Sydney Sinks, News Reporter

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 - Special volunteers were recognized for their service to the Alton Community Unit School District #11. During the Board of Education’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, Superintendent Elaine Kane took a few minutes to share information about the district’s Reach Out...
ALTON - Two representatives from the Alton Education Association spoke about declining morale in the Alton Community Unit School District #11. During their regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, Board of Education members listened as Sara Carter, president of the Alton Education Association, share...
MARYVILLE/FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Parents have the opportunity to receive free breastfeeding support. St. Louis Metro East La Leche League offers free support groups for prospective parents and nursing families. They meet in various locations across the Metro East and also have an online Facebook...
GLEN CARBON - A local chiropractic clinic recently settled an agreement following allegations that the clinic committed fraud. Ryan Cleland and Infinite Wellness Integrative Medical Center in Glen Carbon entered into a $249,258.24 settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human...
ALTON - The Mississippi River Water Trail organization will host their tenth annual Mississippi Meanderings speaker series this weekend. From 12–5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, river paddlers are invited to the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton for a day of community and education....
ALTON - A local businesswoman is hosting a Galentine’s Experience vendor fair to highlight woman-owned businesses, women’s wellness, and more. From 4–8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at Post Commons in Alton, community members can engage with local vendors offering a variety...
GLEN CARBON - Chase Jansen is a go-to leader. For his accomplishments, Chase Jansen is a Student of the Month for Father McGivney Catholic High School. Jansen, a senior, has played basketball since his freshman year. He previously was also a part of the soccer team. It takes a lot of responsibility...
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS - A local nonprofit is doing everything they can to keep pets in their homes. The Infinity Project is based out of Marion but serves all of Southern Illinois. As a new nonprofit, they offer low-cost microchipping, a pet food bank, emergency veterinary support and more so people...
Over ten years ago, in a moment of teenage angst, I decided to rebel against my parents the best way I knew how. My father is a rock-n-roller, a guitarist who has played gigs in a Guns N' Roses tribute band, who taught me to say “I love RUSH” as one of my first full sentences. In short,...
MARYVILLE - The Village of Maryville has an exciting year ahead, according to Mayor Wayne White. White recently stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to detail Maryville’s upcoming infrastructure projects, appreciation programs and more. He is proud of the town...