For Hub City Times NEW LONDON – First State Bancshares, Inc., parent company of First State Bank, has entered into a definitive purchase agreement with Pioneer Bancorp, Inc., parent company of Pioneer Bank which has seven offices in North Central Wisconsin: Auburndale, Greenwood, Marshfield, Rozellville, Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids, and Withee. Pending regulatory approval and Pioneer Bancorp, Inc. shareholder approval, the purchase is expected to close early this fall. First State Bancshares, Inc. will acquire 100 percent of the outstanding common stock of Pioneer Bancorp, Inc. Pioneer Bank's seven offices will subsequently merge with First State Bank in early 2020 and operate under the First State Bank name.