Michael Hall is a senior full stack developer and systems administrator at RiverBender.com, a leading digital news and marketing platform serving the Greater Alton and Metro East regions. Since 2007, Michael has been responsible for overseeing the company’s full technical infrastructure, software development, and digital innovation.
Technical Leadership
Michael manages all Windows IIS and Linux servers, ensuring uptime, load balancing, backups, and performance optimization across multiple AWS-hosted environments. He oversees Lucee ColdFusion servers, SQL Server databases, and the email and DNS infrastructure through SmarterMail and Cloudflare. His work includes SSL provisioning, caching, and security automation.
Software Development
As the principal developer, Michael designs and maintains all ColdFusion, SQL, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code powering RiverBender’s CRM, CMS, and web platforms. He builds custom APIs and integrations with systems such as:
SendGrid (email delivery)
Twilio (messaging)
Wowza Cloud (video streaming)
AccuWeather (weather data)
Facebook, Twitter, and Google Ads/Analytics
OpenAI (AI-driven content and tools)
He also develops and maintains over 200 WordPress websites, including custom plugins, templates, and newsletter systems.
AI, Analytics, and Automation
Michael is the architect behind RiverBender’s AI initiatives, including automated article scoring, SEO optimization, and newsroom analytics. He integrates Elasticsearch and OpenAI Assistants for advanced search, content generation, and internal reporting tools that enhance editorial efficiency.
Advertising and Digital Media
Michael develops and manages digital advertising systems — from static and dynamic banner ads to digital signage networks deployed across the Riverbend region. He oversees Google Ads, YouTube campaigns, and exclusive sponsorship programs, such as the RiverBender Weather Sponsor.
He also manages video streaming infrastructure, including live government meetings, local event coverage, and Roku channel development for RiverBender’s video network.
Innovation and Community Engagement
Michael plays a key role in expanding RiverBender’s digital presence through:
Interactive community polls, contests, and giveaways
AI-powered virtual assistants for businesses and municipalities
Local government livestreaming initiatives to promote transparency
Development of Raspberry Pi-based digital signage and kiosk systems
To change your email password please follow the steps below: Click this link to open the webmail: https://mail.riverbender.com Enter your full email address and current password. If you do not know your password you can call support at 618-465-9850 x 240 Once you are logged in click on 'Settings'...
To set up your iPhone to access Exchange ActiveSync, follow these steps: On your iPhone's home screen, tap Settings . Tap Mail, Contacts, Calendars . Tap Add Account . Tap Microsoft Exchange . Complete the following required fields: Email (your full email address) Domain name Username...
First if you do not have an account with RiverBender.com you will to do that. You can create an account here and read about how to here .
GETTING STARTED
After you have created an account and logged in, the next step is to decide what type of ad you want to create. We have several version...
You can create an account on RiverBender.com in two ways: Facebook or filling out the registration form .
Logging in with Facebook is the simplest (if you already have a facebook account). To create an account using facebook, all you need to do is click the 'Log In with Facebook' button. Facebook...
Here is a quick tutorial on how to use the section.
Log into the CMS.
Click on ‘Forms’. This page is set up similar to pages, the first screen is the creation screen, and the built forms are below.
To create a new form you need to give it name. Keep in mind the name o...
District 1
District 2
District 3
IL-1 closed at the Milford viaduct due to flooding.
IL-17 is closed at the Reading underpass due to flooding.
District 4
IL-41, County Highway 26, and Abington Rd closed due to downed power line across the roadway.
District...
KIRKWOOD, MO. (November 1, 2015) – Contemporary art can encompass extreme realism to absolute abstraction…and all genres play a unique role contemporary art. Contemporary just means "art that has been and continues to be created during our lifetimes." In other words, contemporary to us....
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