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Welcome, Esther Betz

Welcome, Esther Betz to our Wheaton offices as the newest Customer Service Representative. 

Esther has been enjoying her first few weeks at Star Bank and says every day brings something new to learn. As she settles in, she's been surprised by some of the behind-the-scenes aspects of the banking world...like how much coin is handled every day and that the vault is quite different from what is portrayed in the movies! 

How to Tell if a Bill Is Fake: Spotting Counterfeit & Movie Prop Money

Knowing how to tell if a bill is fake is important for businesses and consumers. Recently, several of our local businesses unknowingly accepted fake “movie prop” bills that closely resembled real U.S. currency.

Counterfeit money can appear convincing at first glance, especially during busy transactions. Taking a few extra seconds to inspect cash can help prevent financial loss and protect you and your business from fraud.

Clone of Welcome, Jasmine Cluney!

Please join us in welcoming Jasmine Cluney to the Star Bank Verndale team as our newest Loan Assistant!

In her role, Jasmine works alongside lender Raye Ludovissie, helping prepare loans for closing, verifying information, and supporting customers throughout the loan process. As she settles into her new position, Jasmine says she’s enjoyed learning the many moving parts and processes of banking.

Welcome, Chloe Sabinash!

Please join us in welcoming Chloe Sabinash to the Verndale team as Star Bank’s newest Customer Service Representative!

Chloe recently moved to the Verndale area after getting married in January. Since joining Star Bank, she has been busy training and shadowing team members while getting to know our customers and community. She shared that the Verndale team and community have been incredibly welcoming. She's enjoyed getting to know the ropes and is hitting the ground running in her new role.

Star Bank is proud to support Bonfire Sessions: a Mental Health film series

Star Bank proudly supports new film series around mental health

At Star Bank, “The Bank That Cares is more than a tagline, it reflects how we show up for the people, families, businesses, and communities we serve across Minnesota. That commitment includes supporting conversations that matter, even when they’re difficult to have. One of those conversations is mental health.

Investing in Wheaton’s Future

We believe strong communities are built through partnership, investment, and a long-term commitment to the places we serve. That belief recently came to life through a unique collaboration with the city of Wheaton.

Star Bank has officially donated its former downtown building, located at 1019 and 1021 Broadway, to the City of Wheaton. We are proud to see the unused property into a new opportunity for growth.

Welcome, Stacy Dukowitz to the Verndale Team!

We’re excited to welcome Stacy Dukowitz to our Verndale team!

Stacy brings a little bit of everything with her to her new role as Loan Operations Processor. Having over 12 years of experience in the banking industry, Stacy has served as a teller, loan assistant, personal banker, and in loan operations. In her new role at Star Bank, Stacy is the one behind the scenes making sure all the detailed information from our lenders gets processed accurately and efficiently. She describes it as a bit like solving a puzzle, which is exactly what she enjoys most about the job.

Welcome to the Team, Tim Olson!

We're excited to welcome Tim Olson to the Star Bank team! Tim brings with him a strong background in agricultural lending and a lifelong connection to farming. Growing up on a family farm, he understands the realities of today's ag businesses and is passionate about supporting local producers across west-central Minnesota.

With experience in ag, commercial, and mortgage lending, Tim take a relationship-first approach to working with his customers. He enjoys understanding their goals and provides practical, trusted solutions in an ever-changing environment. 

Press Release: Katie Wahlquist, Star Bank President & CEO Honored By TCB

Eden Prairie, MN — Star Bank is proud to announce that Katie Wahlquist, President & CEO of Star Bank, has been recognized as a 2026 Notable Woman in Banking & Finance by Twin Cities Business. This prestigious honor highlights outstanding women leaders across Minnesota who are driving meaningful impact in the banking and financial services industry.