EXHIBIT 99.(f)(7)


TRI-COUNTY BANCORP, INC.                               Contact: Robert L. Savage
Torrington, Wyoming                                             President
                                                                (307) 532-2111



                             For Immediate Release

                            Tri-County Bancorp, Inc.
                      Share Repurchase Preliminary Results

     Torrington,  Wyoming --  December  8, 1998  (Nasdaq  "TRIC") --  Tri-County
Bancorp,  Inc.,  the holding  company of  Tri-County  Federal  Savings Bank (the
"Bank")  announced  today that the "Modified  Dutch Auction"  self-tender  offer
which commenced on October 23, 1998 expired at 5:00 p.m., Wyoming Time, December
7, 1998.  Shareholders  tendered  approximately 341,143 shares (including shares
tendered  pursuant to  guarantees  of delivery) or  approximately  28.85% of the
common shares outstanding. It is expected that the purchase price will be $14.00
per share.  The Company  intends to purchase  313,000 shares,  or  approximately
91.75% of all shares  tendered.  All shares  tendered above $14.00 per share and
shares not purchased due to proration will be promptly returned. The numbers and
prices set forth above are subject to verification in the final count,  which is
not expected to be completed for several days.

     It is  expected  that the  Company  will no longer be listed on the  Nasdaq
SmallCap Market upon completion of the repurchases.

     Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. assisted in the tender offer.

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