Submitted by Kaitlyn Nugent, Citizens State Bank

HUDSON, WI – Citizens State Bank (CSB) is pleased to announce the promotion of four new Vice Presidents, all accomplished employees as part of its ongoing commitment to fostering advancement and leadership within the organization. The promotions reflect CSB’s dedication to delivering exceptional service to customers while recognizing the fantastic achievements of these talented individuals.

Effective January 27, 2025, the following individuals have been promoted:

Troy Weathers, promoted to SVP / Chief Revenue Officer – Troy has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the business banking department. In this new role, Troy will lead residential real estate and business banking lending production of Citizens State Bank, focused on providing support that will enhance relationships with existing and new clients. This promotion recognizes Troy’s dedication, experience, and outstanding contributions while advancing strategic objectives of the bank.

Joanne Obermueller, promoted to SVP / Chief Financial Officer – With 18 years of dedicated service at Citizens State Bank, Joanne has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership across multiple roles. As SVP / Chief Financial Officer, Joanne will continue to drive innovative strategies aimed at enhancing the bank’s financial performance while promoting our growth. Joanne delivers results and has operated with the highest level of integrity and excellence while driving the bank’s financial performance.

Maria Machtemes, promoted to SVP / Retail Banking – Maria has been an integral member of Citizens State Bank’s team. As SVP / Retail Banking, Maria will lead the bank’s retail banking division, overseeing all aspects of customer engagement, office operations, and service delivery. In her new role, she will focus on strengthening existing customer relationships while driving initiatives to attract new clients and enhance overall customer experience, ensuring continued growth and long-term success for the bank.

Jamie Van Pelt, promoted to AVP / Mortgage Loan Officer Supervisor – As the AVP / Mortgage Loan Officer Supervisor at Citizens State Bank, Jamie will lead the development of new business relationships to drive mortgage loan volume, while managing and mentoring a team of mortgage loan officers. Jamie’s deep knowledge of mortgage lending will be a key factor in her success in this new role.

These leadership changes are a part of Citizens State Bank’s broader strategy to strengthen its operations and ensure continued growth and development in 2025 and beyond.

Citizens State Bank has been serving businesses and individuals throughout the St. Croix Valley area for over 120 years with branches in five locations including Hudson, Roberts, Woodville, Elmwood and Menomonie. The bank’s goal is to provide unprecedented customer service based on its core values which are integrity, customer focus, team focus and agility. To learn more, visit csbnet.net.

ELMWOOD, WI – In January, the Sun-Argus featured a set of stories about Rock Elm in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. One story featured the school bus that was used to transport children from the north end of town – the bus, which was a double long wagon drawn by horses was utilized in Rock Elm for several years.

Carolyn Maves (nee Smith) was one child who rode the famous wagon bus. Her dad was even the bus driver for a period. At ninety-nine years old, she recalls Rock Elm before electricity was a staple and indoor plumbing was a hope for the future.

“It was a wooden bus, like a box, and it sat on wagon wheels in the spring and fall. In the wintertime, it was pulled like a sleigh. We didn’t sit in seats; we sat on benches along the sides,” said Carolyn.

To read this and other premium articles in their entirety, pickup the February 20, 2025 issue of the Sun-Argus newspaper. Click to subscribe for convenient delivery by mail, or call (715) 778-4990. Single issues are also available at area newsstands and our office in Spring Valley, WI.

With Tiffany Hayes

SPPRING VALLEY, WI – When Jacob Cramer from Cleveland, Ohio was 12 years old, he lost his grandpa, whom he was very close to and shared a very special connection with. To help find that special connection again, Jacob started volunteering at a nursing home close to him, as the “Bingo Boy.” He found many meaningful connections with the residents at the nursing home, but he also witnessed the extreme loneliness many of them felt with their families not being able to come visit or call and the limited mail they received.

To help spur generosity after the holiday season, they founded National Letter to an Elder Day on February 26, 2020. Since then, it’s been noted by Hallmark, included in several holiday calendars and celebrated by thousands. Help us celebrate the holiday far and wide by sharing! This year National Letter to an Elder Day is on Thursday, February 26.

To read this and other premium articles in their entirety, pickup the February 20, 2025 issue of the Sun-Argus and Woodville Leader newspapers. Click to subscribe for convenient delivery by mail, or call (715) 778-4990. Single issues are also available at area newsstands and our office in Spring Valley, WI.

ELMWOOD, WI – The Elmwood Area Community Club (EACC) held their first of two annual euchre tournaments on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the historic Elmwood Auditorium.

At the Club’s January meeting, it was decided to donate all proceeds from the event to the Koch family, who are residents of Elmwood.

On January 17, Jamie Koch was in a snowmobile accident that resulted in the amputation of his left leg above the knee. In light of his accident, the community has rallied behind the Koch family which includes Jamie, his wife Baily, and their three children.

To read this and other premium articles in their entirety, pickup the February 20, 2025 issue of the Sun-Argus newspaper. Click to subscribe for convenient delivery by mail, or call (715) 778-4990. Single issues are also available at area newsstands and our office in Spring Valley, WI.