Web and Gladys Hawkins: A Legacy of Ink, Integrity and Impact

Web and Glady Hawkins: A Legacy of Ink, Integrity and Impact
In every town, there are names that quietly shape its identity—through service, generosity, and a deep-rooted commitment to community. In Osawatomie, Kansas, Web and Gladys Hawkins are two such names. Their legacy, built through decades of fearless journalism and civic leadership, continues to influence the town’s culture, infrastructure, and spirit. This story honors their enduring impact and the values they lived...

For many people, buying a home feels like one of life’s biggest moments — and it is. A home is more than an address. It’s a place where you can breathe a little easier, put down roots, and start building a future that’s truly yours. Instead of watching rent go out the door each month, homeowners get to build equity, create lasting memories, and feel secure as they move into the next stage of life. It’s steady, it’s grounding, and it’s an exciting...

For more than a century, First Option Bank has been committed to helping our customers thrive financially while strengthening the communities we call home. Since opening our doors in 1923, our goal has remained the same: provide exceptional banking services with honesty, integrity, and a deep sense of community stewardship.

Over the decades, the banking industry has...

As we pause to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans this Veterans Day, First Option Bank is proud to spotlight one of our Trusteed Foundations that quietly but powerfully supports veteran families year-round — the John DeVore Charitable Trust.

The John DeVore Charitable Trust is a private foundation dedicated to helping individuals and families in...

Every year on September 5, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of Charity—a day dedicated to recognizing the power of giving and the impact of compassion. At First Option Bank, charity isn’t just a one-day event—it’s a cornerstone of who we are.

Since our founding in 1923, First Option Bank has been more than a financial institution. With 10 locations and deep roots in the communities we serve, we’ve...

First Option Bank acts as trustee for the John Emery Rail Heritage Trust.

John Emery, a native of Chicago and ardent rail traveler and enthusiast, created this Trust upon his passing in 2012. John had traveled the rail in over 125 countries, wanted to help educate the public and help recreate and preserve the rail passenger travel experience that he loved. Funds are to be used to restore or rebuild ancillary facilities essential to the operation of a working passenger operation.

The...

Each day, Monday through Friday, one of our pigs will be hanging out near a well-known landmark or organization in our communities. A clue to the location will be posted ONLY on our Facebook and Instagram pages (click here to "like" us and follow us). If you’re lucky, you’ll find a piggy and be able to claim the prize! 

If you found a piggy,...

National Financial Literacy Month is finally here! At First Option Bank, we’re committed to offering you the resources you need to make healthy financial decisions — year-round. 

This month, we want to celebrate our customers who have achieved important financial milestones, whether that's opening a new credit card or buying your first home. Congrats!

If you're feeling less comfortable with your financial journey, that's okay too. Our free,...

For lots of people, the three digits making up your credit score are filled with mystery. How long do late payments stay on it? Is paying off a credit card account and closing it good or bad? And how high does it really need to be to afford the house you want?

Understanding how credit scores and reports work is an important step in your financial journey. Building positive credit and avoiding hits when possible can help you achieve your goals such as buying a home, leasing a car, or...

If your favorite website has the...