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 - Community members have the chance to “adopt on the spot” during a 5A’s Animal Shelter event. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, Ted’s Motorcycle World will host all 5A’s dogs for a “Barks and Bikes” adoption event. Attendees can...
BETHALTO - Riley Harshbarger is an impressive student. For her accomplishments, Riley Harshbarger is a DD Homes Network Student of the Month for Civic Memorial High School. Harshbarger, a senior, has played in the marching band, pep band, and percussion ensemble since her freshman year....
EDWARDSVILLE - Students from across Madison County came together for Unified Field Day at Edwardsville High School. On Friday, March 27, 2026, students who participate in Special Olympics enjoyed a morning of activities and sports. Kayla Magruder, who helps oversee Special Olympics at Edwardsville,...
BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School will install a new elevator this year. During the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Board of Education’s regular meeting on March 26, 2026, the Board voted unanimously to release up to $80,000 in Operation and Maintenance Funds for the project....
ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has an exciting spring ahead. As April begins, Executive Director Mary Cordes noted that the spring newsletter hit mailboxes last week and features several upcoming events for families, teens, kids and adults to enjoy. She hopes the activities and programs...
EDWARDSVILLE - David Lipham is a smiling face at Edwardsville High School. For his hard work, David Lipham is a Student of the Month for Edwardsville High School. Lipham, a senior, has always made an impact on his school community by bringing a positive attitude to every day. He exemplifies...
BELLEVILLE - Katelyn Karban is a well-rounded athlete. For her success, Katelyn Karban is a Student of the Month for Althoff Catholic High School. Karban, a senior, has played varsity soccer and varsity volleyball since her freshman year. She has been a varsity volleyball starter for three...
BELLEVILLE - Christian Youngmeyer is a deep thinker. For his hard work, Christian Youngmeyer is a Student of the Month for Althoff Catholic High School. Youngmeyer has competed on the Math Team and Scholar Bowl Team for most of his high school career. He loves pushing himself to come up with...
EAST ALTON - Community members can support United Way at an upcoming trapshoot and barbecue fundraiser. On Friday, April 17, 2026, United Way will host their 18th annual labor fundraiser at Winchester Shooting Facilities in East Alton. The shooting starts at 8 a.m. and goes until 11:30 a.m., and...
I admit it: When Ben Julian of Precision Point Armory announced he wanted to teach me how to shoot a gun, I was a little hesitant. Precision Point Armory , based in Bethalto, offers firearm training, from basic safety refreshers to concealed carry classes. It’s all run by Ben, who has...
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