River Bender

1 week ago | riverbender.com | Dalton Brown

BELLEVILLE – A man from Belleville faces multiple felonies after stealing over $372,000 from a Hartford business by deception for nearly two years. Matthew D. Howard, 29, of Belleville, was charged on June 17, 2025 with two Class 1 felony counts of theft and one count of use of a credit or debit card with intent to defraud, a Class 3 felony.

1 week ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

BETHALTO - Slugger Bella Thien finished at the top of the Civic Memorial High School charts for RBIs this past softball season, and a remarkable 468 batting average with eight home runs. Raigen Linton, the CM girls' softball coach, described Bella as a "great hitter for CM" and noted her value to the team. "She was a power hitter on the season," Linton said.

1 week ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

EDWARDSVILLE — Alexa Stock, a junior at Metro East Lutheran High School, has been recognized as BJ’s Printables Female Athlete of the Month for her contributions to the school’s girls' soccer team this spring. Stock, a multi-sport athlete, also competes in volleyball and basketball. Athlete of the Month is sponsored by Rob Stock, head coach of the girls' soccer team, highlighted Alexa’s versatility and leadership on the field.

1 week ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

ALTON - In May 2025, 95-year-old Bob Becker experienced a memorable turkey hunt on his family’s property in Calhoun County. Despite some early distractions from hens attacking decoys and several jakes passing by without a clear shot, Becker ultimately succeeded in harvesting a turkey after spotting it near the edge of the woods. Becker, who will turn 96 in September 2025, has maintained an active hunting lifestyle throughout his life, focusing primarily on waterfowl, deer, and turkey.

1 week ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

KAMPSVILLE - Wade Gibson, co-owner of Papa Toodles in Godfrey and a beloved hairdresser, died June 19, 2025, after complications from a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. He was 58 years old at the time of his death. Wade was a long-time resident of Kampsville, with his husband, James. Wade was a loving father and grandfather. More information about his family and funeral information will be released in a later obituary.