NEWS RELEASE
                                FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
                                Shirley B. Kessler
                                President and
                                Chief Executive Officer
                                -----------------------
                                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                (618) 395-8676

                  COMMUNITY FINANCIAL CORP.
        TO ACQUIRE MIDAMERICA BANK OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY

     Olney, Illinois - June 25, 1997.  Community Financial Corp.
(Nasdaq.nms: CFIC), the holding company for Community Bank &
Trust, N.A. and American Bank of Illinois in Highland, and
MidAmerica Bank of St. Clair County, announced today that they
have signed an agreement pursuant to which Community Financial
Corp. will acquire MidAmerica Bank of St. Clair County for a cash
purchase price currently estimated to be $5.6 million.

     MidAmerica Bank of St. Clair County has one office, located
in O'Fallon, Illinois, with total assets of $16 million.  It is
anticipated that the bank will remain as a separate bank subsid
iary of Community Financial Corp. following the acquisition. Most
of the existing Directors of MidAmerica Bank have agreed to
continue to serve as Directors following the transaction.  All
staff members will be retained to ensure the high level of
service the customers have come to expect.

     "Community Financial Corp. is very enthusiastic about its
agreement to purchase MidAmerica Bank of St. Clair County,"
stated Shirley B. Kessler, President of Community Financial Corp. 
"We are excited about the growth potential this market holds and
the opportunity to offer our existing products to new customers."

     Norman Backues, Chairman of MidAmerica Bank of St. Clair
County, said, "We believe that affiliation with Community Finan
cial Corp. will enable us to enhance our product offerings and
better serve our communities.  Community Bank & Trust provides
the same kind of personal service that has been the foundation of
our growth.  We are confident that our customers will benefit
from this affiliation."

     The acquisition would result in consolidated assets for
Community Financial Corp. of approximately $230 million, consoli
dated loans of approximately $143 million and consolidated
deposits of approximately $170 million.  The acquisition is
expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 1997 and is
subject to various conditions, including regulatory approval and
the approval of the shareholders of MidAmerica Bank of St. Clair
County.

     Community Financial Corp. is the bank holding company for
Community Bank & Trust, N.A. and American Bank of Illinois in
Highland.  Community Bank & Trust, N.A. operates five offices
serving Richland, Coles, Jasper, Lawrence, and Wayne Counties in
Southeastern Illinois, and American Bank of Illinois operates two
offices in Highland and Pocahantas, Illinois.