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
Phishing is a cybercrime where attackers attempt to steal your personal information by disguising themselves as trustworthy entities. These attacks often come through emails, messages, or websites that look legitimate but are designed to trick you into providing sensitive information like passwords,...
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve received phone calls from two clients who were concerned about password leaks. They wanted to know what it means when their information appears on a breach list and how they can protect themselves. With data breaches becoming more common, it's essential to understan...
GODFREY - This is a drone view of around rural Elsah Township and also photos in Godfrey around Lewis and Clark Community College and the rest of the community on Wednesday morning. The snow started to taper around 9 a.m. and roads throughout Godfrey were clear. Travel should not be hampered aroun...
GODFREY - The Godfrey Fire Department and Madison County Sheriff’s Office worked a car fire on River Road outside Alton around 5 p.m. on Thursday. The vehicle encountered major damage and was initially engulfed in flames, but firefighters did get the blaze extinguished. It appeared those in...
This is info from a two-vehicle personal injury crash in Franklin County. The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 13 WHAT: Two-Vehicle Personal Injury Traffic Crash WHERE: Interstate 57 northbound at milepost 66, Franklin County WHEN:...
JERSEYVILLE - Another round of severe thunderstorms blew through the area last night, causing lots of wind-related damage in their wake. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis said they are going to send survey teams to the areas affected in the next several days...
ELSAH - The QEM Fire Protection District responded to a house fire early Wednesday morning, requiring backup from other departments at approximately 3 a.m. Godfrey Fire Protection Chief Erik Kamabarian said Godfrey provided mutual aid to QEM, providing manpower and a tanker truck in the early...
Please be advised that the web server will be unavailable from 11:30 pm to 2:30 am on December 12th, 2018. This period of downtime will be scheduled for necessary updates to be applied to the servers. During this time all websites that we host will be offline including RiverBender.com and EdglenToday.com....
GODFREY - A fatal crash occurred early Friday morning at West Delmar Avenue and Vollmer Lane intersection in Godfrey. Godfrey Fire Protection Chief Erik Kambarian said the call to them came in at 5:20 a.m. When they responded, it was discovered there was a fatality involved in the crash and two...
This is a quick tutorial on how to add your email to your device. Our email server requires 3 setting for sending and receiving. Username (your email address) Password SMTP Authentication IMAP or POP? This is personal preference. Do you want to have all your email available on all your devices?...
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