First Bankers Trust Company N.A. (First Bankers Trust), a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Bankers Trustshares Inc., recently shared news of upcoming retirements of two longtime team members whose decades of service have left a lasting impact on the organization and the communities it serves. After more than 26 years of dedicated leadership, Joan Whitlow will retire…

HSHS Medical Group recently announced that Kate Renner, MD, FACOG, MSCP, is now welcoming new patients at HSHS Medical Group Family Medicine – Shiloh, 1116 Hartman Lane, in Shiloh. She is a board-certified gynecologist with extensive experience in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Renner has been recognized for her patient-centered approach and ranking in the top…

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker recently announced the following appointments in his administration: Destini Lednicky will serve as a member of the Illinois Affordable Housing Advisory Commission.* Lednicky currently serves as housing director for the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority (SWIDA). In this role, Lednicky leads SWIDA’s efforts to promote and create affordable housing opportunities for the…

On Feb. 25, 2026, the Illinois AFL-CIO honored three Illinois leaders for their outstanding contributions to the state’s labor movement at its annual “Labor Salutes” awards ceremony. As noted in the official announcement, the Illinois AFL-CIO recognized three “powerful champions for organized labor” this year in Illinois: Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan, recipient of…

Jessica Harris, Ph.D., has been appointed executive vice chancellor and chief of staff following a national search. Dr. Harris’s appointment was effective Mar. 2, 2026. Harris has served as vice chancellor for Anti-Racism, Diversity,  Equity,  and  Inclusion (ADEI) since March of 2021. Prior to that role, she served as assistant provost for Academic Equity and…

Simmons Hanly Conroy, a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, recently announced that Andrew S. Murrie, a partner in the firm’s Alton office, has been selected as a 2026 “Legal Champion” by Missouri Lawyers Media. The Missouri Lawyers Awards recognize lawyers who made an impact in the previous year. The “Legal…

Along with its own 105th anniversary, S. M. Wilson & Co. is celebrating the 45th work anniversary of General Superintendent Steve Williams. Williams is now one of only two individuals in the company’s history to reach the 45-year mark, surpassing his father, Larry Williams’ 44-year S. M. Wilson legacy as a lead superintendent. In a 2023…

Simmons Hanly Conroy, a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, recently announced that Jared Hausmann, a partner in the firm’s Alton office, has been recognized as a 2026 “Influential Appellate Attorney” by Missouri Lawyers Media. The Missouri Lawyers Awards recognize lawyers in various roles who made an impact in…

Charter Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) recently announced the appointment of Nick Jeffery as its chief operating officer. Jeffery will lead Marketing and Sales, Field Operations, and Customer Operations across Spectrum’s residential and business Seamless Connectivity and Entertainment services. Based in Stamford, Conn., Jeffery will begin on Sept. 1, 2026. In his new role as COO,…

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Miriam Roccia, has named Angie Royal, EdD, as associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs. Royal’s appointment begins April 7, 2026. Royal joins SIUE from Culver-Stockton College where she served most recently as vice president for Student Experience. “Angie’s more than 20 years of progressive experience in…

After a national search, Tandra Taylor, Ph.D., is Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s new assistant vice chancellor for Educational Pathways and Community Engagement. In this role, Taylor will be based at SIUE East St. Louis Center on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus. Provost Denise Cobb expressed her enthusiastic support of Dr. Taylor: “Dr. Taylor…

Liberty Bank, a United Community Bank, recently announced the promotion of Jared Siebert to market president. Siebert has been with Liberty Bank for five years, most recently serving as vice president of Commercial Lending. In his new role, Siebert leads and supports the Liberty Bank team while overseeing market strategy and growth. His emphasis is…

  Local lenders recognized for strong mortgage production, commitment to customer service First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) recently recognized its top mortgage producers in its Metro Region for 2025. Through strong relationships, extensive market knowledge, and a customer-first mindset, these lenders helped individuals and families across the region achieve homeownership. Throughout the Metro…

On Feb. 18, 2026, Madison County officials recognized an Alton pastor as a “Living Legend” for her lifetime of ministry, mentorship and leadership in the community. Madison County Board Member Michael “Doc” Holliday of Alton and Chairman Chris Slusser presented Pastor Joyce Elliott with the Madison County Living Legend Award during the County Board’s February…

Madison County honored a retiring Sheriff’s captain on Feb. 18, 2026, after 27 years of service, including the past three as director of Court Security. Chairman Chris Slusser presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Capt. William “Bill” Marconi, recognizing his Feb. 13 retirement. Marconi began his career with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office in February…