FSB to get new name in 2023

After 58 years in the community, First State Bank of Newcastle is under new ownership. The bank will continue operations as is until the facility is fully transitioned into First Northern Bank of Wyoming, the oldest bank in the state, in late March of 2023, according to a press release. 
Along with the ownership change, a leadership change will also take place with Mike Morrison as the new market president. 
Darwin Rabenberg, the bank’s president for 10 years, will be retiring with the transfer of the bank. 
“It has been my honor to be involved with First State Bank of Newcastle and the community the last 10 years. 
“The employees at the bank are a great team and go the extra mile in providing service to our customers,” Rabenberg said. “I am sure that will continue under the leadership of the bank and the ownership of First Northern Bank. It truly is a merger that will benefit the employees, our customers and the community over the coming years.” 
Morrison will take the lead at the bank as the new Market President for the First Northern Bank of Wyoming Newcastle branch. An employee of the bank since 1993, Morrison started as a loan officer before advancing to assistant vice president senior lender and vice president senior lender. 
“Darwin has a very good relationship with the banks’ employees and our community. I hope to continue, and grow, that relationship and trust with the employees, along with the community,” he said. 
Based in Buffalo, First Northern has done business in Wyoming since 1885. 
“First Northern Bank will be able to offer more services that First State Bank hasn’t been able to offer due to our size limitations, including overdraft protection, business remote deposit capture, and trust and investment services,” Morrison said. “I think the merger will show an even greater community focus on values and family.” 
With a focus on the principle that the bank’s success is dependent on the success of the customers and community, Morrison said, he and First Northern plan to continue that level of commitment to the local community. 
“I’m excited to help continue First Northern Bank of Wyoming’s strong presence in northeast Wyoming. I want to see the bank help the customers succeed in their goals, hopes and dreams,” Morrison said. 
First State Bank has been a local independent bank in Newcastle since 1924. The Northeast Wyoming Bank Corp., a family group, has owned the bank since 1964. 
“Due to retirement and other factors, the time has come to turn over the reins at First State,” said John Sullivan, chairman of Northeast Wyoming Corp.,  in a press release dated Aug. 2. “We are delighted to inform our customers and community that we have been able to choose First Northern as our successor.”