INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Deferred tax assets and liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for loan losses	$ 17,219	$ 13,698
Lease Liabilities	13,793	14,782
Net unrealized loss on securities available for sale	23,098	27,084
Off balance sheet reserves	351	55
Restricted stock	1,666	1,140
Tangible asset	3	7
Non-qualified stock options		285
Other	147	95
Total gross deferred tax assets	56,277	57,146
Deferred tax liabilities:
Right of use lease asset	12,550	13,551
Depreciation and amortization	4,024	4,390
Net unrealized gain on interest rate derivatives	825	3,302
Prepaid assets	748	548
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	18,147	21,791
Net deferred tax asset, included in other assets	$ 38,130	$ 35,355