2008-11-10 00:16:59 -

- Hawthorn Bancshares of Lee's Summit, MO (NASDAQ: HWBK) announced today that its Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of 21 cents per share, payable January 1, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 15, 2008.

In commenting on the Board's action, Chairman and CEO James E. Smith said, "We are pleased

to again demonstrate our financial strength through payment of this cash dividend."

About Hawthorn Bancshares

Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc., a financial-bank holding company headquartered in Lee's Summit, Missouri, is the parent company of Hawthorn Bank of Jefferson City with locations in Lee's Summit, Springfield, Branson, Independence, Raymore, Columbia, Clinton, Windsor, Collins, Osceola, Warsaw, Belton, Drexel, Harrisonville, California, Tipton and St. Robert.

Statements made in this press release that suggest Hawthorn Bancshares' or management's intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations, or predictions of the future include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. It is important to note that actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements is contained from time to time in the company's quarterly and annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc.
Kathleen Bruegenhemke, 573-761-6100
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
Fax: 573-761-6272
www.HawthornBancshares.com