On the Street business news, October 10 – Alexandria Echo Press

Viking Bank recently announced the appointment of Steve Otto as its newest banker. In his role as vice president business ag banker, Otto will lead the new Brandon branch offering hometown services, specializing in providing financial solutions for commercial businesses and agricultural producers.

With over 35 years of financial services experience, Otto brings a depth of knowledge and expertise to Viking Bank. Otto knows the area well, having spent the past 13 years as a business and ag banker for Bremer Bank in Brandon.

Otto has a passion for agriculture and the businesses that support the ag economy, having grown up on a family farm. Outside of work, Otto enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his family.

The new Viking Bank branch will be located at 106 Central Ave. N in Brandon and is part of the bank’s continued effort to provide convenient, locally made financial decisions that support area individuals, families, and businesses. Work is underway at the new location, with the opening date yet to be announced.

“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,” said Doug Houska, CEO of Viking Bank. “This new branch reflects our ongoing mission to change lives for our customers and the communities we call home.”

Houska encouraged those interested in joining the Viking Bank family to stop by one of the current branches. “We are excited—and we hope you are too,” he said. “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 more information, visit www.viking.bank or contact your local Viking Bank branch.

October is more than just a month of changing leaves and cooler weather, it’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the importance of early detection, treatment, and support for those impacted by the disease.

At Sanford Health Alexandria, every patient who receives a mammogram during October will leave not only with the peace of mind that comes from proactive screening but also with a pink rose in hand, a delicate reminder of strength, courage and hope.

The rose gesture is made possible through a partnership with Anderson Greenhouse of Alexandria, which supplies the vibrant pink roses. The roses serve as more than a gift, they are a symbol of care, compassion, and the collective fight against breast cancer.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide, with one in eight women in the United States expected to be diagnosed during her lifetime. Yet, research continues to show that early detection is the most effective weapon against this disease. According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is found early and is in the localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%.

This is why mammograms are so critical. Mammograms can detect tumors that are too small to be felt, often years before symptoms develop. Experts recommend that women at average risk begin annual mammograms at age 40 and continue as long as they are in good health. Women at higher risk, such as those with a family history of breast cancer, may need to start screening earlier and should consult with their healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan.

“Mammograms save lives, it’s that simple,” says 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 proud to host its 7th annual Volunteer Days, taking place October 6–10, 2025. During this week-long initiative, employees will partner with charities, non-profits, and community organizations to make a meaningful impact where they live and work.

Continuing the strong tradition of service, First Western employees are expected to contribute more than 1,000 volunteer hours throughout the week. Activities will include packing meals at food banks, cleaning up public spaces, creating tie blankets for shelters, providing cold-weather gear to local schools, and more.

Community involvement has been a cornerstone of First Western Bank since its founding by J.H. “Jack” Hoeven Jr., who instilled 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,” said 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 continues to embrace its role as a community bank. Volunteer Days provides an opportunity for employees to actively support local needs while honoring the bank’s long-standing dedication to improving quality of life in the communities it serves.

If you have an item for “On the Street” business news, email it to Editor Al Edenloff at [email protected].

Our newsroom occasionally reports stories under a byline of “staff.” Often, the “staff” byline is used when rewriting basic news briefs that originate from official sources, such as a city press release about a road closure, and which require little or no reporting. At times, this byline is used when a news story includes numerous authors or when the story is formed by aggregating previously reported news from various sources. If outside sources are used, it is noted within the story.