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.
I’ve always been a pretty voracious reader. I took a break during college — too many textbooks, too little fiction — but quickly found my way back to the novels I had missed. And now, I’m discovering a new way to maximize my reading time. That’s right, I’m talking...
WORDEN/EDWARDSVILLE - Worden Elementary School met its newest learners during a special “Worden Welcome” event. On Friday, May 1, 2026, second graders from Midway and Hamel Elementary Schools were bused to Worden, where they will attend third grade next year. Students had the chance...
BELLEVILLE - CASA of Southwestern Illinois is looking for volunteers, and they emphasized that anyone can join their work and be a hero for local kids. CASAs, or Court-Appointed Special Advocates, work with kids who have experienced abuse or neglect, most of whom are in the foster care system....
GODFREY - Craig Lombardi, a Village Trustee in Godfrey, believes everyone in town is firing on all cylinders. Lombardi recently stopped by “Our Daily Show” with CJ Nasello to talk about his work as a trustee and the village’s plans for gaming, the rec center and more....
ALTON/GODFREY - Alton High School seniors spent their last day of school together at the park. On Friday, May 1, 2026, the Class of 2026 held a field day at Glazebrook Park, where they enjoyed soccer and basketball games, bounce houses, music, a cookout and more. They also did a “walkout”...
GODFREY - Resurrection Lutheran Church will host their annual spring flea market this weekend. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, community members can stop by Resurrection Lutheran Church at 1211 W. Homer Adams Parkway in Godfrey for the market. You can expect tools, antiques,...
BELLEVILLE - As the weather shifts once again, a lot of people are experiencing allergies. One local physician has advice on how to handle these symptoms — and when to seek treatment. Dr. Angie Harris, a BJC Medical Group family medicine physician at Belleville Memorial Hospital, explained...
ALTON - The Alton VFW Post 1308 invites the community to join them for a special cleanup effort. On Saturday, May 9, 2026, VFW members and the public will come together to pick up litter along Highway 255. Called the Russell E. Dunham Memorial Highway, this portion of 255 is named after a Medal...
ALTON - John Meehan, alderman for Alton’s 5th ward, noted that he feels “generally pretty good” about the city’s direction and all the people he has met. Meehan finished the final two years of former Alderman Charles Brake’s term before being elected to his own ter...
ALTON - Alton Community Unit School District #11 fifth grade students came together for a field day. On Thursday, April 30, 2026, fifth graders from three elementary schools were bused to West Stadium at West Elementary School for the first field day in years. The goal, explained Alton Middle...
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