Minnesota

Nicolet Bankshares has agreed to buy MidWestOne Financial in an $864 million, all-stock deal. The acquisition will move the Wisconsin-based buyer into Iowa and the Twin Cities, while also allowing it to vault past a key regulatory threshold.

Dallas Turner, a linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings, sent $240,000 via wire transfers after scammers convinced him someone was impersonating him.

The move brings state-chartered banks and credit unions in sync with their federal counterparts by enabling them to open checking accounts for consumers who have had accounts closed for writing bad checks.

The Minnesota credit union's deal for Brainerd Savings & Loan comes about 11 months after it bought Neighborhood National Bank in Minnesota.

The deal is a sign of further consolidation among Twin Cities-area credit unions, following another combination announced in May.

The credit union now has a community charter to serve seven counties in addition to several select employee groups.

The Minnesota-based institution is allowing children of some employees to attend school virtually in their branches in order to make it easier for parents to work during the pandemic.

Steve Ewers, who has held several positions in information technology, will replace retiring President and CEO Tammy Heikkinen, who has led the Duluth, Minn.-based institution for 12 years.

A new initiative from the Minnesota Credit Union Network to help deepen share of wallet is believed to be the first of its kind and could be a model for credit union leagues in other states.

Mesaba, which is also based in Minnesota, is the parent of American Bank of the North and Lake Bank.

Some credit unions have closed branches as demonstrations continue following the death of George Floyd last week.

TruStone Financial and Firefly Credit Union have announced plans to merge, pending regulatory approval and charter changes.

The St. Paul, Minn.-based institution will provide a 20% bonus to member-facing staff who are at additional risk during the outbreak since they are "essential employees."

Tammy Heikkinen, who has led the institution since 2008, will stay on until her successor joins the credit union.

The Minnesota bank is locked in a bitter legal battle to preserve its independence. Its foe? The charitable organization set up by its founder.

The company claims that its biggest investors is taking steps to seize control, oust the board and find a buyer.

The program will be called Bucks for Buckeyes and will be offered in partnership with the Minnesota Credit Union Network.

The Minnesota Credit Union Network worked with two brewers to create and sell a strawberry milkshake cream ale in an effort to boost the industry's profile and raise money for financial literacy.

Their challenge is creating a viable, profitable product that doesn't get flagged for being predatory.

Jay Gostonczik will head the Minnesota-based institution when Richard Nesvold retires during the first quarter of 2020.