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.
A LTON - Alton Animal Control is experiencing a “Code Red,” meaning four of their dogs are at risk of euthanasia unless they can be adopted by Monday, March 16, 2026. Drew Marquis, an animal control officer, explained that they have four dogs who are past the stray hold period, which...
GRAFTON - Grafton has a new veterinarian in town. Grafton Veterinary Services officially opened in January and has quickly grown into a hotspot for local veterinary care. Melissa Walsh, lead veterinary technician, explained that she, Dr. Jacob Maag, and a few other community members came together...
ALTON - OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center will introduce a new support group for parents. Starting in May 2026, psychotherapist Sara Bennett will offer a group that allows parents to connect. This group is targeted toward the parents of teenagers and will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays...
ALTON - Sleep in Heavenly Peace has grown into an international organization with an Alton chapter, and its founder is focused on what they can do next. Luke Mickelson founded Sleep in Heavenly Peace over a decade ago to solve child bedlessness. The organization builds beds and delivers them...
ALTON - Senior Services Plus offers a Rock Steady Boxing program for individuals with Parkinson’s, and the community can come together to celebrate the boxers and learn more about local resources at an upcoming event. From 4–6 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, Senior Services Plus...
ALTON - The McPike Mansion is a beloved landmark in Alton, and its owners are asking for the Riverbend’s help to keep it operational. The mansion, which is known as one of Alton’s most haunted spots, has been in need of a new roof for several years. Owner Sharyn Luedke is hoping t...
ALTON - Community members can join the Irish fun this weekend during Alton’s St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, you can enjoy food and drink specials at over a dozen local bars and restaurants in downtown Alton. There will be a free shuttle...
EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - Community members have the opportunity to support a local Student Council. The East Alton-Wood River High School Student Council will host their first annual Spring Craft Fair on March 28 and 29, 2026. Riverbend residents are encouraged to stop by EAWR High School to sho...
ALTON - Alton High School art students have two major opportunities to exhibit their work. The 2026 Annual High School Art Exhibition, hosted by the Art & Design Department at SIUE, will feature seven Alton students’ pieces, with a closing reception and awards ceremony planned for 5–7...
EDWARDSVILLE - A local high school student has enjoyed a meteoric rise as an entrepreneur. JD Vacca, 17, started Metro East Auto Spa last year. The car detailing service is taking off, and Vacca is proud of his hard work. It’s challenging to be an entrepreneur and a high school student, bu...
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