STAFFORD — Prairie Bank of Kansas Inc. announced the sale of its parent bank holding company, Farmers National Bancshares Inc. to Community Bancorp Inc and its subsidiary bank, Community National Bank & Trust, both of Chanute.

James Richardson, CEO of Prairie Bank of Kansas, and Dan Mildfelt, President and CEO of Community National Bank & Trust, have signed an agreement whereby Community Bancorp Inc. will acquire all the stock of Farmers National Bancshares Inc. and thereby acquire Prairie Bank of Kansas, which will be merged into Community National Bank & Trust. The acquisition is expected to be completed early in the third quarter of 2025 and is subject to regulatory approval.

Prairie Bank of Kansas is headquartered in Stafford and has branch offices in Buhler, Inman and Hutchinson. Prairie Bank of Kansas was established in 1886, became a national bank in 1909, then in 2013 became a state-chartered bank. Prairie Bank of Kansas (f/k/a Farmers National Bank) acquired Buhler State Bank in 1993, United Bank of Inman in 1997 and opened a branch in Hutchinson in 2009. Prairie Bank of Kansas expects to complete the second quarter of 2025 with total assets exceeding $135 million and loans exceeding $83 million.

James Richardson, CEO of Prairie Bank, stated, “Both banks are excited about the acquisition. Prairie Bank is pleased to associate with a bank that is very community oriented and will continue to provide that one-on-one service to which our customers are accustomed.”

“We look forward to working with the excellent management team, officers, staff and fine customers at Prairie Bank of Kansas.  We believe that combining the resources of these two strong and well-respected Community Banks will ensure an excellent commitment to the great communities that Prairie Bank of Kansas has serviced so well for over 135 years,” said Dan Mildfelt.

In recent years, the Comptroller of the Currency’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) examination reflects an “Outstanding Rating” in Community Development. “We look forward to merging with Prairie Bank of Kansas and continuing to provide exceptional banking service to each community,” said Dan Mildfelt.