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 - Future healthcare workers at Civic Memorial High School were celebrated with a special signing ceremony. On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 16 senior students at Civic Memorial were recognized as they committed to careers in healthcare. Teacher Angie Parish, who oversees the immersive Medical...
ALTON - Alton Middle School was recently named a Capturing Kids’ Hearts Showcase School, which is a major accomplishment for the Alton Community Unit School District #11. Principal Dr. Brian Saenz explained that the middle school has subscribed to the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program...
ALTON - Community members can check out local resources and speak with expert panelists at an upcoming Mental Health Awareness Educational Workshop. From 3–5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Alton Square Mall outside of Hayner Library, community resources will gather to share information...
ALTON - Sacred Spaces of CARE will offer a free situational awareness training for people who want to learn basic self-defense techniques. From 10–11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, community members can come to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for the training, hosted by Sacred Spaces...
GLEN CARBON - Kindergarteners at Glen Carbon Elementary School learned more about how to identify and report bullying. On Monday, April 20, 2026, school counselor Emily Webb stopped in the kindergarten classrooms for a conversation about bullying prevention. The Edwardsville Community Unit School...
ALTON - Community members are invited to the Pop-Up Clothing Swap to trade out clothes and keep textiles out of the landfills. From 12–4 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2026, Alton Main Street will host their annual Pop-Up Clothing Swap in the ballroom at Mineral Springs Mall. You can bring ol...
GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey will host two of their biggest events this weekend. On Saturday, April 25, 2026, community members can stop by Glazebrook Park for the Annual Youth Fishing Derby and Arbor Day Celebration. Both events speak to the Parks and Recreation Department’s efforts...
BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School recently celebrated 10 seniors who will pursue a career in education. On Friday, April 17, 2026, Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 administrators, teachers and families gathered at Civic Memorial for a signing ceremony. Ten seniors will go on to...
EDWARDSVILLE - Community members have the chance to celebrate the Kentucky Derby with a delicious twist at 1818 Chophouse. From 3:30–10 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, 1818 Chophouse in Edwardsville will host a Derby Day party so attendees can enjoy the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby,...
Okay, I did not master painting. But I did paint this weekend, and I have to say, my skills improved considerably as the days went by. To clarify, I was painting walls, not pictures. So I didn’t do much in the way of artistry. I was recently put in charge of painting an entire house,...
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