By JIM BUTLER

Bank of Montgomery, already well-established in Alexandria/Pineville, is taking its physical presence into southern Rapides Parish.

The bank, headquartered in Natchitoches, has applied with state and federal regulators to establish a branch facility in Woodworth.

According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation regional office in Dallas, the branch would be located at 9380 Hwy. 165, which is a short distance north of the turn toward Indian Creek Reservoir and a state-operated shooting range.

BOM, founded in Grant Parish just after dawning of the 20th Century, is privately owned.

Descendants of the founders are actively involved in the bank management. Those include Richard Kent “Ken” Hale, president and chief executive officer.

The Louisiana Legislature approved multi-parish banking in the mid-1970s.

A rush of expansion, sales and mergers began, accelerated by legislation allowing out-of-state banks to operate in Louisiana.

BOM made its Red River crossing in 1995, opening a branch in Derry and a consistent record of expansion has followed, as has growth in the bank’s financial position.

Any person wishing to comment on the application may file his or her comments in writing with the Regional Director of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation at its Dallas Regional Office at 600 North Pearl Street, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75201, not later than April 10. The non-confidential portions of the application are on file in the regional office and are available for inspection during regular business hours.

Any person wishing to comment on the application with the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions may file his or her comments, in writing, with the Commissioner of Financial Institutions, Post Office Box 94095, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804-9095.

The Public Section of the application will be available at the Office of Financial Institutions for public inspection during the regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.