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 report community events and security concerns
Summary
Two separate bank-related stories affect communities in Oregon and West Virginia. In Oregon, the Bank of Eastern Oregon is collecting canned and nonperishable food and clothing across many branches in honor of Oregon Community Bank Week, set for Oct. 20–24, with most collection events running throughout October. In West Virginia, a bank in Franklin is the focus of a police investigation after a woman allegedly used a fake ID to withdraw money; authorities are seeking help identifying the suspect and her vehicle.
Bank of Eastern Oregon: community collections and loan impact
The Bank of Eastern Oregon (BEO) issued a release announcing that branches will collect canned and nonperishable food and clothing to support local needs during the observance of Oregon Community Bank Week. The release said specific branches are participating and that branches will also offer refreshments during the week. Because the release listed participating locations separately, people are advised to contact their local BEO branch for exact collection dates and times.
Most BEO locations are holding collection events throughout the month of October rather than only during the designated week. The release emphasized that branch schedules vary and recommended checking with individual branches for details.
The release also highlighted the role community banks play in lending across the state. Reported figures show annual lending from community banks in Oregon includes roughly $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, and $3.5 billion in small business loans. The Bank of Eastern Oregon serves 18 rural areas in Oregon with branches and lending services.
Pendleton-area bank: fraud probe and centennial events
Local law enforcement in Pendleton County and state police are working to identify a woman believed to have committed bank fraud at a Franklin branch of a community bank. Investigators say a woman entered the bank on a weekday, presented what authorities describe as a fraudulent identification document to a teller, and withdrew an undisclosed sum. She reportedly left the area as a passenger in a newer-model Honda Accord.
Authorities ask anyone with information about the incident or the woman’s identity to call the West Virginia State Police at 304-358-2200 or the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office at 304-358-2214. The investigation is ongoing and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
While the bank deals with the investigation, it is also marking a major milestone. One community bank in the region is holding multiple events to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Activities have taken place at several branches and include neighborhood cookouts, giveaways, and larger fall events planned at the main branch in Franklin later in the year.
Centennial activities so far have included branch-level celebrations with cupcakes decorated with the bank logo, hot dogs and other refreshments at community gatherings, and volunteering in local programs. The bank has pledged to carry out 100 acts of kindness over the anniversary year, including volunteering at food pantries and animal shelters and working with local outreach organizations.
Local branch schedules and special events
The centennial calendar included events at 14 branches. Some past and scheduled activities include a July community meal with hot dogs and giveaways, a late-summer branch event, a mid-September gathering at a branch on South Main Street with cupcakes and hot dogs, and a planned “big celebration” at the main Franklin branch in early October featuring barbecue dinners, live music, a cruise-in and kids’ activities. Additional fall and winter branch celebrations are also scheduled.
Practical information for residents
- To donate food or clothing in Oregon, contact your nearest Bank of Eastern Oregon branch for exact collection dates and drop-off times.
- To report information related to the alleged bank fraud in Franklin, call 304-358-2200 (state police) or 304-358-2214 (county sheriff’s office).
- For details about centennial events or volunteer opportunities, check with local branches where events are being held.
Weather note
The short-term forecast calls for cloudy skies with a slight chance of a rain shower and a daytime high near 77°F. Overnight conditions are expected to remain cloudy with occasional showers, a low near 59°F, and a roughly 40% chance of rain.
FAQ
When is Oregon Community Bank Week this year?
Oregon Community Bank Week is scheduled for Oct. 20–24 this year, with many related events and collections taking place throughout October.
What items are being collected by the Bank of Eastern Oregon?
Bank of Eastern Oregon branches are collecting canned and nonperishable food items and clothing to support local needs during the observance.
How can I report information about the bank fraud in Franklin?
Anyone with information is asked to contact the West Virginia State Police at 304-358-2200 or the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office at 304-358-2214.
What community activities are part of the centennial celebrations?
Centennial activities include branch cookouts, giveaways, volunteer work at food pantries and animal shelters, outreach projects, and a larger fall celebration with food, music and family-friendly programming.
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Key details at a glance
| Topic | What | Dates / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Community Bank Week | Food and clothing drives, refreshments at branches | Oct. 20–24; many branches collect all month |
| BEO lending impact | Statewide lending by community banks | Farm: $622M; Construction: $4.3B; Commercial RE: $9.6B |
| Pendleton-area fraud probe | Investigation of alleged fake-ID withdrawal | Suspect exit in newer-model Honda Accord; report tips to 304-358-2200 or 304-358-2214 |
| Centennial events | Branch celebrations, 100 acts of kindness | Multiple branch dates through the year; big Franklin event planned in October |
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 NY News
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionnynews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the New York Build Expo, infrastructure breakthroughs, and cutting-edge construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated General Contractors of New York State and the Building Trades Employers' Association, plus leading businesses in construction and real estate that power the local economy such as Turner Construction Company and CMiC Global. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructiontxnews.com, and constructionflnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
