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 - Dr. Tracy Webster-Cooley is dedicated to helping people manage their mental health. Webster-Cooley, 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. She works as an assistant professor at SIUE’s...
COLLINSVILLE - A local woman is making waves through an online initiative that aims to spread epilepsy awareness. Allany Muniz remembers her mother trying to find answers online after Muniz was diagnosed with epilepsy. Now, the Collinsville woman is providing her own explanations through “Diary...
ALTON - Community members can enjoy a day of fun while supporting a local man undergoing cancer treatments. Scott and Melanie Richardson have organized Scott’s Freedom from Cancer Benefit on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at the Alton VFW Post #1308. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can stop by the...
ALTON - Dr. Tandra Taylor is intentional about her work to help students. Taylor, 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. She works as an assistant professor of history and serves as the Assistant...
ALTON - Riverbend residents came together for a conversation about homelessness and the needs of unhoused community members. On Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, community leaders, representatives from nonprofits, and people experiencing homelessness met at First Presbyterian Church in Alton for two listening...
EDWARDSVILLE - A former Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 teacher is asking community members to support her at the upcoming Board of Education meeting after she says she was unfairly targeted by the district. Last year, Jade Hinnen made headlines for a TikTok campaign that encouraged...
EDWARDSVILLE/GRANITE CITY - The Madison County Board chose to postpone the vote that would decide whether Arena Libra Solar can build a commercial solar energy facility in Nameoki Township near Granite City. During the Board’s regular meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, the Board was aske...
ALTON - Community members can enjoy a day of free activities, crafts, demonstrations and recreational fun at the National Great Rivers Museum. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, the National Great Rivers Museum (NGRM) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will host their fifth...
ALTON - As parishioners filed into St. Mary’s Catholic Church for their Ash Wednesday Mass, Father Nathan Marzonie, OMV, reflected on what the church means to the community. On Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, community members gathered at St. Mary’s at several times during the day to worship...
ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education recognized several students in the Alton High School music program. During the Board’s regular meeting on Feb. 17, 2026, Choir Director Leah Galbraith and Assistant Band Director Chuck Willard introduced several students...
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