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 - 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...
COLLINSVILLE - Community members can have fun and support Hope Animal Rescues at their upcoming trivia night. On Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at the Madison County Fireman’s Hall in Collinsville, hundreds of people will come together for a game-themed trivia night to support the nonprofit animal...
GODFREY - The Harman family will once again come together for the 48th Annual Harman Family Bluegrass Show. Hosted by the Harman Family Bluegrass Band, the show is a beloved January tradition for many people in the Riverbend region. This year’s performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday,...
ALTON - Middletown neighbors once again came together to celebrate Twelfth Night with carols, cookies and a bonfire. On Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, residents from the Middletown neighborhood in Alton gathered at Haskell Park. The Alton Fire Department burned donated live Christmas trees, and community...
ALTON - Mac’s Downtown has officially introduced Olga’s products to their menu, and owner Rob Lenhardt can’t wait to share the food with the downtown community and beyond. Starting on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, Mac’s customers can enjoy four Olga’s sandwiches, snackers,...
TROY - Individuals can learn more about roller derby and even join a local team. At 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, community members are invited to Tri-Township Activity Center in Troy for an orientation by Confluence Crush Roller Derby. This team is open to cis and trans women and nonbinary...
ALTON - An Alton native is releasing his memoir. On Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, you can purchase your copy of “Mountains Within: A Life of Achievement, a Quest for Meaning, and the Mountain that Changed Everything” by Dr. Jack Groppel. Raised in Alton, Groppel is a world-renowned...
ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has a busy January ahead. Executive Director Mary Cordes noted that the library is eager to jump back into the swing of things and host several exciting events and programs over the next few weeks. All of their events are free to attend and promise...
COLLINSVILLE/O’FALLON - The Collinsville and O’Fallon communities have rallied to show their support for Terrie “Tracy” Nguyen, a nail salon owner who was murdered on Dec. 27, 2025. Nguyen owned and operated Magic Nails in Collinsville. Visitation will be held from 1–5...
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