Business News on the Streets: October 10 – Alexandria Echo Press

Viking Bank has recently made an exciting announcement: the appointment of Steve Otto as its newest vice president business ag banker. He will spearhead the new Brandon branch, which aims to provide personalized, hometown services with a focus on financial solutions tailored for commercial enterprises and agricultural producers.

With over 35 years of financial services experience, Otto adds a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Viking Bank. His familiarity with the area is particularly noteworthy, as he has dedicated the last 13 years to serving as a business and agricultural banker at Bremer Bank in Brandon.

Otto’s deep-rooted passion for agriculture stems from his upbringing on a family farm, giving him unique insight into both agricultural and business needs in the community. Beyond his professional life, he enjoys embracing the outdoors and cherishing moments spent with family.

The upcoming Viking Bank branch will be situated at 106 Central Ave. N in Brandon. This new location represents the bank’s commitment to facilitating convenient, locally made financial decisions that resonate with the community’s individuals, families, and businesses. Renovations are currently in progress, although the grand opening date remains to be announced.

Doug Houska, CEO of Viking Bank, expressed enthusiasm about this expansion: “As a local bank with a strong commitment to our communities, we are excited to grow and serve even more people with our newest location in Brandon. This new branch reflects our ongoing mission to change lives for our customers and the communities we call home.”

Houska also urged prospective customers to visit any of the existing branches, stating, “We are excited—and we hope you are too. There’s no need to wait. If you have been thinking about becoming a customer, visit us in Alexandria, Ashby, or online. We’ll make it easy to get started!”

For additional details about Viking Bank and its services, interested individuals can visit www.viking.bank or contact their local branch.

While October ushers in a beautiful tapestry of changing leaves and cooler temperatures, it also marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month serves as a critical reminder of the importance of early detection, treatment, and support for individuals affected by the disease.

At Sanford Health Alexandria, every patient undergoing a mammogram throughout October leaves with a pink rose. This thoughtful gesture symbolizes strength, courage, and hope and is facilitated through a partnership with Anderson Greenhouse of Alexandria, which provides the vibrant blooms.

Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women globally. Shocking statistics reveal that one in eight women in the United States is expected to be diagnosed during her lifetime. Continuous research emphasizes that early detection is the most potent weapon against this disease. According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is found early and localized, the five-year relative survival rate soars to an extraordinary 99%.

Mammograms are crucial, capable of detecting tumors that are too small to feel, often years before any symptoms manifest. Health experts recommend that women at average risk initiate annual mammograms at age 40 and continue them as long as they are in good health. Women at higher risk, especially those with family histories of breast cancer, may need to begin screening earlier, collaborating with healthcare providers to chart a personalized plan.

“Mammograms save lives, it’s that simple,” asserts Wade Herrmann, radiology supervisor at Sanford Health Alexandria. “They allow us to detect cancers at an earlier stage, when treatment options are often less invasive and outcomes are far more positive.”

First Western Bank is excited to announce its 7th annual Volunteer Days, taking place from October 6–10, 2025. This week-long event sees employees team up with charities, non-profits, and community organizations to create meaningful impacts in their hometowns.

Continuing the bank’s strong tradition of service, it’s anticipated that First Western employees will contribute more than 1,000 volunteer hours during this initiative. Activities planned for the week include packing meals at food banks, cleaning public spaces, creating tie blankets for shelters, and providing cold-weather gear to local schools.

Community involvement has been a cornerstone of First Western Bank since its inception by J.H. “Jack” Hoeven Jr., with a culture of giving back that remains central to the bank’s mission over 60 years later.

“Volunteer Days is an event our employees look forward to every year,” stated Brenda K. Foster, president and CEO of First Western Bank. “It reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening our communities and carrying forward the legacy of service set by our founder.”

With nearly 350 employees across 19 locations in North Dakota, Minnesota (including Alexandria), South Dakota, and Arizona, First Western Bank embraces its role as a community bank. Volunteer Days provides employees with an opportunity to actively engage in addressing local needs while upholding the bank’s long-standing dedication to improving the quality of life in the communities it serves.

If you have news to share for the “On the Street” section, please send it to Editor Al Edenloff at aedenloff@echopress.com.