River Bender

RiverBender.com serves as a community hub and local portal designed to highlight the many attractions of the River Bend region while supporting the revitalization of the local economy. Our mission is to encourage growth in the area and boost local business activity. Visitors to RiverBender.com can access a variety of resources, including local news and weather updates, information on cars and real estate, free classifieds, a business directory, high school sports coverage, community videos, a guide to restaurants and entertainment, coupons, shopping options, discussion forums, and an events calendar. Our aim is to be the go-to source for all things local.

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Jury Convicts Edwardsville Man Of Drug Trafficking

16 hours ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

BENTON — A federal jury convicted Kevin D. Stewart, 59, of Edwardsville, on two counts related to methamphetamine distribution in Franklin and Perry counties. Stewart was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of meth.
Alton Police Detain Juvenile For Fatal Shooting Investigation

17 hours ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

ALTON – The Alton Police Department is providing an update regarding the death of Christopher D. Green, a 41-year-old male from East Alton, who was fatally shot in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 1, 2025. On Sunday afternoon, approximately six hours after the original incident, officers from the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division and Patrol Division took a juvenile male into custody in connection with the case.
Swansea Police Promote Jason Frank to Detective Sergeant

20 hours ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

SWANSEA — On Monday, June 2, 2025, Swansea Mayor Jeff Parker promoted Detective Jason Frank to the rank of Detective Sergeant in the Swansea Police Department. The ceremony took place at the department’s headquarters, recognizing Frank’s 20 years of service, including nearly 12 years in investigations. Mayor Parker described Sgt.
GCHS Students Earn Microsoft Certifications

20 hours ago | riverbender.com | Chris Mitchell

GRANITE CITY – Ms. Hutchings’ Computer Concepts and Advanced Computer Concepts classes at Granite City High School had 24 students earn certifications in Microsoft Word, Excel, and/or PowerPoint. Of these, 14 students achieved certification in all three applications, earning the title of Microsoft Office Associate Specialists. Certification scores were submitted to Microsoft as part of a contest, with winners to be announced at a later date.
St. Clair County Sheriff's Office Investigator Lee Rinehart Retires After 32 Years In Law Enforcement

20 hours ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

BELLEVILLE - Investigator Lee Rinehart has retired from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department in Belleville, after a combined 32 years in law enforcement. His career began in January 1993 with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department and included 12 years with the Village of Marissa, where he reached the rank of sergeant. Rinehart joined the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department on February 18, 2007, initially serving as a patrol deputy.
Madison County Sheriff's Deputy Reynolds Concludes Nearly Three Decades of Public Service

1 day ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

MADISON COUNTY — Deputy Michael Reynolds has retired after nearly 27 years of service with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division. The announcement was made by the sheriff’s office, which praised Reynolds for his exemplary career serving the citizens of Madison County. Article continues after sponsor message “Deputy Reynolds, thank you for your service. We wish you the very best in all your future endeavors, enjoy retirement,” the Madison County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Maryville Police Issue 35 Citations During Memorial Day Campaign

1 day ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

MARYVILLE — The Maryville Police Department issued 35 citations during the Memorial Day "Click It Or Ticket" campaign, officials said. The enforcement effort, which took place over the holiday period, focused on promoting seat belt use and overall road safety. Article continues after sponsor message Among the citations, 12 were for seat belt violations.
O’Fallon Hoots Edge Alton River Dragons

1 day ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

O'FALLON, MO. - The Alton River Dragons fell to the O’Fallon Hoots 12-10 in a high-scoring game Tuesday night, June 3, 2025, in O’Fallon, Missouri. The loss dropped Alton’s record to 2-5 early in the season. Alton started strong, taking a 6-1 lead after an inning and a half. However, the Hoots responded with three runs in both the second and third innings to seize a 7-6 advantage heading into the fourth.
Edwardsville Student Seeks Funding for Seattle Cascades Drum Corps

1 day ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

EDWARDSVILLE - Esteban Gomez Garcia, a rising junior at Edwardsville High School, is seeking financial support to join the 2025 Seattle Cascades Drum and Bugle Corps this summer. The tuition fee for the program is $2,500, which covers housing, meals, travel, and equipment for the season. Gomez recently received a contract offer to march with the Seattle Cascades, marking a significant milestone in his musical career.
Fundraiser Launched to Support Motorcycle Accident Victim Brady Garrison

1 day ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

EAST ALTON - Bryan Vaughn has organized a fundraiser to support Brady Garrison of East Alton, who is recovering from a serious motorcycle accident that occurred recently. Garrison, 23, lost control of his motorcycle while on his way to pick up his brother. His wife, mother, and a close friend were following behind in a car, witnessed the crash and immediately stopped to assist him. Garrison was found severely injured on the road and was quickly attended to by emergency medical personnel.