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We have a monthly publication, which we send to our customers. If you'd like to receive our newsletter by regular mail, let us know. Otherwise, we'll keep the latest version here. These are the articles from June 2004.
In October 2003, the “Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act” became law. Now known simply as “Check 21”, the legislation’s goal is “to improve the overall efficiency of the nation’s payments system.”
Today, most checks must be physically transported - whether across town or across the country - before they can be cleared. This is expensive and time-consuming. Check 21 provides a new option: legal acceptance of paper reproductions of original checks. This reproduction is called a “substitute check” and is produced from a digital image of the original check. How will Check 21 affect you? By October 28, 2004, every bank will be required to accept substitute checks, just as they currently accept your original paper checks. When you receive your imaged checks with your account statement, you will see substitute checks. A substitute check is the legal equivalent of the original check and will include all the information contained on the original check. A “substitute check” is the same as a regular check for all purposes under the law. Check 21 includes several safeguards for check writing consumers. Check 21 helps speed check clearing, so check fraud can be discovered faster. Faster fraud detection means faster resolution for customers. Another safeguard: A bank that creates a substitute check must warrant that it is accurate. The bank also has to make sure that the substitute check is produced in accordance with industry standards for quality. Efficient check clearing benefits you! The improvements brought about through Check 21 allow for faster payment processing and even better service for you. A few benefits include:
Friends in Motion Recent wedding anniversary celebrations include Hubert and Maxine Miller (68 years), Bob and Harriet McElvain (59 years), Delbert and Edna Clayton (52 years), and Delbert “Tommy” and Karen Thompson (40 years), all of Bushnell. Best wishes to each of you for many more happy years together! F & M’s head bookkeeper, Susan McCleery, will celebrate her 30th service anniversary with Farmers & Merchants State Bank this month! Congratulations, Susan! F & M truly appreciates your dedication and years of service to so many members of our community.
Mrs. Gayla Sullivan’s first grade class was adopted by Farmers & Merchants State Bank this year, and our own Betsy Powell, Shirley Rapp, Connie Morrow, Carolyn Carr, Lou Reno, Patricia Hensley, Becky White and Susan McCleery read to the class throughout the year. All of the books were selected and read, and then donated to the classroom library. Thanks to each of you for volunteering your time to read!
Congratulations to Katie Smith and Trent Barkley, this year’s B-PC Prom King and Queen! This evening will be a memory you’ll cherish forever! The other court attendants included the son of our own Don Swartzbaugh, Spencer Swartzbaugh, Chris Kaffer, Josh Lillie, Ashley Jackson, Traci Griffith and Katlin Mendenhall.
This year Farmers & Merchants State Bank is sponsoring the Coach Pitch team pictured above, coached by Nathan Harrison and Andy Suter. Photo provided by Lifetime Images
December will mark the five year anniversary of the date that Kathy Danner became a member of the Farmers & Merchants State Bank family, working as the proof operator in the bookkeeping department A Bushnell native, Kathy is the daughter of Mary Jane Dilts. She graduated from B-PC High School, and before coming to the bank she worked at Hy-Vee in Macomb. A vital part of Kathy’s life is her sons, Kyle Danner and Dustin (and Melanie) Danner and her one-year old grandson Elijah Danner. When Kathy is away from work, you might find her reading a book, collecting antique furniture, working on her home, or spending time with her family. Some of her favorite recipes include:
Prepare barbecue grill for direct cooking. Preheat oven to 425º. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise, then each half lengthwise into 4 wedges. Place potatoes in large bowl, add oil and garlic and toss to coat. Combine salt, paprika, thyme, oregano, black and red pepper in small bowl. Sprinkle over potatoes, toss, and place wedges in single layer in shallow pan. (Reserve remaining oil.) Bake 20 minutes, remove from oven, and cover to keep warm. Cover mesquite chips with cold water and soak 20 minutes. Drain chips and sprinkle over hot coals. Place potato wedges on their sides on grill. Grill covered over medium colas 15-20 minutes until browned and fork-tender, brushing with reserved oil mixture halfway through grilling time. Turn once with tongs.
Rub chicken with garlic. Place chicken, peppers and onion slices on greased grill over medium-hot coals. Grill 20 minutes, or until cooked through, turning frequently. Cut chicken and peppers into thin strips. Spoon chicken mixture and ¼ cup Velveeta in center of each tortilla. Fold; serve with salsa.
For Your Consideration*...by Shirley Rapp 
Christopher & Banks Corp. (ticker CBK) operates retail specialty stores that sell women’s clothing under the Christopher & Banks and C.J.Banks labels, and related accessories. CBK currently operates 534 stores in 42 states, located primarily in the northern half of the United States. With strong brand name recognition, CBK has three principal categories of merchandise: sportswear, sweaters, and dresses. The company specifically targets the working women with families, ages 35 to 55, who lead busy lives and seek clothing suitable for work and leisure. Christopher & Banks recently traded at $17.50 per share with a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.2. The 52-week trading range for the company has been $16.20 to $31.15, and it pays an annual dividend of $0.16 per share. Since 1999, this Minnesota-based company has seen its sales escalate from $143 million to $339 million, sales-per-share increase from $4.20 to $10.40, earnings-per-share rise from $0.32 to $1.02, and had five 3-for-2 stock splits. CBK has virtually no debt, no leases or preferred stock, and no defined benefit pension plan. For further information on Christopher & Banks Corp.or any investment, please contact Shirley Rapp or any of the professionals of Trust-Mart® to help you implement your investment decisions.
*This column is informational only, with no investment advice given or intended. Investments in securities are not insured by the FDIC, and involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. All material presented is compiled from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Before buying any security, its prospectus should be carefully read. Trust-Mart© is a full-service trust department of the Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Bushnell, Illinois.
The new water tower in downtown Bushnell has been filled and tested, and should be in use by the time you read this article. It’s a fresh new addition to the downtown area, just in time for the upcoming sesquicentennial celebrations!
The Bushnell Sesquicentennial Museum, located at 454 E. Main, Bushnell, is now open. During the month of May it will feature “Wedding Garments - Bride and Groom” with accompanying wedding pictures, and introducing the tribute to Truman Pioneer Stud Farm. Museum hours are Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Additional hours available by appointment.)
Just a few doors north of the museum is the Farmers & Merchants State Bank’s front window display with many items nearly a century old! We hope you’ll sneak a peek at it, too!
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Birthdays celebrated recently include Richard “Pink” Kirtley (93) of Macomb, Ileine Hart (90) and Vivian Ginther (81) both of Bushnell, and Arla Powell (70) of Cuba. Congratulations!
