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.
BETHALTO - Precision Point Armory offers firearm training to create responsible gun owners. Ben Julian, owner of Precision Point, emphasizes safety in everything he does. His classes range from basic fundamentals to concealed carry classes. Julian ultimately wants to make sure people are saf...
ALTON - A few lucky couples can enjoy a special wedding ceremony this Valentine’s Day. On Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, six couples will be married at Vera Lee Meeting and Event Venue in Alton in a series of pop-up weddings. Kirstan Gray, owner of Vera Lee, can’t wait to give couples a...
ALTON - Ava “Vee” Flye is proud of the work she’s done to succeed. For her accomplishments, Ava “Vee” Flye is a Hayner Public Library District Student of the Month for Alton High School. Flye, a junior, has been involved in the school’s theater program...
EDWARDSVILLE - Community members can play with LEGOs for a good cause. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at the Edwardsville American Legion, local philanthropists Danielle and Brandon Adair will host Bricks for Water. This event invites people of all ages to see LEGO displays,...
GODFREY - Don Ehrman at Riverbend Investment Management wants people to know they have options when it comes to planning their financial future. Ehrman explained that his business, located in Godfrey, is focused on helping people manage their finances. He works with clients to plan for retirement...
EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education learned more about the district’s ridership audit amid conversations about changing the school start times and transitioning to a seven-period day at the high school. Over the past year, community members...
HIGHLAND - A local woman has written her first children’s book in a series about a friendly Jeep. Bella Spark is a lifelong Madison County resident who recently discovered her love for off-roading in her Jeep. As she has been empowered by the experience, she decided to write a story for...
BELLEVILLE - CASA of Southwestern Illinois is looking for volunteers to help kids navigate the judicial system. CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, work with kids who have experienced abuse or neglect. Most of these kids are in the foster care system, and CASA volunteers spend time with...
ALTON - Dozens of people gathered in downtown Alton to memorialize Renee Nicole Good, a Minneapolis woman who was shot and killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents last week. On Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, community members met at Lincoln Douglas Square in Alton for a candlelight...
ALTON - A local dietician is sharing how to stay healthy as we enter the new year. Many people make New Year’s resolutions that include weight loss or fitness goals. Rachel Bult, RDN, LDN, Supervisor Dietitian at OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center, encourages people to focus on building...
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