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.
EDWARDSVILLE - Emma Birkenmeyer does everything she can to help others. For her kindness, Emma Birkenmeyer is a Student of the Month for Edwardsville High School. A senior, Birkenmeyer serves as the vice president of the Business Professionals of America organization at EHS. She also participates...
EDWARDSVILLE - Lia’nice Cruzin knows exactly what she wants to do after high school, and she is working hard to achieve it. For her accomplishments, Lia’nice Cruzin is a Student of the Month for Edwardsville High School. Cruzin, a senior, has been a member of the track and field...
EDWARDSVILLE - Lovejoy Library at SIUE will host their annual Day of the Dead celebration for students, faculty, staff and community members to enjoy. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, attendees can enjoy food, music, crafts, traditional Mexican clothing and more fun to commemorate...
ALTON - Germania Brew Haus hopes to open its new location by mid-November. The new building, located next to McDonald's in downtown Alton, will have a drive-thru and walk-up window with seating outside and on the roof. Co-owner Carolyn Brynildsen explained that the ownership team is currently...
ALTON - A local high school student’s design was chosen to advertise the 108th annual Alton Halloween Parade. Every year, an Alton High School student designs the parade’s poster. Nora Mifflin, 17, was this year’s winner. She shared that she didn’t expect her design to...
This past weekend, I took a day off work to head to Indianapolis. And while I had a lot of fun in the city, the real joy, it turns out, was the road trip itself. They always say it’s about the journey, not the destination. This was truer than ever as I drove through some beautiful fall...
ALTON - Community members have just a few more chances to win $50,000. Marquette Catholic High School will host its Homecoming Block Party in front of the school on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Community members are invited to attend to celebrate the season and enjoy several raffle drawings as part...
JERSEYVILLE - Joe’s Pizza and Pasta is officially open in Jerseyville. Owner Kayla McMahan has a long history with the Joe’s Pizza and Pasta business, and she is elated to bring a new restaurant to Jerseyville. She expressed her excitement to welcome the Jerseyville community and shar...
EDWARDSVILLE - EXO Lounge will host a Halloween party, similar to a pop-up experience. At 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, community members can stop by EXO in Edwardsville to enjoy their regular services in addition to a costume contest, specialty cocktails and food, and more fun. The me...
EDWARDSVILLE - EXO Lounge is celebrating a year in Edwardsville, and owner Gina Gamblin says they have something for everyone to love. EXO, located at 2 157 Center in Edwardsville, operates as a nail bar and med spa , offering everything from manicures and pedicures to Botox and IV...
Did you know Riverbender.com is free for you thanks to our awesome advertisers? We noticed you're using an ad block software. Please give our sponsors some exposure by disabling your ad blocking service for Riverbender.com.
