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 - Keith Short has practical advice for people before their first appointment with a lawyer. Short, who owns Keith Short and Associates in Alton, encourages his clients to come into every first meeting with an open mind and as much information as they can. This can help your case start...
GODFREY - St. Ambrose Catholic School recently celebrated Catholic Schools Week with a volleyball game, a basketball contest, and reminders that the students can always count on their Catholic education as they prepare to enter high school. Several eighth grade students recently stopped...
ALTON - As Duke Bakery gears up for its 75th anniversary, co-owner Ben Hollis is proud of the work they do to engage with the community. Hollis shared that he has been going on a “Baker Ben tour” to local schools and libraries to read to kids. Duke also implemented free breakfast...
ALTON - Duke Bakery will introduce a mobile food trailer for parties and events. Starting in June 2026, the bakery will have a trailer that can travel to homes and event venues so you can enjoy your Duke Bakery favorites during special occasions. Ben Hollis, co-owner of Duke, shared that th...
ALTON - State Representative Amy Elik reflected on her plans for the year as the midterm election approaches. In a recent interview on “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello , Elik pledged to focus on policies that will make life more affordable for District #111 residents. She emphasized...
COTTAGE HILLS - Community members have a unique opportunity to play pickleball while fundraising for an ambulance. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation will host a Duck Pluckers Pickleball Tournament at Grip & Sip in Cottage Hills. Participation...
ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has something for everyone this month, from cooking to Valentine’s Day programs and more. Executive Director Mary Cordes explained that the library is committed to providing the community with free, fun activities and experiences, in addition...
ALTON - If you’re a history buff, you’re in luck. The Hayner Public Library District has a few history-centered events planned for the month ahead. The library will offer “The Vintage Voices Players: The Lovejoy Legacy” on Feb. 12, 2026, followed by “George...
EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 unanimously approved asbestos abatement bid packages for Lincoln Middle School. During the Board’s regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, the Board discussed renovation and demolition at Lincoln Middle School to abate th...
EDWARDSVILLE - During the regular meeting of the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education, Acting Superintendent Dr. Allen Duncan shared information about the district’s scores on the 5Essentials Survey. The 5Essentials Survey is an anonymous assessment developed...
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