Sandhills to buy Bank of Keystone

Sandhills State Bank, Bassett, Neb., will buy Bank of Keystone, Neb., later this year..The $165 million Sandhills State Bank has six branches: they are located in Bassett, Valentine, North Platte, Harrison, Alliance and Hay Springs, Neb..The $68 million Bank of Keystone operates four branches; they are located in Keystone, Arthur, Hyannis and Elsie, Neb. All four branches will remain open and all employees will be retained following the deal's close, expected in the fall.."We see this as an exciting opportunity for Sandhills State Bank to ensure the continuance of economic independence with local financial decision making for the Sandhills Region," said David Gale, Sandhills State Bank CEO. "This union is a perfect cultural and geographic fit."