Dalton Brown, News Reporter

Dalton Brown joined Riverbender.com in January of 2022. He grew up in Jerseyville and graduated from Jersey Community High School in 2017. Dalton earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) with a major in Mass Communications and a minor in Political Science. 

During his time at SIUE, Dalton worked as a Copy Editor for The Alestle, the university’s news organization with print and online operations. As a small, student-run newspaper, he often found himself filling the role of reporter and writer and regularly wrote news, lifestyle, and opinion pieces for The Alestle. He received recognition from the Illinois College Press Association for his writing.

Dalton also interned at The Hauser Group, a St. Louis-based Public Relations firm with several clients around the Greater St. Louis area and beyond. During his internship, he wrote newsletter content, social media posts, and several press releases which were featured in publications including Riverbender.com, the Alton Telegraph, the St. Louis Business Journal, and more.

Dalton now covers local business, government/politics, crime, and general news for Riverbender.com.

EDWARDSVILLE - Chappy’s is a new fried chicken and burger restaurant in Edwardsville. With walls adorned in automobilia and Americana, the restaurant offers some vintage diner nostalgia and a wide-ranging menu. Formerly known as So’Pasta, Chappy’s is a completely new venture...
ALTON - Reiniger Jewelers is opening their newest location in Alton at 1633 Washington Avenue, the former location of Maneke Jewelers. Their grand opening is from March 31 to April 2 and will feature drawings to win some valuable giveaway prizes. The March 31 ribbon cutting is set for 11:30 a.m....
JERSEYVILLE - Germania Brew Haus has been making progress on its Jerseyville location with Edison bulbs, plants and other decor now adorning the interior. Owner Jared Brynildsen said he’s aiming to open this location over the course of April, and that he’s eyeing a location in Bethalto...
JERSEYVILLE - 1880 Pizza Pasta House and The 80 Loft, both located at 208-210 South State Street in Jerseyville, recently announced both businesses will close at the end of the month. “We were contacted by an individual that loves the building as much as we do,” they wrote in a Facebook...
JERSEY COUNTY - The candidates running in the Jersey County general primary elections on June 28 have been revealed. Three Republicans will compete for County Treasurer: Gregory “Greg” Weiner, Katie Steckel-Abbey and Martin “Marty” Ward. The winner will replace incumbent...
The next Madison County primary election is officially underway, following Monday’s deadline for candidates to file their intent to run. Madison County will see some competition over a few offices and county board seats on June 28. Republicans Mike Walters and Linda Andreas will compete...
ALTON - Wild Pickins, a winery in Chesterfield, Illinois, is expanding into the Alton area with Sip & Play Wine and Gaming Café, a wine bar, and a gaming room that will feature slot machines, Wild Pickins wines, and more. “We wanted it to be a very scaled-down version of Wild Pickins...
3 Sisters Tea, Apothecary & Yoga Studio will be hosting its grand opening on April 2 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Originally based online, the tea business will be moving into its first brick-and-mortar location at 221 South State Street in Jerseyville. “3 Sisters Tea, Apothecary & Yoga Studio is...
EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville-area residents near the Watershed Nature Trail should keep an eye out for any wildlife covered in oil or injured following a large oil spill in Edwardsville on Friday . If you spot an injured or oily animal, contact TreeHouse Wildlife Center at 618-466-2990 from...
ALTON - Picture This & More, a professional custom framing business in Alton, is marking the one-year anniversary of their location on Broadway. Owner Quint Long said the new location has brought in more foot traffic and helped the company become part of a business community. Picture This & More...