FORT PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- A ribbon cutting Tuesday in Fort Pierre celebrated the merging of Dakota Prairie Bank into First Fidelity Bank.  Steve Hayes is Dakota Prairie Bank’s former president and C-E-O.  He says the merger is at the heart of community banking

Hayes says compromise was a part of the process to bring the two family brands together.

Hayes is excited for the opportunities the merger will bring to not only customers but other banks in the area too.

First Fidelity now has a total of 11 locations across central and south central South Dakota including Fort Pierre, Presho, White River, Winner, Draper and Murdo.