Sydney Sinks grew up in the Riverbend area and graduated from Southwestern High School. She received a bachelor’s degree from Millikin University in 2022, where she majored in English-Writing with concentrations in journalism and professional writing and a minor in editing.
At Millikin, Sydney wrote and edited for The Decaturian and BURST Magazine. Her writing has also been published in Decatur Magazine, Gateway Journalism Review and others. She has received recognition from the Illinois College Press Association and the Society of Professional Journalists for her work.
WOOD RIVER - Wood River’s annual summer farmer's market opens this week. From 4–7 p.m. on Thursdays starting June 11, 2026, through Sept. 24, 2026, Wood River Main Street will host their farmer's market in the downtown lots at Madison Avenue and First Street. Community members...
I recently took my cat to the vet, and it was harrowing for us all. I will say right away, my cat — Astronomer, or Murr for short — is okay! He had a weird scab on his tail and he needed some yearly shots. It was basically a checkup. I might’ve overreacted to the scab thing....
ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District and Jacoby Arts Center announced that the Little Free Art Library at Olin Park is no longer available due to vandalism. The Little Free Art Libraries were created through a collaboration between Hayner Library, Jacoby Arts Center, and Lewis and Clark...
BELLEVILLE - The newest Mac’s location will open in Belleville next week. Mac’s on Main, located at 4204 West Main Street in Belleville, will welcome customers starting next Wednesday or Thursday, June 10 or 11, 2026, said owner Rob Lenhardt. He is eager to introduce the Mac’s...
ALTON - As RiverBender.com and host Brian Trust celebrate the two-year anniversary of the podcast “You’re Beautiful,” Trust explains how the experience has shaped his faith. “You’re Beautiful” features powerful conversations about faith at 2 p.m. every...
ALTON - The Alton Municipal Band will open their season with a concert tonight. At 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026, community members can gather at Riverview Park in Alton for the concert, themed “June is Bustin’ Out All Over.” This will be followed by the same concert...
ILLINOIS - A UK man is traveling to the States to bicycle the entire length of Route 66 — with one leg. Aaron Moon is a Royal Marine Commando veteran who plans to break the world record for the fastest bicycle ride from Chicago to Los Angeles along Route 66. That’s 2,517 miles in...
ALTON - Alton High School students and the Hayner Public Library District have collaborated to publish a new book. “Get Outside! A Survey of Alton Area Parks Past and Present” was researched and written by Reneé B. Johnson with Hayner’s Genealogy and Local History Library....
GODFREY - Vitality Women’s Clinic aims to raise thousands of dollars for their Baby Bottle Campaign. The faith-based, pro-life pregnancy center offers resources to expectant and new parents, but does not provide or refer for abortions. Their Baby Bottle Campaign encourages people to donate...
EDWARDSVILLE - The City of Edwardsville has a major celebration planned for America’s 250th anniversary. An entire week of activities will mark the anniversary this year, starting with an event titled “Celebrating the Spirit of 1776” on Sunday, June 28, 2026, in City Park. Thi...
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