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.
BETHALTO - Suzie Moore is passionate about helping her students learn. Moore teaches English language arts at Trimpe Middle School in the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she is reflecting on the ways she tries to go above and beyond for students. “...
EDWARDSVILLE - Nathan Novsek works to make PE fun for all students. Novsek teaches PE to third through fifth grade students at Worden and Woodland Elementary Schools in the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7. This Teacher Appreciation Week, he’s remembering why he decided to...
GODFREY - Vitality Women’s Clinic works with individuals experiencing unplanned pregnancies. Their nurse manager, Amy Runyan, shared her story of faith and adoption. Vitality is a pro-life, faith-based clinic that provides free STI and pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and additional resources...
ALTON - Shannon Beloit always knew she wanted to be a teacher. Beloit teaches at the Early Childhood Center in the Alton Community Unit School District #11. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she is reflecting on the decision that brought her to Alton and her love for working with young kids. “Becoming...
ALTON - Tori Lonsdale hopes to inspire her students like her teachers did for her. Lonsdale teaches kindergarten and first grade at Mark Twain School in the Alton Community Unit School District #11. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she’s expressing her gratitude for the people who pushed...
ALTON - Over 40 Alton High School seniors received local scholarships during a special awards night. On Thursday, May 7, 2026, Alton Community Unit School District #11 families came together to celebrate the 41 graduating seniors who were awarded scholarships. Dr. Jordan Anderson, who helped...
RIVERBEND - As families prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day and schools across the region honor their graduates, a few local restaurants have special deals for you to enjoy. Penalty Box Bar and Grill With a huge patio and an expansive menu, Penalty Box Bar and Grill in East Alton is...
ALTON - The beloved Alton Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market kicks off this weekend. From 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday from May 9 through Oct. 17, 2026, community members can stop by the market. Located in the parking lot at the corner of Landmarks Boulevard and Henry Street in downtown...
BETHALTO - Marlee Durbin has an impressive future ahead of her. For her hard work, Marlee Durbin is a DD Homes Network Student of the Month for Civic Memorial High School. Durbin, a senior, has played basketball since her freshman year and also spent a year on the volleyball team. It takes...
BETHALTO - Abigail Harms is graduating with quite a few accomplishments on her resume. For her achievements, Abigail Harms is a DD Homes Network Student of the Month for Civic Memorial High School. Harms, a senior, will graduate summa cum laude in a few days. But in the meantime, she is...
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