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.
GODFREY - Vitality Women’s Clinic has several volunteer opportunities available. Vitality Women’s Clinic is a pro-life, faith-based pregnancy center that works with individuals experiencing unplanned pregnancies. Executive Director Jackie Duty, Center Manager Lori Saunders, and...
GLEN CARBON - Gretchen Ertel gives 110% to everything she does. For her hard work, Gretchen Ertel is a Student of the Month for Father McGivney Catholic High School. Ertel, a senior, serves as the Joan of Arc House Leader. This position requires a lot of responsibility, which Ertel demonstrates....
GLEN CARBON - Matthew Halbrook is a natural leader. For his accomplishments, Matthew Halbrook is a Student of the Month for Father McGivney Catholic High School. Halbrook, a senior, is a captain of the varsity boys volleyball team and serves as a huddle leader with the Fellowship of Christian...
ALTON - Seventy-five Alton High School juniors were inducted into the National Honor Society, a major accomplishment. On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, families and staff members crowded the school’s auditorium to watch the induction ceremony. Advisor Angela Laaker noted that the organization...
ALTON - Graceful Treasures will kick off their flea market season this weekend. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, community members can stop by the warehouse at Milton Schoolhouse for a flea market sponsored by the vintage store Graceful Treasures. Owner Kimberly Grace encourages...
ELSAH - Principia College will host their annual Dance Production with the theme “Seasons of Life” this weekend. At 8 p.m. on April 16, 17 and 18, 2026, and 2 p.m. on April 18, 2026, community members can come to the Duvall Theatre in the McVay Center for the Performing Arts on Principia’s...
GODFREY - A local physician assistant has some advice on how to manage your health this spring, whether you’re navigating allergies, experiencing increased stress levels, or simply trying to make the healthiest choices you can. Lucas Edwards works for OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center...
ALTON - A local wiffleball tournament will raise money for a Marquette Catholic High School scholarship in honor of Jack Warren. At 10 a.m. on May 30, 2026, community members will come together for Wifflefest, an annual 2v2 tournament for players of all ages, genders and abilities. Noah Fahnestock,...
SAINT LOUIS - As more people choose nursing as a “second career,” leaders at Goldfarb School of Nursing and BJC encourage students to consider their programs. Dr. Angela Clark, the president of Goldfarb School of Nursing, explained that Goldfarb is part of the BJC system. They offer...
ALTON - The Alton Owl’s Club will host their annual rummage sale and bake sale to raise money for their work. From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, and 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, community members can support the Owl’s Club at the sale at 227 Blair Avenue...
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