Storm damage closes First Bank Building

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Due to the recent winter storm damage to the roof of the First Bank building in Chester, the building has been temporarily closed.

The entire building was evacuated last Tuesday and numerous businesses were forced to relocate.

According to a First Bank representative, the building suffered damage and weakening to the building roof. He stated snow and ice accumulation caused the ceiling to sag and weaken. He also said that First Bank employees were able to get everything needed out of the building.

On Monday,?February 9, moving trucks could be seen loading up office furniture and other items. Other than First Bank, businesses affected include the law offices of Arbeiter and Walker, The Randolph County Genealogy Society, the Violence Prevention Center and Donze Communications.

First Bank representatives would like the public to know they can tend to all their banking needs at their Camptown facility. It is located at 2231 State St. and open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Drive-up hours are from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

First Bank's Red Bud office is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, and 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Drive-up hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays, and 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

If bank customers have any further questions, please contact First Bank at 1-888-760-2265.

The Law Offices of Arbeiter and Walker have temporarily relocated to the old Schroeder-McClure building located at 1019 State St., Chester.

The First Bank representative said that there is an ongoing plan to repair the damages and to re-open as soon as possible. They plan to keep the public informed through the media.