Riverbender 🕸

ALTON - Alton Elite Jiu-Jitsu recently celebrated their grand opening, and owner Adam Marburger can’t wait to see what happens next. On Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, community members came together for the business’s grand opening party. Marburger expressed his excitement for the relocation to 2716 Corner Court in Alton and the rebranding as Alton Elite, noting that they will continue to do their work to uplift and empower community members. “We’re going to continue to innovate

VANDALIA – An investigation by Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Special Agents resulted in charges against 43-year-old Arnold B. Rivera of Vandalia, in connection with the death of 14-year-old Kylie M. Toberman of Vandalia. On November 14, 2025, Vandalia Police Officers found the body of Toberman inside a residence in 1100 block of West Gallatin Street in Vandalia and requested assistance from ISP and the Illinois Child Death Investigation Task Force. An extensive

BRIGHTON — A Jerseyville man with a lengthy criminal record faces multiple new charges following an incident involving a Brighton Police officer on Nov. 11, 2025. Michael A. Malloy, 45, was charged Nov. 12, 2025, with one count of aggravated battery to a peace officer, a Class 2 felony. The charge stems from allegations that Malloy pushed and struggled with the officer during the encounter. The following day, Nov. 13, Malloy was charged in Jersey County with aggravated stalking, a Class

GRANITE CITY – Granite City Community Unit School District #9 is proud to announce that three students were recognized by the Madison County Green Schools Program as winners in the 2025 America Recycles Day Poster Contest. The honorees include Jace Boyer of Wilson Elementary School (K–2 Division, 3rd Place), Katelynn Taylor of Maryville Elementary School (3rd–5th Grade Division, 1st Place), and Taylor Thomas of Coolidge Junior High School (6th–8th Grade Division,

ROYAL LAKES - Eugene Arnold, 62, of Royal Lakes, was charged with Aggravated Battery Using a Deadly Weapon. On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Arnold agglegdly drove and struck the victim with his vehicle, causing the victim to fall to the ground and receive an injury. The Macoupin County Sheriff's Department presented the case. Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office records indicate Arnold was released from custody and was given conditions for his pre-trial release. All individuals charged

ST. LOUIS — The American Red Cross encourages donors to Level Up their impact by giving blood or platelets this November. The last two months of the year can be a challenge?for many donors trying to juggle regular donation appointments with packed schedules full of seasonal activities and holiday planning. Donors of all blood types - especially those with types O negative, O positive and B negative blood and those giving platelets - are urged to make an appointment to donate now. We’re

BETHALTO - Enjoy a day of great food and help local families keep food on their table. Roma’s Pizza restaurant is hosting a “Dine to Donate” fundraiser to benefit Operation Blessing on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mention Operation Blessing when you place your order for any menu items and Operation Blessing earns a percentage of sales. Roma’s Pizza is located at 121 E. Bethalto Dr. in Bethalto, IL. Begin your Thanksgiving celebration with

ALTON – For the fourth consecutive time in the past 24 months, a Metro East hospital with a 100-year health care ministry in the Riverbend region is celebrating national distinction for achievements in prioritizing patient safety by protecting patients from preventable harm and errors. OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center again has earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog, for the Fall 2025 reporting

GODFREY – LaMay’s Catering and Monte World, along with a network of local partners, will host their annual free Thanksgiving Community Dinner, Tuesday, Nov. 25, at Lewis and Clark Community College. “This year, we’re excited to introduce expanded initiatives to support seniors, individuals in need, and now, local college students who may be facing food insecurity during the holiday season,” said Jason Harrison, co-owner of LaMay’s Catering. The free event

BETHALTO - The Bethalto Police Department has welcomed Officer Elijah Dannenbrink to its ranks, the department announced recently. Dannenbrink joins the Bethalto force with two and a half years of experience from the Gillespie Police Department. The department expressed enthusiasm about his addition and the contributions he is expected to make to the community.

