KENBRIDGE — Benchmark Bankshares Inc., the Kenbridge-based hold-ing company for Benchmark Community Bank, recently announced the declaration of a semi-annual dividend of 20 cents per share to holders of common stock of the company. 

According to a press release, this dividend represents an increase of one cent per share, or 5.26 percent, from the dividend of 19 cents per share declared in December. The record date for shareholders entitled to payment of the dividend will be the close of business, 4 p.m. on July 5, with payment to occur by July 31. Benchmark Community Bank, founded in 1971, is head-quartered in Kenbridge.