Photo from left: Jeff Hayes, Sharon Cameron, Tom Graham and Brenda Kelly. Fireplaces and More in Jerseyville was a winner of the First Bank Small Business Handshake, a promotion that recognizes small-business owners and entrepreneurs for their commitment to their business, employees and communities. Four winners are being honored over four weeks during May…

  EAST ALTON  ̶  Joann Barton, senior vice president for The Bank of Edwardsville, has been selected as the 2016-2017 chair for the auxiliary board of directors of United Way of Greater St. Louis’ Southwest Illinois Division. Barton (left) has been a strong supporter of United Way for more than 13 years. She succeeds Bret…

  EAST ST. LOUIS — Jerry L. Akin, 60, formerly from Belleville, has entered pleas of guilty to two counts of wire fraud involving a scheme to embezzle funds from a local doctor’s office. Akin admitted as part of the plea entered Thursday that he charged personal purchases to the company’s credit card that included…

  Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb on Friday named Timothy Schoenecker, PhD, as interim dean of the School of Business. Schoenecker (right) has agreed to serve for a period of two years to accommodate other leadership changes within the university and retains the option to be…

  Below, a scene from TreeHouse Harbor. GRAFTON — The Memorial weekend opening of Raging Rivers WaterPark marks its 27th season. Located along the Great River Road in Grafton, the 28-acre waterpark opens on Saturday, May 28, at 10:30 a.m. “Raging Rivers is our mini oasis offering an excellent and affordable option for families to…

  GRAFTON — Illinois American Water on Thursday announced the completion of the acquisition of the city of Grafton wastewater system. The purchase of the system adds approximately 400 customers to the company’s customer base in the Alton District and serves a population of nearly 670 residents. Illinois American Water began a partnership with the…

  EDWARDSVILLE — The city says the Metro East Park and Recreational District has designated $300,000 to be used for its new sports park. The grant will be applied toward land acquisition of the 70-acre site on Goshen Road, east of Ridgeview Road and near the Interstate 55 corridor. The new sports complex, named Plummer…

  FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — To celebrate Allegiant’s inaugural flights to Jacksonville and Destin, Fla., MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is inviting local sun seekers to head to St. Clair Square on Friday (May 27) for a chance to win travel prizes. Representatives from MidAmerica Airport and Allegiant will be onsite in the Center Court, lower level,…

  ALTON – The Beall Mansion An Elegant Bed & Breakfast Inn has been recognized as a TripAdvisor GreenLeaders property, the third year in a row for the honor. The program recognizes properties around the world that are committed to environmental sustainability, said Ryan Dillon, manager of responsible travel at TripAdvisor. “We applaud these businesses,…

  The board of Edwardsville Township has authorized a $5,000 service contract allowing the township to provide public safety components of the Rotary Criterium to be held Aug. 20 in downtown Edwardsville. It is the second year the township has agreed to support the event. “The Rotary has again asked for our support of the…