Kentucky Bancshares Inc.'s earnings for the first quarter, ending March 31, were up 5.6 percent over the same quarter of 2012, the company said Thursday.

The Paris-based parent company of Kentucky Bank, which has offices in eight Kentucky counties, said earnings were $1.71 million, compared to $1.62 million for the same quarter of 2012. Earnings increased to 63 cents a share from 60 cents.

Kentucky Bank's branch in Lexington is scheduled to open in May.