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.
BETHALTO - Keagan Thomas works toward her goals. For her accomplishments, Keagan Thomas is a DD Homes Network Student of the Month for Civic Memorial High School. Thomas, a senior, is a well-rounded student athlete. She plays volleyball and soccer, and she also participates on the cheerleading...
GLEN CARBON - Natalie Beck is an impressive student athlete. For her hard work, Natalie Beck is a Student of the Month for Father McGivney Catholic High School. Beck, a senior, plays varsity soccer and varsity tennis through the school. She previously played varsity basketball as well. It take...
GLEN CARBON - Izzy Wade is a natural leader. For her accomplishments, Izzy Wade is a Student of the Month for Father McGivney Catholic High School. Wade, a senior, is a member of National Honor Society, which requires high grades and many hours of community service. Giving back to the community...
BELLEVILLE - Pierre “PJ” Walton is good at what he does. For his success, PJ Walton is a Student of the Month for Althoff Catholic High School. Walton, a senior, has been wrestling for six years. This is his first year on the wrestling team at Althoff, and he has already made a...
BELLEVILLE - Elyse Myatt is a natural leader. For her hard work, Elyse Myatt is a Student of the Month for Althoff Catholic High School. Myatt, a senior, has played varsity girls’ soccer for four years. She also joined the swim team as a freshman. It takes a lot of commitment to balance...
EDWARDSVILLE - Stridin’ and Survivin’ will host their annual dinner auction to raise money for gas cards for cancer patients. From 6–11 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, community members can join the organization at The Moose Lodge in Edwardsville for a night of silent...
HAMEL/EDWARDSVILLE - Students at Edwardsville elementary schools had a special visit from a new children’s book author, but for Hamel Elementary School Principal Matt Sidarous, the experience was a reunion with an old friend. On Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, author Zach von Zonk read his book...
ALTON - From talks with award-winning authors to artificial intelligence FAQs and more, Hayner Public Library District will offer a variety of programs in the next month. Executive Director Mary Cordes joked that the spring newsletter — which will hit mailboxes in the next few weeks...
ALTON/GODFREY - Local men can come together for a workout group that aims to promote fitness, fellowship and faith. F3 Nation is a nationwide workout program, but a local chapter has created a tight-knit community here in the Riverbend. The men will work out together, give each other nicknames,...
ALTON - The Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club is expected to welcome hundreds of people to their 40th annual Chili Chowdown event. On Monday, March 2, 2026, community members could stop by Main Street United Methodist Church in Alton from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 4:30–7 p.m. for a chili meal. A $10...
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