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.
Local Banks Announce Community Drives and Loan Totals as One Bank Marks 100 Years; Separate Fraud Probe Underway
Pendleton area and parts of Oregon see outreach, lending data and an active fraud investigation
Published 12:00 pm Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 — PENDLETON
The Bank of Eastern Oregon has launched a monthlong community drive collecting canned and nonperishable food and clothing ahead of Oregon Community Bank Week, which runs Oct. 20–24. Most bank branches will hold donation events throughout October and will offer refreshments during the formal week; customers are asked to check with their local branch for exact dates and times.
Bank officials included statewide lending totals in the announcement to show how community banks support local projects. The reported figures include $4.3 billion in annual construction loans, along with $622 million in farm 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 with branches and lending services, and the drive is positioned as a local way to connect banking resources to community needs.
Why the construction loan figure matters
The $4.3 billion in construction lending cited by the bank highlights the role local lenders play in building and remodeling homes, farms, stores and other projects across the state. Local builders, contractors and homeowners often rely on community bank lending for smaller or rural projects that may not fit the underwriting models of larger national banks. The bank’s drive and public events aim to strengthen ties between lenders, local businesses and residents ahead of a busy fall season for construction and real estate.
Separate developments: bank centennial and fraud investigation
In a nearby region, a community bank celebrated its 100th anniversary with multiple events and outreach efforts while also dealing with an unrelated criminal investigation at one of its branches. Cupcakes decorated with the bank logo and a hot dog cookout were among the activities at a Friday celebration in Harrisonburg. The bank has pledged to carry out 100 acts of kindness over the year, including volunteer work at food pantries and animal shelters. A series of branch events were scheduled across several months, with a major celebration planned for Oct. 4 at the main branch in Franklin featuring a barbecue dinner, live music, a car cruise-in and children’s activities. Other branch events have been held on dates through December.
At the same time, law enforcement agencies are working to identify a woman suspected of using a fake identification to withdraw money from a Franklin branch in early August. The incident reportedly occurred when a woman presented false identification to a teller and left with an undisclosed amount of cash. Witnesses reported the suspect as a passenger in a newer-model Honda Accord when it drove away. 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. This remains a developing investigation.
Community focus and practical details
The bank drives and celebrations emphasize community involvement, from donation drives and refreshments to volunteer efforts tied to anniversary plans. Organizers advise checking local branch schedules for donation drop-off times and special events. For those interested in the centennial activities or additional information about planned events, a central contact was provided for coverage and inquiries.
Small local weather notes: cloudy skies with a slight chance of a rain shower and a high near 77°F, easing into a cloudy night with occasional showers and a low near 59°F. Winds are expected to remain light and variable.
What to watch for next
- Donation timelines at local Bank of Eastern Oregon branches through October.
- Public events tied to the 100th anniversary and the bank’s ongoing acts of kindness.
- Updates from law enforcement in the fraud investigation, including any new descriptions or leads.
- Local construction activity and project starts that may be influenced by community bank lending.
FAQ
How can I donate to the Bank of Eastern Oregon collection?
Donations of canned and nonperishable food and clothing can be dropped off at participating branches. Most branches are collecting items throughout October; contact your local branch for specific times and accepted items.
When is Oregon Community Bank Week?
Oregon Community Bank Week runs Oct. 20–24. Many branches will host special refreshments during that week.
What do the loan figures mean for local construction projects?
The bank-reported $4.3 billion in annual construction loans indicates the total volume of lending available from community banks across the state for building and renovation projects. Local builders and homeowners often rely on these loans for projects that serve rural communities.
Who should I contact about the fraud investigation?
Anyone with information about the bank fraud incident in Franklin should contact the West Virginia State Police at 304-358-2200 or the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office at 304-358-2214.
Where can I find details about the centennial events?
Event schedules were announced for multiple branches throughout the year, including a major celebration on Oct. 4 at the main Franklin branch. For coverage or more information, the event contact provided is available by email and phone.
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Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Community Drive | Bank of Eastern Oregon collecting canned food and clothing; refreshments during Oct. 20–24; most branches collecting all month |
| Construction Lending | $4.3 billion in annual construction loans reported for Oregon community banks |
| Other Loan Totals | Farm: $622M; Commercial real estate: $9.6B; Residential mortgages: $6.2B; Small business: $3.5B |
| Areas Served | 18 rural areas served by the Bank of Eastern Oregon |
| Centennial Events | Multiple branch events through the year; major celebration Oct. 4 in Franklin; pledge of 100 acts of kindness |
| Fraud Investigation | Incident in Franklin involving a suspect using fake ID; suspect vehicle a newer-model Honda Accord; tips to WV State Police 304-358-2200 or Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office 304-358-2214 |
| Weather Snapshot | Cloudy with slight chance of shower; high near 77°F; overnight low near 59°F |
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 FL News
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