Wauwatosa, Wis.-based WaterStone Bank donated scholarship funds to more than 40 local high schools. The scholarships, considered an annual donation from the WaterStone Bank Foundation, “are awarded to graduating seniors who have demonstrated exceptional character, academic commitment, and a desire to excel in their educational endeavors,” according to the bank. The foundation was established 20 … Read more

Merrillville, Ind.-based Centier Bank donated $3,000 to Lacasa of Goshen to support the Indiana nonprofit’s Financial Empowerment Center as well as sponsor an annual luncheon and Help-A-House program. Lacasa Chief Impact Officer Heidi Stoltzfus McHugh said the partnership helps the nonprofit to “fulfill its commitment to those it serves — particularly with the Help-A-House program,” … Read more

Indiana-based First Bank of Berne donated $5,000 to the Nickel Plate Trail. The more than 40-mile trail connects the Indiana communities of Kokomo, Cassville, Bennetts Switch, Miami, Bunker Hill, Peru, Denver, Deedsville, Birmingham, Macy and Rochester. The donation is intended to go toward upkeep of the trail. “Keeping the trail nice takes mowing, weed control, … Read more

Marshfield, Wis.-based Forward Bank and Insurance donated $25,000 to help the American Legion’s Thorp Cecil Tormey Post 118 build a new Veterans Remembrance Park.  The park will include flags representing each branch of service, the American flag, Wisconsin’s state flag, and the POW/MIA flag. A veteran’s wall will honor Thorp natives who have served. Park … Read more

Wisconsin-based Ixonia Bank is expanding into the metro Milwaukee area by opening a mortgage lending office in Brookfield this summer.  The office will include space for client meetings and closings but will not accept customer deposits. Senior Vice President David Rouse is building the lending team for the office.  “This is a logical and strategic … Read more

Charles City, Iowa-based First Security Bank & Trust and its spokesperson, Iowa Hawkeyes Quarterback Spencer Petras, received multiple honors during the 31st Annual Iowa Motion Picture Awards ceremony on May 14 in Ottumwa. The awards recognize extraordinary work in Iowa-based visual media. First Security and Petras received second-place Awards of Achievement in two areas, including … Read more

Sparta, Mich.-based ChoiceOne Bank reopened its remodeled Fremont, Mich., branch on May 12 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The branch includes an updated entrance, and more private office space for personal visits. The remodeled branch will include the same lobby hours as before along with secure night drop, drive-thru banking and ATM.  Fremont Mayor James Rynberg, … Read more

Merrillville, Ind.-based Centier Bank donated $5,000 to a local nonprofit that assists people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The donation, to South Bend-based Logan Community Resources, Inc., is going toward the annual Sonya Ansari Center for Autism Garden Party fundraiser on July 15.  Logan Community Resources provides autism and employment services, residential services, and day … Read more

Mount Vernon, Ill.-based Peoples National Bank awarded 73 graduating high school seniors with a combined $36,500 in college scholarships. Each student received a $500 scholarship. Peoples National Bank started the program to help high school graduates complete their education at a university, college, trade or vocational school. Scholarships are given to students displaying positive character … Read more

Brookfield, Wis.-based North Shore Bank is creating a parklet area with a large, kindness-themed art display in front of its North End branch in Milwaukee.  The bank is partnering with the prominent Milwaukee artist Fred Kaems on the exhibit. Kaems will paint 7-foot-tall letters spelling “BE KIND,” as well as the branch windows.  The installation … Read more