Americana National Bank’s decision to close down two rural branches has dismayed residents in Conger and Hayward.

Thursday, January 03, 2002

Americana National Bank’s decision to close down two rural branches has dismayed residents in Conger and Hayward. While complaining of the inconvenience the communities will suffer, city leaders have started discussing how to deal with the future.

&uot;I haven’t talked with one person who is happy about losing the bank,&uot; Conger Mayor Rick Miller said.

He is upset that the bank did not consult with the community including the city officials about its decision beforehand.

&uot;The rumor that the bank wants to shut the branch has been around last couple of years. The robbery is just an excuse,&uot; he said.

The bank has suggested the Conger customers use a branch in Alden that is about three miles away.

But Miller worries that many of the senior residents in town are not able to drive to get there. The driving would also increase costs for local businesses and farmers.

Conger is characterized as a town of retired farmers. The median age of the 133 total population is 44.6 according to the last census. People 65 and older make up 27.8 percent of the population.

Miller hopes some investors will take over the branch but has heard from none so far. He also thinks a locally owned financial cooperative would be an option, but does not know if the locals are willing to purchase enough shares to set up such an institution.

Hayward Mayor Willis Pfieffer worries more about the impact on local businesses. &uot;We want people to keep coming to town,&uot; he said.

The branch is located in the heart of Hayward. Businesses center around the bank on Front Street.

Korner Kafe’s owner, Paula Broitzman, does not know what to do without the bank, which is within 50 feet from the restaurant’s door.

Getting change during day and depositing in evening were a daily chores for her. &uot;I cannot drive to Albert Lea every day,&uot; she said.

Miller worries the closedown will affect downtown business. Many used to stop by for shopping after dropping by the bank.

Hayward’s population is younger than Conger’s. Residents over 65 make up 22.5 percent of the population. The town’s proximity to Albert Lea has been attracting people working in Albert Lea to have affordable housing and quiet neighborhoods.

Miller is afraid that residents will spend their money at businesses in Albert Lea if their bank gone.

Both branches being closed were robbed in the last two years. The bank raised the safety and security concerns as the reason for the withdrawal. Starting Wednesday, lobby hours in both locations were reduced to three hours on weekdays. The last day of the operation is scheduled on March 29.