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.

HIGHLAND - Haley Merkle knows the value of hard work. For her achievements, Haley Merkle is a Platinum Transportation Student of the Month for Highland High School. Merkle, a senior, has been involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization since her freshman year. She stays bus...
HIGHLAND - Jackson Irving works hard and does a lot. For his accomplishments, Jackson Irving is a Platinum Transportation Student of the Month for Highland High School. Irving, a senior, joined the high school’s marching, concert and pep bands as a freshman. He is a major character...
ALTON - Sophie Hull is a determined student whose hard work is paying off. For her achievements, Sophie Hull is a Hayner Public Library District Student of the Month for Alton High School. Hull, a senior, has been a part of the school’s Tatler staff for three years. She currently...
EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - Julie Pitts is a well-rounded student. For her hard work, Julie Pitts is a Fischer Lumber Student of the Month for East Alton-Wood River High School. Pitts, a senior, has been a member of the school’s band since her freshman year. She loves playing music with...
EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - Connor Strebler is an involved student. For his accomplishments, Connor Strebler is a Fischer Lumber Student of the Month for East Alton-Wood River High School. Strebler, a senior, has participated in the school’s band program since ninth grade. He also enjoyed...
I recently found myself at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis, and it was, well, fabulous. I LOVE theater. That’s no secret. I spend every summer in the free seats at the Muny, fascinated by the shows on the stage. But going to the Fox is a real treat. On Friday, I was standing i...
SAINT LOUIS - A new treatment for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder is bringing hope to local patients. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a relatively new treatment offered by Precision TMS. Located in Creve Coeur, Mo., Precision TMS provides TMS and intranasal ketamine...
ALTON - Community members will come together for a candlelight vigil to honor Renee Nicole Good, a Minneapolis woman who was shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer earlier this week. Over 240 people have responded to a Facebook event page inviting community...
ALTON - A group of Alton historians are raising concerns about the Alton Museum of History and Art. Diana Maul Halstead, an Alton native, recently appeared on “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello, wherein she spoke about the museum’s governance and transparency. The museum close...
BETHALTO - Grace Burton balances extracurriculars and academics with grace, no pun intended. For her accomplishments, Grace Burton is a DD Homes Network Student of the Month for Civic Memorial High School. Burton, a senior, has played softball since her freshman year. She also participated...