Madelaine Gerard, Staff Writer

618-465-9850 ext 235

Madelaine Gerard is a Staff Writer and Photographer for RiverBender.com.

Born in Alton, Gerard has always been a native of the Riverbend. After attending Bethalto Community District No. 8 schools, she went on to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where she received her BA in Mass Communications. She is currently working toward her Master's degree.

In her free time, Gerard loves to binge-watch television shows on Netflix, go to the movies, and look at funny cat pictures on the Internet.

She currently resides in Cottage Hills, Illinois.

	Global Brew Beer & Chili Festival October 15 2016 1:21 PM \| comments

	Downtown Alton Chili Cook-Off October 15 2016 1:20 PM \| comments

	Decades of deliciousness: Alton Chili Cookoff hits Elijah P's October 15 2016 1:16 PM \| comments ALTON - After being created by the United Way decades ago, the Alton Chili Cookoff has been passed from organization to organization, currently finding its place in the loving arms of Alton Main Street , who hosts it at Elijah P's . Alton Main Street Executive Director Sara McGibany...

	Marquette Catholic defeats Mascoutah 2-0 in first 2A Regional matchup October 14 2016 11:20 PM \| comments ALTON - The Marquette Catholic High School Explorers boys' soccer team kicked off their IHSA Class 2A Regional matches with a victory. This Friday afternoon, the Explorers slid passed Mascoutah to earn a 2-0 win in the first match of the 2A Columbia Regional. Scoreless after...

	Triad at CM Football, 10/14/16 October 14 2016 11:07 PM \| comments

	A different kind of tooth fairy: SIU dental students offers free treatment to kids in annual event October 14 2016 5:52 AM \| comments ALTON – To some residents of Alton and its surrounding communities, dental care is a luxury that sometimes falls by the wayside. Luckily for 125 children from around the area, the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine was there to help them out. On Monday,...

	Funeral Procession for Officer Blake Snyder October 13 2016 4:46 PM \| comments

	His final journey: Spectators gather to support Officer Blake Snyder during funeral procession October 13 2016 4:35 PM \| comments GODFREY - Thousands of people from across the region set out to the roadways around the area to pay respects to the fallen St. Louis County Police Officer Blake Snyder as he made his last journey to his final resting place. Hours before the processional even made its way...

	11th Annual Give Kids A Smile Day October 13 2016 11:14 AM \| comments

	Marquette Catholic celebrates seniors, falls 2-1 to Gibault October 12 2016 5:43 AM \| comments ALTON – Though their team lost 2-1 against Gibault Catholic High School on Tuesday night, the Marquette Catholic High School Explorers girls’ volleyball team is not throwing in the towel just yet. In honor team’s four seniors , Michelle Cameron, Kate Cogan, Laura...