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 - Alton Middle School will welcome a new athletic director/dean of students for the 2026–2027 school year. During the regular meeting of the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education on Feb. 17, 2026, the Board unanimously approved the appointment of Jalen Williams...
ALTON - During their regular meeting on Feb. 17, 2026, the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education recognized the February Optimist Students of the Month. Sophia Groppel was named the Optimist Student of the Month for Alton Middle School, while Cruz Janis was recognized from...
ALTON - Beverly Woody operates from a place of love. Woody, 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 a licensed social worker, volunteers with her church, serves as a foster parent,...
ALTON - Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski got her share of hugs during a visit to Riverbend Head Start, where she talked about the importance of funding Head Start programs. On Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, Budzinski read a book and completed a craft with a classroom of 3- to 5-year-olds at Riverbend Hea...
EDWARDSVILLE - Woodland Elementary School students commemorated Black History Month by creating a wall of important words. Every morning, the school comes together to recite their “Bobcats on the Prowl” motto and start the day on a positive note. Last week, Principal Andy Williams...
EDWARDSVILLE - Woodland Elementary School fourth graders celebrated Lunar New Year with giant dragon puppets. On Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, the entire Woodland student body gathered in the gym for a special presentation by Page Lee’s fourth grade class. Lee explained that her class has been...
ALTON - Barbara Erwin has gone above and beyond for local kids. Erwin, 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 shared that she spent 15 years teaching in the Alton Community Unit School District...
BETHALTO - Precision Point Armory owner Ben Julian wants to work with people who care about firearm safety. Located in Bethalto, Precision Point Armory offers concealed carry classes, renewal classes, fundamental classes, and more. No matter which class you take, Julian aims to create safe...
WOOD RIVER - Community members and business owners have the opportunity to learn more about security systems at a hands-on security roadshow sponsored by American Digital Security. From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 26, 2026, Rustic Roots in Wood River will host the roadshow. Attendees are encouraged...
ALTON - Community members have the chance to experience a powerful musical performance to start the Lenten season at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. At 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, St. Paul’s will host a performance of Pergolesi’s “Stabat Mater,” a musical rendition...
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