a Better Bubbleโ„ข

Riverbender ๐Ÿ•ธ

GCSD9 Students Honored by Green Schools Program

6 days 10 hours ago
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,

Man Accused of Using Vehicle as Deadly Weapon

6 days 11 hours ago
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

Upcoming Red Cross Blood Drives Are Listed Here

6 days 11 hours ago
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

Dine To Donate Fundraiser To Benefit Operation Blessing

6 days 11 hours ago
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

OSF Saint Anthony's Earns Fourth Consecutive "A" Hospital Safety Grade From The Leapfrog Group ย 

6 days 11 hours ago
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

Community Partners Unite for Free Thanksgiving Dinner at Lewis and Clark Expanded Outreach Includes Seniors and College Students

6 days 11 hours ago
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 Police Department Welcomes Officer Elijah Dannenbrink

6 days 11 hours ago
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.

Meet the New Oasis Women's Center Executive Director

6 days 11 hours ago
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

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois Receives 4,211 Pounds of Food

6 days 11 hours ago
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 Man Charged With Aggravated Stalking, Fleeing Police

6 days 12 hours ago
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.

Benjamin Godfrey Mansion Lights Up for Second Christmas

6 days 12 hours ago
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

Public Comment Sought On Proposed Relocated Illinois 3 Improvements In St. Clair County

6 days 12 hours ago
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

Anderson Hospital's Pavilion for Women Recognized by ILPQC for Excellence in Birth Equity Initiatives

6 days 12 hours ago
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

What's Up Downtown Information Exchange To Be Held Nov. 18, 2025

6 days 12 hours ago
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

Pruitt Mechanical Distributes 1,000 Turkeys to Riverbend Families

6 days 13 hours ago
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

TIG Opens New Pontoon Beach Warehouse to Fuel Partnerships and Progress

6 days 14 hours ago
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

How to Host a Family Game Night This Fall

6 days 14 hours ago
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

How to Make Your Own DIY Holiday Ornaments: Creativity Meets Tradition

6 days 14 hours ago
Did you know that the tradition of decorating homes with ornaments dates back over 400 years? Yet, despite the rich history, many holiday decorations available today are mass-produced and lack personal meaning. Imagine transforming your holiday décor into a collection of unique, handcrafted pieces that tell your family’s story and showcase your creativity. Making your own DIY holiday ornaments can be both a deeply satisfying artistic endeavor and a meaningful tradition to share wit

This Day in History on November 17: Suez Canal Opens

6 days 14 hours ago
November 17 has long been a date marked by moments of significant transformation across the globe. November 17, 1869, saw the opening of the Suez Canal, a monumental engineering feat that transformed global trade and geopolitics. Connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, the canal dramatically shortened the maritime route between Europe and Asia, facilitating faster and more efficient trade. The canal's opening had profound economic and political consequences, influencing colonial ambitions

Difference Makers: Calvary Baptist Youth Aid Alton Police With Landscaping

6 days 15 hours ago
ALTON — Members of the Calvary Baptist Youth group, along with Pastor Jeff Davis, spent part of their day Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, assisting the Alton Police Department with fall landscaping cleanup around the department’s grounds. The volunteer effort took place at the police department’s location in Alton, with the group contributing their time and energy to help maintain the appearance of the facility. The Calvary Youth Group members are true Difference Makers in their