Sydney Sinks, News Reporter

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.

EDWARDSVILLE - Acting Superintendent Dr. Allen Duncan gave an update on the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 transportation study. During the district’s regular meeting of the Board of Education, Duncan explained that the district is working on an analysis of their transportation...
ALTON - The second annual Alton Art Expo is accepting applications now. Scheduled for Sept. 26–27, 2026, at The Old Bakery Beer Company, the Alton Art Expo invites artists from across the region to display and sell their art. This year’s expo is dedicated to artist Tai Davis. Donations...
ALTON/O’FALLON - O’Fallon Township High School students can receive on-site instrument repairs thanks to local Alton business Halpin Music. OTHS recently won a 2026 Advocacy in Action Award from Music for All, recognized in the Community Involvement category for their partnership...
EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 students participated in a polar plunge to raise money for Special Olympics. Throughout the week of March 2–6, 2026, known as Respect Week, students enjoyed activities and conversations centered around inclusion. The week culminated...
It’s wedding season, y’all. And obviously that means it’s an exciting time for me specifically, who isn’t getting married anytime soon but has several friends who are. That’s right. It’s your wedding, but I’m making it all about me. In fact, “making...
EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - The East Alton-Wood River High School bowling team has created a great partnership with the Tyler Timmins Memorial Foundation . On March 14, 2026, the foundation will host their annual trivia night fundraiser in Collinsville. Students from the bowling team will...
EDWARDSVILLE - Local students have the opportunity to advance their technical skills as Ranken Technical College offers a new satellite program in Edwardsville. Students can now complete Ranken’s 16-month Diesel Technology program at the local Schneider facility in Edwardsville. From 4–6...
ALTON - The Episcopal Parish of Alton is celebrating its 190th anniversary this year, and Father Garron Daniels invites the entire community to join them. “For 190 years old, we look pretty good. We’re very happy. We're all so, so excited for this anniversary,” Fr. Daniels...
BETHALTO - A local business is raising money for colorectal cancer awareness, and you can help. One Hale of a Craft, located in Bethalto, has two shirts for sale that aim to raise awareness about colorectal cancer. If you order before March 13, 2026, you will receive your shirt by March 20. Th...
ALTON - The Sierra Club will host their annual Seed Swap this weekend. The Piasa Palisades chapter of the Sierra Club stays busy, but on March 7, 2026, community members can come to one of their biggest events of the year. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Wedge in Alton, the organization will offer...