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.
HIGHLAND - Kenzie Keeler is a well-rounded student. For her accomplishments, Kenzie Keeler is a Platinum Transportation Student of the Month for Highland High School. Keeler, a senior, has worked for the school’s yearbook for the past two years. She was even chosen to be a representative...
You may recall that I recently adopted a cat . Named Astronomer, this gray baby is 5 years old. He came from an animal cruelty situation and was so scared and shy and overwhelmed that he didn’t make much of an impact on those who came to visit at the shelter, so he had been there for ...
ALTON - An Alton resident has decided to run the world’s first “Taco Bell 5K” — the 3.7-mile distance between Taco Bell on Landmarks Boulevard and the Taco Bell on Homer Adams Parkway. On March 21, 2026, Ben Herring plans to consume 1,500 calories at one Taco Bell, run...
ALTON - Tracy Zerwas has used her passion for art to give back. Zerwas, one of the YWCA’s eleven 2026 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. After a 23-year career in the Southwestern Community Unit School District #9 teaching...
EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School agriculture students will celebrate FFA Week, and they invite the community to join them. On Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization will host an ice-skating event from 4–5 p.m. at the R.P. Lumber Center. Students wil...
EDWARDSVILLE - Carlie Niepert works hard at everything she does. For her dedication, Carlie Niepert is a Student of the Month for Edwardsville High School. A junior at EHS, Niepert is a devoted student athlete. She has played field hockey for five years and soccer for four. It takes a lot o...
ALTON - Kathy Wilson helps people through everything she does. Wilson, one of the YWCA’s eleven 2026 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. As the executive director of the Bethalto Boys and Girls Club and a volunteer in variou...
PIASA - Wyatt Lahr has worked hard throughout high school. For his dedication, Wyatt Lahr is a Student of the Month for Southwestern High School. Lahr, a senior, has played on the varsity soccer team for three years. He loves working as a team, and he pushes himself in every practice and game...
EDWARDSVILLE - Anthony Harvey cares about the people around him. For his kindness, Anthony Harvey is a Student of the Month for Edwardsville High School. Despite only being a freshman, Harvey has already made waves at EHS by being an upbeat, energetic presence at the school. He makes it a poin...
EDWARDSVILLE - Small business owners are urging community members to vote yes on a non-binding referendum that would allow video gambling in Edwardsville. The General Primary Election, scheduled for March 17, 2026, will ask Edwardsville voters the following question: “Shall the city of Edwardsville...
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