For the fourth time since 1997, a bank has been robbed in Viola. Union Federal Savings and Loan was the latest victim this morning at around 10 a.m.  A masked  man inferred he had a weapon and demanded cash. He then fled on foot and eventually got into a car. No one was injured. Anyone with information is asked to call Mercer County CrimeStoppers at 582-3500 or (800)582-2762.

Two other bank robberies remain unsolved in Viola. Farmers State Bank of Western Illinois was held up on January 12th of 1998 and Union Federal was robbed by a masked bandit on April 5th of 2001.

In March of 1997, Union Federal was also held up, but that case was solved and a local woman was sent to prison for two years.