I've been a very satisfied Stearns customer for over 14 years now., and they have never let me down.
Other "big" banks (like Bank Of America across the street) play games with long hold times for local checks even for long term customers. The big banks claim to care, but in fact you know they could care less. They don't remember your name typically, and they treat you similar these days to the way airlines herd people like cattle - some are treated first class, and most are treated as coach passengers who are seen as lower than farm animals.
I switched to Stearns 14+ years ago because they felt like the kind of "old fashioned" bank that my grandparents in Los Angeles used to use (that was the original City National Bank in Beverly Hills).
Stearns is a great operation - from the teller's that always smile and do actually remember your name, to the fact that the Stearns folks never try to "up-sell" you products and services as all the other banks typically do so annoyingly.
When you walk in this feels like a sleepy bank - popcorn on Fridays - and you never feel rushed or treated like a number.
Anyone seeking an old fashioned bank with good values, treats the customer with respect regardless of bank balances, and with a positive attitude... should bring their money and business to Stearns bank.
I would ignore the one negative comment here as one never knows the circumstances of someone's financial dealings. Having been with this bank for so many years I can see how they roll - they put the customer as #1 and they put Chase, Wells Fargo and B of A to shame.