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.
GODFREY - The Lewis and Clark Community College Board of Trustees has passed a special tax levy. During their regular meeting on Oct. 14, 2025, the LCCC Board approved the special tax levy of 2.80 cents. The Board heard from President Dr. Ken Trzaska on why the college recommended the levy. “...
HARDIN - Calhoun County Fair Queen Abby Johnes couldn’t be more excited to be the face of her hometown. “I love Calhoun and everybody in it, so of course, it’s great to be able to represent them,” she said. Johnes, 18, recently won the Calhoun County Fair and was named...
ALTON - Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski met with advocates to learn about the impact the government shutdown has had on senior citizens. On Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, Budzinski hosted a roundtable at Senior Services Plus in Alton to talk about concerns related to Medicare, Social Security, and similar...
BELLEVILLE - Robbie Schallert does a fantastic job balancing academics and athletics. For his accomplishments, Robbie Schallert is a Student of the Month for Althoff Catholic High School. A senior, Schallert has been involved in various sports since his freshman year. He wrestles and plays on...
BELLEVILLE - Alex Schallert is a dedicated student athlete. For his hard work, Alex Schallert is a Student of the Month for Althoff Catholic High School. Schallert, a senior, is a multisport athlete. He plays football, wrestles and runs track. It takes a lot of responsibility and devotion to...
GODFREY - A local writer turned Nashville star is returning to the Riverbend for a concert. At 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, Tommy Karlas will bring his music and stories back to Hatheway Hall at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey. Karlas, a Nashville singer-songwriter, is celebratin...
BRIGHTON - Local author Isaac Sandidge has a new book, inspired by a Brighton staple. “The Curse of Brighton Burgoo: A Brighton Legend” is available now. Sandidge, a Brighton resident, wrote the book as part of his Brighton series that started with “The Legend of the Brighton...
And then, all of a sudden, when I was distracted, fall arrived. It’s been a warm couple of months. Even after autumn’s official start on Sept. 22, 2025, I didn’t quite believe it was fall yet because the temperatures have still been in the 80s. I blame climate change, for the...
GODFREY - Pride, Inc. will host a unique fundraising event meant to raise money for their beautification projects. On Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, community members are invited to the Alton-Wood River Sportsmen’s Club in Godfrey for “The Great Mouse Race Extravaganza." Doors open at...
ALTON - Gordon Moore Park in Alton has undergone many upgrades in the past few weeks. Parks and Recreation Executive Director Lyndsey Younger shared that all eight tennis courts will be resurfaced by Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. Additionally, “a new little playground” was installed by th...
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