Forreston State Bank getting new name

FORRESTON – Some bank customers in Forreston will have a new solution to their banking issues starting on Monday.

The Forreston State Bank, which has served communities in northern Illinois since 1887, will merge with the Poplar Grove State Bank, which was founded in 1946, to form Solutions Bank. The process will begin on Friday after the close of business and will be complete on Monday.

Solutions Bank will have locations in Forreston, Freeport and Kent, as well as two locations in Poplar Grove. The name was selected by High Point Services, which owns both banks.

“Both Forreston State Bank and Poplar Grove State Bank have always been focused on providing the best banking experience possible,” bank President Betsy Johnson said. “Combining these banks in one allows us to offer customers expanded products, services and staff.”

Customers will not see many changes in the operation. The staff and hours of operation will remain the same. No new checks will need to be ordered, though when that time comes, they will be with the new bank name and logo.

Direct deposits and automatic payment deductions will continue without interruption. The Forreston State Bank debit card will continue to work as normal.

One thing bank customers will have to wait for is a new website, which is currently being constructed. The current websites of www.fsbil.com and www.poplargrovestatebank.com will have a redirect to the new website when it is ready sometime this winter.