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.
This Father’s Day, I got to thinking about my own pops. The man, the myth, the legend is a mustachioed rock n roller who loves bourbon and grilling. I’m told we look alike, mustache aside. We are similar people in a way that isn’t obvious at first. But it’s in the way...
ALTON - Several organizations came together for a patriotic beautification project in downtown Alton. There are currently 100 American flags hanging along Broadway, State and Third Streets in downtown Alton to mark America’s 250th anniversary. These flags were installed ahead of the 25...
JERSEYVILLE - The City of Jerseyville has several more “Rock the Block” performances planned, and the community is invited to come out and enjoy. From 6–9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026, Nashville recording artist Mattie Schell — a Jerseyville native — will return...
ALTON - Over 80 people gathered at Alton Cemetery for a grave restoration workshop. On Friday, June 19, 2026, community members from across the Greater St. Louis region traveled to the cemetery for the workshop, hosted by Atlas Preservation 48 State Tour. Jonathan Appell, founder of Atlas Preservation...
ALTON - Alton Pride has announced its four scholarship winners and encourages the community to support the organization’s work so they can do more. As the LGBTQ+ community celebrates Pride Month in June, Alton Pride is gearing up for its fifth annual Pride Festival in September. The organization...
COLLINSVILLE - The City of Collinsville will celebrate the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle with a major festival this weekend. From 2–7 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in uptown Collinsville, the community will come together for a car show, vendor fair, live music, contests, games...
BETHALTO - Villa Rose Senior Living Community is a completely unique independent living experience. Executive Director Cindy Cannon explained that the community, located in Bethalto, combines independent living with supportive services. She believes the “family” feel, shared by both...
GODFREY - As Vitality Women’s Clinic prepares to conclude their Baby Bottle Campaign, Executive Director Jackie Duty emphasized the importance of giving toward the organization’s work. Vitality is a pro-life, faith-based pregnancy clinic that provides free pregnancy and STI testing,...
ILLINOIS - SFC Victor Hernandez with the Illinois Army National Guard wants community members to know that the military is an option for them. “It’s completely changed my life,” he said. “It’s just been awesome.” Hernandez joined the National Guard 18 years...
ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education recently heard from community members about the Reimagine Alton initiative that encouraged community involvement. During their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the Board listened as community leaders Damian Jones...
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