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 - Mustache March 4 PD will host their annual Back the Blue event to support local police departments. From 7–11 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, community members are invited to the event at Bluff City Grill for a night of raffles, live music by the Glendale Riders, dancing and camaraderie....
ILLINOIS - As the March 17, 2026, primary approaches, Dylan Blaha (D) is encouraging people to vote for him to represent Illinois’s 13th Congressional District. Blaha highlighted affordability as his biggest concern. He believes in Medicare for all, and he also wants to see more affordable...
ALTON - For Coach Deiondre Riney, the end of this year’s basketball season was bittersweet. Riney coaches the girls’ team at Alton High School. He is proud of his team and the work they put in to succeed. But it will be sad to say goodbye to the team’s seven seniors, all of...
GODFREY - NexGen Fieldhouse will host an open house to celebrate their new business in the Godfrey community. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, community members can stop by NexGen Fieldhouse at 5773 Godfrey Road in Godfrey for giveaways, pictures with Fredbird, and more fun....
GODFREY - Students at Lewis and Clark Community College have an exciting opportunity to complete a four-year degree online at a lower cost through a partnership with Southern Illinois University Carbondale. On Thursday, March 5, 2026, LCCC President Dr. Ken Trzaska and SIU Chancellor Dr. Austin...
S WANSEA - KinderCare Learning Center has officially opened its new location in Swansea, and leaders emphasize that they are much more than a daycare. As an early learning center, KinderCare offers childcare and educational programs for infants, toddlers and preschool-age children. Swansea’s...
WOOD RIVER - A local nonprofit is seeking support as they gear up for Prevent Child Abuse Awareness Month. Refuge 4 Kids works with kids under age 11 who have experienced complex trauma. The organization provides counseling and support for families. On April 30, 2026, they will host their annual...
ALTON - A local young author gave a special presentation at West Elementary School in Alton. Ten-year-old Amoriah Gray is no stranger to book signings and music video shoots. But she got a special opportunity to engage with her peers on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, when she presented her book “Amoriah’s...
EDWARDSVILLE - First graders at Nelson Elementary School in Edwardsville completed their first report on a famous African American for Black History Month. Tamara Johnson has taught first grade for 27 years, and she always assigns a major Black History Month presentation to her students. Not...
ALTON - Alton High School student journalists and artists have a lot to be proud of. On Feb. 25, 2026, the staff of “The Tatler” and “Redbird Word,” the school’s yearbook and newspaper, were recognized by the Southern Illinois Scholastic Press Association. Students...
Did you know Riverbender.com is free for you thanks to our awesome advertisers? We noticed you're using an ad block software. Please give our sponsors some exposure by disabling your ad blocking service for Riverbender.com.
