Pendleton, Oregon, September 29, 2025
News Summary
The Bank of Eastern Oregon has started a monthlong drive collecting canned food and clothing at branches across 18 rural service areas ahead of Oregon Community Bank Week. The announcement included statewide lending totals that underscore community banks’ support for local projects, including $4.3 billion in construction lending plus substantial farm, commercial real estate, mortgage and small-business loans. Nearby, a community bank marked its 100th anniversary with events and a pledge of 100 acts of kindness. Separately, law enforcement is investigating a Franklin branch fraud incident involving suspected use of fake identification; authorities are seeking tips.
Banks in Oregon and West Virginia: October community drives, loan totals and a local fraud probe
Summary: A regional Oregon bank is organizing food and clothing drives across many of its branches during Oregon Community Bank Week in October, while a separate case in West Virginia involves a suspected bank fraud that local law enforcement is investigating. A community bank in West Virginia is also marking a 100th anniversary with a series of local celebrations and a pledge of community service.
Bank of Eastern Oregon launches collection drives for Oregon Community Bank Week
Bank of Eastern Oregon branches are collecting canned and nonperishable food and clothing in recognition of Oregon Community Bank Week, scheduled this year for Oct. 20–24. Most branches are holding collection events throughout the month, and branches will offer refreshments during the week. People are advised to check with their local branch for exact dates and participating locations.
The bank serves 18 rural areas in Oregon and emphasized the role of community banks in local lending. Reported statewide annual lending totals attributed to Oregon community banks include:
- $622 million in farm loans
- $4.3 billion in construction loans
- $9.6 billion in commercial real estate loans
- $6.2 billion in residential mortgage loans
- $3.5 billion in small business loans
The collection campaign is part of a broader community outreach tied to the annual observance, with multiple branches accepting donations and staging events aimed at supporting local families and charities. The bank issued a release listing participating branches and encouraged customers and neighbors to support the drives over the coming weeks.
Pendleton County fraud investigation and community bank centennial events
Local law enforcement in Pendleton County, West Virginia, is working to identify a woman who allegedly used a fake ID to withdraw funds from a bank branch in Franklin. The woman was reported to have entered the branch on a Thursday, presented false identification to a teller, and left with cash. She was seen leaving as a passenger in a newer-model Honda Accord that then drove away. Authorities have asked anyone with information about the woman or the vehicle to contact the West Virginia State Police at 304-358-2200 or the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office at 304-358-2214. This remains a developing case.
Separately, Pendleton Community Bank is marking its 100th anniversary with multiple community events held across its branch network. One recent celebration at a downtown branch featured cupcakes decorated with the bank logo and included hot dogs and other refreshments. The bank has committed to performing 100 acts of kindness over the anniversary year, including volunteering at local food pantries, animal shelters, and outreach programs.
Planned centennial events span several locations and dates, including a large celebration planned for early October at the main branch in Franklin with barbecue dinners, live music, a cruise-in, kids’ activities and more. Other listed events have taken place or are scheduled across branches in July, August, September, November and December. The bank staged volunteer efforts at organizations supporting families in the local area as part of the centennial service pledge.
Local staffing and community ties
Longtime staff at several branches have highlighted the bank’s community focus and history of local involvement. One financial center manager who returned to the area more than a decade ago noted the bank’s emphasis on customer relationships and community participation. The bank’s centennial programming includes outreach projects and branch-level celebrations planned throughout the year.
Practical details for the public
- To donate food or clothing for Oregon Community Bank Week, contact your nearby Bank of Eastern Oregon branch for collection dates and times.
- To report information about the Pendleton County incident, call the West Virginia State Police at 304-358-2200 or the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office at 304-358-2214.
- Centennial events at the community bank include several branch gatherings; confirm dates and activities with individual branches before attending.
Weather note
Expect cloudy skies with a slight chance of a rain shower and a high near 77°F. Overnight clouds and occasional showers are possible with a low near 59°F and a 40 percent chance of rain. Winds are forecast to be light and variable.
FAQ
How can I donate to the Bank of Eastern Oregon collection drives?
Contact your local Bank of Eastern Oregon branch to confirm collection dates and what items are accepted. Most branches are collecting canned and nonperishable food and clothing throughout the month surrounding Oregon Community Bank Week.
When is Oregon Community Bank Week?
Oregon Community Bank Week runs this year from Oct. 20 through Oct. 24.
Who should I call with information about the Pendleton County bank incident?
If you have any information about the woman or vehicle involved in the Franklin bank incident, call the West Virginia State Police at 304-358-2200 or the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office at 304-358-2214.
What kinds of events are planned for the Pendleton Community Bank centennial?
Events include branch celebrations with food, giveaways, family activities, live music and community service projects. A major celebration is scheduled at the main Franklin branch with a barbecue, music and children’s activities. Confirm specific dates and locations with the bank’s branches.
What statewide lending roles do community banks play?
Community banks contribute significantly to local financing, with reported annual totals including farm loans, construction loans, commercial real estate loans, residential mortgages and small business lending. These figures reflect the broader lending activity of community banks across Oregon.
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Key features at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Community drives | Food and clothing collections at Bank of Eastern Oregon branches, Oct. 20–24 focus week; most branches collecting all month |
| State lending totals | Farm loans $622M; construction $4.3B; commercial real estate $9.6B; residential mortgages $6.2B; small business $3.5B |
| Pendleton County incident | Suspected fraud involving a fake ID at a Franklin branch; suspect left as a passenger in a newer Honda Accord; tips requested to local law enforcement |
| Pendleton Community Bank centennial | 100th anniversary with branch events, cupcakes and community service; pledge of 100 acts of kindness over the year |
| Public contacts | West Virginia State Police 304-358-2200; Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office 304-358-2214 |
Published: 12:00 pm Sunday, September 28, 2025 (Pendleton)
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Hermiston Herald: Bank of Eastern Oregon celebrates Oregon Community Bank Week
- Wikipedia: Community bank
- WHSV: Police searching bank fraud suspect in Pendleton County
- Google Search: bank fraud Pendleton County WV
- Daily News-Record: Pendleton Community Bank holds 100th anniversary party
- Google Scholar: Pendleton Community Bank 100th anniversary
- WBOY: Woman used fake ID to defraud Pendleton County bank, deputies say
- Encyclopedia Britannica: bank fraud
- WVVA: Pendleton Community Bank kicks off 100th anniversary celebration (video)
- Google News: Pendleton Community Bank 100th
Author: Construction TX News
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