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.
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...
GRAFTON - The National Memorial of Military Ascent will be officially dedicated this weekend. On Saturday, June 6, 2026, community members are invited to the NMMA site at the Grafton Visitors Center to celebrate the completion of the project’s first phase. The dedication ceremony begins...
ALTON - The Alton River Dragons opened their home season on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, against Dubois County Bombers. They have another game at home tonight, June 3, where they will honor local first responders and play Cape Girardeau with a 6:35 p.m. start. In a recent appearance on “Our...
ALTON - Riverbend residents can help restore gravestones at Alton Cemetery. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, Atlas Preservation 48 State Tour will offer a workshop teaching people how to clean and restore graves. Sponsored by the Episcopal Parish of Alton and the Alton Cemetery,...
SAINT LOUIS - The entire region is invited to the 26th annual Pond-O-Rama water garden tour sponsored by the St. Louis Water Garden Society. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 27 and 28, 2026, community members can tour 23 gardens at homes across the Greater St. Louis region. The goal is to raise...
ALTON - The Summer Reading Program at Hayner Public Library District has officially started. This year’s theme, “Unearth a Story,” is focused on dinosaurs and archeology. Now through the first week of July, each day features an event for kids and teens to enjoy. Executive...
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