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 - 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...
ALTON - Jenna Redman has only been an Alton Redbird for a year, but she’s already making a big impact. For her hard work, Jenna Redman is a Hayner Public Library District Student of the Month for Alton High School. Redman, a freshman, has joined the Student Council. She also participates...
GLEN CARBON - Kaitlyn Foppe is an impressive musician and student. For her achievements, Kaitlyn Foppe is a Student of the Month for Father McGivney Catholic High School. Foppe will graduate within a few days, and she has had an intensely successful run throughout her high school career. She...
GLEN CARBON - William Rakers is an amazing student athlete. For his accomplishments, William Rakers is a Student of the Month for Father McGivney Catholic High School. Rakers, a junior, has played varsity soccer and varsity basketball since his freshman year. He also runs varsity track. It...
GRAFTON - According to Mayor Mike Morrow, Grafton’s soldiers have arrived home. On Monday, May 11, 2026, a small crowd gathered at the site of the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) in Grafton to welcome a truck carrying several life-sized statues. These 500-pound statues will...
HIGHLAND - Ty Jansen has had a fun, busy four years of high school. For his hard work, Ty Jansen is a Platinum Transportation Student of the Month for Highland High School. Jansen is a graduating senior. He has played golf since his freshman year. It takes a lot of responsibility and...
HIGHLAND - As Briea Perkins prepares to graduate, she’s reflecting on a successful high school career. For her accomplishments, Briea Perkins is a Platinum Transportation Student of the Month for Highland High School. Perkins has served on the school’s Student Council for years,...
GODFREY - Gerard Fischer is excited to see how Godfrey will grow in the next few years. Fischer, a village trustee, is also heading the committee overseeing the recreation center. As Godfrey takes more steps towards building a recreation center, he believes the “dream” is becoming...
It’s graduation season, baby, and while I’m not personally donning a cap and gown this year, my baby brother walked across the stage this past weekend. Well, “baby” is sort of a misnomer, as he’s 22 and taller than me and officially a college grad. But as we took...
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