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.
RIVERBEND - Democrat Marsie Geldert-Murphey will compete against Republican Erica Harriss in the race to represent the 56th District in the Illinois Senate. Marsie Geldert-Murphey and Kevin Hall, both Democrats, faced each other during the March 17, 2026, primary, and Geldert-Murphey secured...
ILLINOIS - Margaret Croke will run against Bryan Drew for the Illinois comptroller seat. Incumbent Susana Mendoza has decided not to run for reelection. During the March 17, 2026, primary, four Democrats — Margaret Croke, Stephanie Kifowit, Holly Kim and Karina Villa — competed for...
ILLINOIS - Nikki Budzinski will face Jeff Wilson in the race to represent Illinois’s 13th Congressional District during the general election on Nov. 3, 2026. Incumbent Nikki Budzinski has held this office since 2023. Budzinski, a Democrat, was challenged by Democrat Dylan Blaha for the...
ILLINOIS - As spring storms roll in, an Ameren spokesperson is clarifying how Ameren Illinois prepares and responds to storms, damage, and safety concerns. Brian Bretsch with Ameren Illinois noted that the company’s community liaison works closely with local city and county stakeholders...
WOOD RIVER - The Wood River Main Street organization is “very busy” as spring approaches, but that’s exactly how they like it. Executive Director Kristen Burns noted there are many upcoming events that community members can enjoy. She also shared that downtown Wood River is...
ALTON - Alton High School students had the chance to share their experiences and opinions with administrators. During the inaugural Reimagine Alton High Workshop last week, students spoke with each other and administrators about their experiences in Alton Community Unit School District #11. Student...
ALTON - Community members can enjoy a hot meal for a good cause while celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Alton VFW Post #1308 will offer a St. Patrick’s Day meal and DJ. The meal starts at 1 p.m. and costs $10 a plate for corned beef, potatoes, cabbage, carrots...
Isn’t it strange how you’ll be trucking along, living your life, everything normal, and then all of a sudden you’re reminded that time is actually flying? I was reminded of that this week. I’m making some Big Decisions right now. I won’t go into detail yet —...
GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey is learning more about the possibility of building a recreation center. On March 10 and 12, 2026, community members could gather for presentations by four architectural firms. FGM Architects, Farnsworth Group, Baysinger Architects, and AAIC Inc. all presented...
ALTON - Local students will soon have the chance to take robotics classes at Alton Middle School. The Alton Community Unit School District #11 received a $10,000 grant from Project Lead the Way made possible by Phillips 66, which will enable the middle school to offer a robotics program. Principal...
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