First National Bank employees gifting check to the City

Local bank donates to Colonel Larson Park project

June 9, 2023

Whitehall, WI, June 9, 2023 - First National Bank and Trust Company recently donated $5,000 toward the Colonel Larson Park project in Whitehall for updated playground amenities. The park is currently undergoing a $175,000 park and playground capital campaign to help provide a safe, inclusive and engaging place for families and children of the Whitehall area to learn, play and socialize.

Colonel Larson Park is a town favorite and Colonel Larson himself was a Whitehall legacy. He became the first quick draw world champion and trick shooter for Marlin riffles. He suffered from a severe case of polio and taught himself shooting skills as a form of therapy while in his wheelchair. Since then, he was a champion for those with disabilities, especially the youth. Colonel Larson became a well-respected member of the community and national icon. The renovations to the park will typify his legacy.

This park also features a softball field, basketball, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, playground, park shelters and picnic areas on the banks of the Trempealeau River. There are a number of campsites with electrical and water hookups available.

“We look forward to the ongoing progress of this project and how it will positively impact families in the area. At First National Bank and Trust Company, we are proud supporters of community development and our local youth; this project was a win-win for both areas and providing generational impact,” said First National Bank and Trust Company, VP of Community Banking, Josh Grzadzielewski.

Private fundraising is currently being conducted and most recently wrapped up a t-shirt fundraiser with the school district. Additionally, during Beef & Dairy Days, a carnival and funfair will be held in Colonel Larson Park on Saturday, August 19th from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and all proceeds of ticket sales will go to the park.

Additional funds are needed in order to begin construction. If you are interested in learning more about the project contact Chasity Huismann at chasityhuismann@gmail.com or the City of Whitehall at (715) 538-4353.

Pictured (left to right): Chasity Huismann, Larson Park Liaison & Fundraiser, Lisa Ringlin, client service representative and Anne Olson, area branch manager.

About First National Bank & Trust Company: First National Bank & Trust Company is a community bank located in Clinton, Illinois as well as Arcadia, Whitehall and Independence, Wisconsin. Dedicated to community prosperity, the First National Bank and Trust Company was chartered in 1872 under the name DeWitt County National Bank and became part of the TS Banking Group in 2017. With $410 million in assets, First National Bank and Trust Company is dedicated to community reinvestment and gives 10% of its net income back to the community. For more information, visit firstnbtc.com.