ll discuss the current ag sector and crop insurance changes along with what it means for your operation.

This is a great opportunity to ask questions and make sure your farm is positioned for a strong 2026 season.

We look forward to seeing you there!

02/24/2026

We’re Hiring! 🎉

We have multiple positions available and are looking for motivated, dependable individuals to join our team.

If you’re ready for a new opportunity with a company that values its employees and community, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 View job details and apply online at: https://jobs.keldair.com/citizensfnb

02/20/2026

Citizens First National Bank is proud to announce that its Board of Directors named Chad Halder as Senior Trust Officer. Throughout Halder’s 22 years with Citizens First National Bank, he has played a pivotal role in Trust & Wealth Management, and the bank looks forward to many innovative developments under his leadership.

Chad holds his FINRA Series 7 Securities License, is a Certified Financial Planner® professional and has the designation of Certified Trust & Fiduciary Advisor. He also serves on the board of the Iowa Trust Association providing information and education regarding new and pending legislation as well as rules and regulations from the regulators at both the State and National level which could impact trust services. Chad's responsibilities include investment management, general financial planning, retirement plan and trust administration. His devotion, experience, and visionary leadership exemplify the Board’s decision to promote Halder.

Along with Halder’s community involvement within the bank, he brings a strong history of community leadership. He previously served as president and a board member of Kiwanis and held positions on the St. Mary’s Foundation as well as the BVRMC Foundation. His community engagement reflects Citizens First National Bank’s commitment to local service.

As Chad Halder steps into the role of Senior Trust Officer, he ensures continuity and stability to clients and prospects while positioning Trust & Wealth Management for future developments.

02/16/2026

Citizens 1st National Bank is closed today, February 16th, in observance of the federal holiday. Please note our eBanking is available anytime, anywhere!

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Citizens 1st National Bank ❤️

We’re grateful for the families, businesses, and neighbors who trust us every day. Being part of this community is something we truly love.

Wishing you a day filled with kindness, connection, and maybe a little chocolate. 🍫

02/12/2026

In observance of the federal holiday, all Citizens 1st National Bank locations will be closed Monday, February 16th. As always, our eBanking tools—including mobile banking, online bill pay, and ATMs—are available 24/7 for your convenience.

01/28/2026

Starting the new year on a generous note 💙🐾

Our employees recently participated in a $5 Jeans Day, and after voting, chose to donate the funds collected to Caring Paws Rescue . Thanks to our employees' generosity, about $120 was raised to support this local nonprofit as they work to purchase the former Lake Animal Hospital building and open an animal shelter to serve stray dogs and cats in our community.

Pictured is Brooklynn Chips presenting the donation to Sue Lyngaas with Caring Paws Rescue. We’re proud of our team for coming together to support a cause that makes such a meaningful difference locally.

01/26/2026

Cheers to 17 years, DeLynn! Her knowledge, reliability, and behind-the-scenes impact make a real difference for our lending team and the customers we serve. Help us wish DeLynn a happy anniversary!🎉