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 Main Street promotes the revitalization of downtown Wood River, and Executive Director Kristen Burns is pleased to see their efforts growing. “Wood River is hopping,” Burns said. “It’s been dead for so long. We had some momentum a couple of year...
ALTON - During their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education approved a couple of key appointments. Starting this next school year, Michelle Sherwin will serve as the K–8 Behavior Systems Support Specialist, and Rebecca Hulle...
ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education recognized two students as Optimist Students of the Month. During their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the Board honored Alton Middle School student Caidyn Bey and Early Childhood Center student Zaiden Carter fo...
EDWARDSVILLE - A crowd gathered at the Glen-Ed Food Pantry for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the construction of their new building. On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the Glen-Ed Food Pantry officially broke ground on their new facility, located next door to the current site at 125 Fifth Avenu...
EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School students who are learning American Sign Language visited Goshen Elementary School to read and sign stories to kindergarten classes. On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the high schoolers spent an hour reading their favorite children’s books to the kids and...
ALTON - One of the longest-running Memorial Day parades in the country will once again take to the streets of Alton. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026. The route runs up College Avenue and through Upper Alton. Organizers Steve and Greg with the East End...
ALTON - Riverbend residents can join the 21st annual Memorial Day Sunset Ceremony to pay tribute to service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. At 6:30 p.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026, a group will gather at Alton National Cemetery for a ceremony featuring veteran speaker Josep...
ALTON - The Miles Davis Jazz Festival invites the community to celebrate the famous jazz musician’s 100th birthday. At 6 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, the weekend kicks off with a free mini block party at the Miles Davis statue next to Catdaddy’s in downtown Alton. Attendees can enjoy...
Well, Riverbend, it’s official. I’m moved in. Mostly, anyway. If you recall, I’ve spent the past few weeks painting walls and planning my garden and just generally being giddy about my newfound homeownership. But as I waited for my apartment lease to expire, I hadn’t...
ALTON - Alton Community Unit School District #11 families will register their children in person this year as an opportunity to connect families with school resources. In late July, parents and caregivers will stop by the Alton High School gymnasium for in-person registration. Families must...
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