ALTON - Oasis Women’s Center has a new executive director. Following long-time director Margarette Trushel’s passing in June, the center has hired Jenna Giess to fill the role. Giess currently works at Hope Haven in Kansas City and is looking forward to continuing the mission to end domestic violence and support survivors. “I saw what they were doing at Oasis and it was so magical,” Giess shared. “This is a mission I can stand behind.” Giess, originally

SPRINGFIELD - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, recently received 4,211 pounds of food from Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA). CCUSA has a mission “to provide service to people, families and communities in need , to advocate for justice in social structures.” They support a national network of local Catholic Charities agencies committed to encountering those along the margins, regardless of their faith. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois ha

JERSEYVILLE – A Jerseyville man with multiple prior convictions faces new charges after allegedly threatening the same victim from a prior kidnapping case via phone calls and text messages, then attempting to flee from police. Michael A. Malloy, 45, of Jerseyville, was charged on Nov. 13, 2025 with one count each of aggravated stalking (a Class 3 felony), violation of an Order of Protection, and aggravated fleeing/attempting to elude a peace officer (both Class 4 felonies). From Oct.

GODFREY - It’s about time for PRIDE Beautification to set the Benjamin Godfrey Mansion aglow for its second year. As one of Godfrey’s most treasured landmarks, this mansion has stood for nearly two centuries, and with a few hundred lights and garland, we honor that history with warmth and joy of community. The initial project that began in 2024 was a collaboration of several Alton and Godfrey businesses and organizations wanting to bring a new, festive look to our Welcome to Alton

ST. CLAIR COUNTY – The Illinois Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting to discuss a study of proposed improvements to approximately 2 miles of the Relocated Illinois 3 corridor in East St. Louis and Sauget. The meeting will be held: Tuesday, Nov. 18 3-6 p.m. East St. Louis Community College Center 601 James R. Thompson Blvd., Building B, East St. Louis IDOT, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, has initiated the preliminary engineering

MARYVILLE - Anderson Hospital is proud to announce that the Pavilion for Women Obstetrics Team has been honored by the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative (ILPQC) for its outstanding commitment to advancing Birth Equity. Birth Equity is defined as the assurance of conditions that enable all individuals to achieve optimal birth outcomes, supported by a sustained focus on addressing racial and social inequities in maternal and infant health. “We are honored to be recognized for this

ALTON - Alton Main Street’s quarterly information exchange, called “What’s Up Downtown”, will be held on Tuesday, November 18th at 5:30 p.m. at The Wedge, located at 620 E. Broadway in Alton, Illinois. The public is invited to learn the latest news regarding developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including updates from new & existing businesses, news on real estate transactions and details of upcoming events and projects. You’ll be in the know

BETHALTO — Pruitt Mechanical Services LLC distributed nearly 1,000 turkeys to families in need across the Riverbend area on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, aiming to support the community during the Thanksgiving holiday. The event took place throughout the day, with cars lining up and volunteers handing out the turkeys to local families. After the giveaway, Pruitt Mechanical Services delivered the remaining turkeys to local first responders, including multiple fire and police departments. Recipients

PONTOON BEACH - The City of Pontoon Beach is home to an exciting new business. On Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, TIG: The Integration Group celebrated the opening of its new warehouse at 1401 Tradeport Parkway in Pontoon Beach. CEO Mike Schoenfeld expressed his excitement to move into the new facility and share their work with the city and beyond. “We desire to be a long-term partner in the local community, creating jobs, supporting the economy and contributing to regional success,” Schoenfel

Did you know that families who regularly engage in shared activities such as game nights report higher levels of communication and emotional bonding? In an age dominated by screens and digital distractions, carving out intentional time for face-to-face interaction can transform family dynamics. Hosting a family game night isn’t just about playing games—it’s about creating memorable experiences that foster connection, laughter, and even a little friendly competition. Planning