The merger with Bank of Kirksville is directly related to Equity Bank and is a significant development for the company. It is likely to be viewed positively by investors as it indicates growth and expansion, which could lead to increased revenues and a stronger competitive position in the market. The addition of eight new locations is a considerable expansion, making the news highly relevant and important for investors. The confidence score reflects the typical market response to expansion news in the banking sector, which is generally positive unless there are mitigating factors, which are not mentioned in the article.