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                                                                     EXHIBIT 99


NEWS RELEASE

For Release:  March 23, 2001

Contact:  Dan DeLawder, President (740) 349-3746 or
          John Kozak, CFO (740) 349-3792

                       PARK NATIONAL CORPORATION ANNOUNCES
                                CLOSING OF MERGER

NEWARK, OHIO - Park National Corporation (AMEX/PRK) today announced the closing
of the transaction contemplated by the merger agreement with Security Banc
Corporation, Springfield, Ohio. The three subsidiaries of Security have become
subsidiaries of Park. The shareholders of Security will receive .284436 Park
common shares for each Security common share in a tax-free exchange. 3,350,000
Park common shares are expected to be issued. In lieu of fractional shares,
Security shareholders will receive a cash payment based on a full share value of
$88.02.

          Security Banc Corporation and its subsidiaries, The Security National
Bank and Trust Co., The Citizens National Bank of Urbana, and The Third Savings
and Loan Company serve banking customers from twenty-four offices in six
counties located in central/western Ohio. At year-end 2000, Security Banc
Corporation had $995 million in total consolidated assets. Separately, Security
National Bank had $810 million of assets held in their trust department.

          As a result of the merger, Security's three financial institution
subsidiaries will be affiliates of Park National Corporation. They will retain
their separate identities and management in continuing to serve the banking
needs of their customers and communities. Security's CEO, Harry O. Egger, joins
the Park Board and will serve as Vice Chairman.

          Park National Corporation is an Ohio-based bank holding company
headquartered in Newark, Ohio whose subsidiaries include The Park National Bank,
Fairfield National Division, The Richland Trust Company, Century National Bank,
The First-Knox National Bank, Farmers and Savings Division, United Bank, N.A.,
Second National Bank, Scope Leasing, Inc., and Guardian Finance. With the new
financial institution affiliates, Park National Corporation has $4.2 billion in
total consolidated assets, one hundred three financial service offices and one
hundred four ATMs operating in twenty-six Ohio counties. Additionally, the
affiliate banks hold $2.8 billion of trust assets with the addition of the new
financial institutions.