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 ninth annual Trinity Fest promises 12 hours of music and a new after-hours experience. On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the organization Trinity’s Way will host Trinity Fest at Milton Schoolhouse in Alton. Local bands will play music from noon to midnight. Twenty spots are also available...
TROY - The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce will host their first workshop to help people boost their presentation, networking, and facilitation skills. Titled “Business Builder Series: Presenting, Networking and Leading with Impact Workshop,” The event is planned...
PIASA - McKayla Fisher is a natural leader. For her accomplishments, McKayla Fisher is a Student of the Month for Southwestern High School. Fisher, a junior, has participated in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization since her freshman year. She was recently elected as the chapter...
PIASA - Samantha Stormer is a dedicated student athlete. For her hard work, Samantha Stormer is a Student of the Month for Southwestern High School. Stormer is a senior and will be graduating in the next few days. She has had a successful high school career. She has played basketball since...
ALTON - From an art gallery’s expansion to a local church’s anniversary celebration, downtown Alton has a busy summer ahead. Community members gathered for the “What’s Up Downtown” quarterly information exchange on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at The Wedge in Alton. Hosted...
EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School recently took home first place in the IHSA Journalism State Final. Amanda Thrun, who teaches English and oversees the student publications at EHS, took several students to the state competition in Bloomington last month. Students competed with the top hig...
ALTON - Martha Pfister, alderwoman for Alton’s Ward 2, says it’s “an exciting time” in the City of Alton. As summer approaches, Pfister is spending more time in her ward and paying attention to the sidewalk infrastructure and the homes. She stressed the importance of listenin...
EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - Mark Maendele has spent 30 years teaching at East Alton-Wood River High School, and as he prepares to retire, he’s following his own advice to “smell the roses.” Every year, Maendele takes his students outside and gives his famous Smell the Roses speech....
ALTON - From food trucks and a rock-climbing wall to archery and information booths, you can enjoy it all at REC Fest. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rivers Project will host REC Fest at the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton. This free festival...
ALTON - May is Stroke Awareness Month, and a local nurse has advice on how to identify a stroke and how to care for yourself or your loved one after a stroke occurs. Brittany Best, BSN, RN, serves as the stroke navigator at OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center. In this role, she works closely...
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