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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Granite City, Bethalto Men Charged With Domestic Battery

1 day ago | riverbender.com | Dalton Brown

GRANITE CITY – Residents of Granite City, Bethalto, and more have been charged in recently filed cases of domestic battery around Madison County. Trymaine J. Davis, 35, of Granite City, was charged on May 9, 2025 with his second offense of domestic battery, a Class 4 felony. On May 5, 2025, Davis allegedly struck a household or family member in the face with a closed fist and “struck her on the left thigh with an iPad, causing pain,” according to court documents.
Police Stress Awareness After Reported Trail Incident In Edwardsville

2 days ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

EDWARDSVILLE — A reported incident involving a suspicious individual on a bike trail near Illinois Highway 157 and Commerce Drive in Edwardsville has prompted Edwardsville Police to remind residents to remain vigilant while using local trails. The incident occurred on Thursday, May 8, 2025, when a woman walking on the trail reported feeling uneasy after encountering a man.
60-Year-Old Man Airlifted After Serious Jersey County Crash Sunday Morning, May 11, 2025

2 days ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

JERSEY COUNTY - A serious accident occurred on Illinois Route 16/100 on Sunday morning, May 11, 2025, Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns reported on Monday, May 12, 2025. Sheriff Manns said there was no fire or entrapment in the accident but it was a very serious crash. Article continues after sponsor message He also said the man, who was 60 years old, was airlifted out to a St. Louis hospital from the scene. The sheriff said the accident occurred at 8:44 a.m. on Sunday, May 11, 2025.
Belleville Roman Catholic Diocese Entrusts Reverend Mullen With Leadership Until Bishop Appointment

2 days ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

BELLEVILLE — The College of Consultors of the Catholic Diocese of Belleville elected Very Reverend Godfrey Mullen, OSB, as the diocesan administrator on May 9, 2025. He will lead the diocese until Pope Leo XIV appoints the tenth Bishop of Belleville. The election followed the departure of Archbishop Michael McGovern, who served as diocesan administrator from March 31, 2025, after Pope Francis named him archbishop of the Archdiocese of Omaha.
Alton Pride Announces 2025 High School Scholarship Winners | RiverBender.com

2 days ago | riverbender.com | Lisa DeMarco

ALTON — Alton Pride is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 High School Scholarships, awarded to four outstanding students who have demonstrated
City Falls 2-1 To San Diego, Eighth Straight Game Without A Win In MLS Play

2 days ago | riverbender.com | Nathan Tucker

ST. LOUIS - St. Louis City SC returned to MLS action on Saturday night, hosting San Diego FC, the league’s newest expansion team. The two teams played out a goalless draw on March 1, a result to be proud of for City, as San Diego has proven to be one of the best teams in the MLS Western Conference. There was less to be proud about on Saturday night, as City gave up two second-half goals in a 2-1 defeat. City head coach Olof Mellberg went with a familiar lineup of players, but in a different setup.
"Mom Prom" Event to Support Dream Home Charities

3 days ago | riverbender.com | Sydney Sinks

EAST ALTON - Local women have the chance to enjoy a “Mom Prom” while supporting a good cause. On Saturday, June 28, 2025, community members can come out to Julia’s Banquet Center in East Alton for “A Night to Remember” prom. This ladies-only, 21-and-up event encourages attendees to enjoy the prom while raising money for Dream Home Charities. “It’s like we're high school girls again, going to go to the prom,” said Sherry Gilleland, founder of Dream Home Charities.
Teacher Appreciation Week: Kasey Hardester is Living Her Dream Career

3 days ago | riverbender.com | Sydney Sinks

BETHALTO - Kasey Hardester always wanted to be a teacher, and she has loved every second in her dream career. Hardester teaches special education at the pre-K level at Bethalto East Primary School in the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she is proud of every student she has ever taught, and she can’t wait to see what comes next. “My brain rarely shuts off from ‘teacher mode,’ but I wouldn't change it,” Hardester said.
New Initiative Offers Mental Health First Aid Training to Businesses and Community Members

3 days ago | riverbender.com | Sydney Sinks

RIVERBEND - Local community members, nonprofits and businesses have new opportunities to receive training in Mental Health First Aid. The Community Mental Health First Aid Collaborative, founded by Kristina and Isaac Sandidge, will provide discounted or free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to Riverbend residents. Businesses or nonprofits can send their staff members to the trainings while providing free seats for community members.
Firefighters Battle Serious Fire In South Roxana

3 days ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

SOUTH ROXANA — A house fire broke out Saturday afternoon, May 10, 2025, in the 400 block of Indiana Avenue in South Roxana. Flames scorched the back of the home when firefighters arrived rapidly. South Roxana Fire Department Lieutenant Michael Cherry, who was on the scene, said the homeowner had left the residence approximately 30 minutes before the fire began. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered fire through the roof on the corners of the house and the entire back porch.