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.
RIVERBEND - Former Edwardsville Township Supervisor Kevin Hall hopes to represent the 56th District in the Illinois State Senate. Hall (D) is gearing up for the primary on March 17, 2026. He recently stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello to talk through his goals for the...
RIVERBEND - Super Bowl LX is in the books, and the Seattle Seahawks emerged victorious over the New England Patriots. But what does this mean for local fans of the sport and watchers of the game? Locally, people rooted for both teams. The Riverbend celebrated and mourned in equal measure when...
EDWARDSVILLE - Local LEGO amateurs and enthusiasts can come together for a day of brick-building fun that supports access to clean drinking water. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at the Edwardsville American Legion, Danielle and Brandon Adair will host Bricks for Water. This...
ALTON - Alton Area Church Women United will host their annual community Lenten services while giving back to local nonprofits. Starting on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, and continuing through Good Friday on April 3, 2026, community members are invited to attend 30-minute Lenten services every...
ALTON - Riverbend residents have the chance to learn more about Alton’s Black community throughout Black History Month. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 9 through 28, 2026, community members can stop by Alton City Hall to view an expansive collection of Black History Month artifacts, newspaper...
I recently enjoyed Galentine’s Day with my gals, and it was a blast. Let me explain. Galentine’s Day is a play on Valentine’s Day, except you spend it with your girlfriends rather than your partner. It’s basically just an excuse to hang out with your buddies with a pink-and-red...
GRAFTON - As Valentine’s Day approaches, the people and businesses in Grafton welcome visitors to enjoy a weekend of hotel stays, restaurant specials and more fun. Paula Jameson, who oversees Enjoy Grafton , and Jacqi Kamp, owner of Spring Hollow Hideaway , noted that Valentine’s...
COLLINSVILLE - Community members can enjoy a sweet night while supporting a local church’s work. At 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, St. John’s United Church of Christ will host their annual “Death By Chocolate” fundraiser, complete with a silent auction, live music, an...
GODFREY - A local playwright is ready to share her latest work with the community. “A Lil Sugar Will Do,” written by Leah Becoat and produced by 3 Purple Coats Productions, will premiere at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Hatheway Hall on the Lewis...
EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville’s Leclaire Elementary School celebrated its 100th day of student attendance with activities, prizes and more fun. On Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, the kindergarteners, first graders and second graders came prepared, dressed as 100-year-olds or pirates who “arrrr”...
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