A compilation of our favorite stories of 2015, as selected by the people who assigned and edited them.

Ohio Valley Banc Corp. in Gallipolis, Ohio, has agreed to buy Milton Bancorp in Wellston, Ohio. The $808 million-asset Ohio Valley said it will pay about $20 million in cash and stock for the parent of Milton Banking Co.

First Express of Nebraska in Gering and First Wyoming Bancorp. in Laramie have agreed to merge. The companies did not disclose the price of the deal, which is expected to close by mid-2016.

American Banker readers share their views on the most pressing banking topics of the week. Comments are excerpted from reader response sections of AmericanBanker.com articles and our social media platforms.

Joseph Chillura, CEO of the $3.5 billion-asset USAmeriBank, runs a privately held company that should be an ideal candidate for industry consolidation. While trying to keep an open mind, Chillura seems intent on staying on the sidelines as other Florida banks strike deals.

Johnson Financial Group in Racine, Wis., has agreed to buy the wealth management business of Cleary Gull Advisors.

Tompkins Financial in Ithaca, N.Y., said that its Tompkins Insurance Agencies unit bought Shepard, Maxwell & Hale Insurance.

Deloitte has named Kenny Smith leader of its financial services industry group in the U.S., succeeding Robert Contri, who had held the role since 2011.

Bank of the Ozarks' willingness to buy C1 Financial in Florida depended, in part, on CEO Trevor Burgess staying with the company, regulatory filings show. Bank of the Ozarks also insisted that C1 sell $43 million in Brazilian loans before agreeing to a $403 million merger.

First Republic Bank in San Francisco has appointed Katherine August-deWilde to the newly created position of vice chair.

First Republic Bank in San Francisco has appointed Katherine August-deWilde to the newly created position of vice chair.

After enduring a slew of post-crisis scandals, bankers are beginning to see the light on becoming stewards of their organizations.

Northway Bank in Berlin, N.H., has exited the Small Business Lending Fund.

Carolina Financial in Charleston, S.C., has agreed to buy Congaree Bancshares in Cayce, S.C.

Subpar mentoring programs for recruits new to the banking industry could be the reason institutions are finding it hard to keep new talent.

BancorpSouth in Tupelo, Miss., has agreed to settle a lawsuit tied to how it determines overdraft fees on debit card and ATM transactions.

OceanFirst Financial in Toms River, N.J., has agreed to buy Cape Bancorp in Cape May Court House, N.J.

Banking industry officials hailed changes Tuesday to a Financial Accounting Standards Board rule that they have long complained unfairly distorts banks' quarterly earnings.

Ally Financial in Detroit has received a demand from an activist investor to explore strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of the company. The activist is also seeking two board seats.

Community Shores Bank Corp. in Muskegon, Mich., has raised about $5.3 million and has been released from an enforcement action.