NEW ON THE BUSINESS SCENE: NEW BED-AND-BREAKFAST

COMMERCE -- The Anderson House Bed & Breakfast has opened at 39 Water St. in Commerce.

The house, the oldest home in Scott County, sits atop a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. It was built by a riverboat captain, Ignatius Wathen, in 1847, but was owned by the Anderson family for 90 years.

The house is now owned by John and Susan Steel, who have renovated the three-bedroom brick house.

Steel, a shrimp boat captain who spends most of the year aboard a boat, is originally from Cape Girardeau. He and his wife lived in New Orleans before returning to Missouri eight years ago and buying the Commerce house. "This is a perfect place for a bed-and-breakfast," said Susan Steel. "We're out in the country and have a fantastic view of the Mississippi River."

The house is a half-mile from the River Ridge Winery. With a home-based seafood business, Mrs. Steel plans to coordinate her menus with the winery for parties and receptions.