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.
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...
ALTON - Karen Crites, a teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic School, was recently named the Most Inspirational Teacher in the Riverbend. The Boys and Girls Club of Alton hosted their annual Boots ‘n Bandanas fundraiser in November and declared Crites the winner of this prestigious award....
ALTON - St. Mary’s Catholic School will host an open house so families can learn more about the school and the education it provides. From 12–2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2025, community members are invited to St. Mary’s elementary school in Alton to meet with teachers, tour...
It’s a new year, and that means I’m a new person! Or so I like to pretend. Every New Year’s, I reflect on all I did and didn’t do in the previous year, and then I come up with a few resolutions for me to focus on in the next year. I always approach the new year with false...
SAINT LOUIS - Sue Greenberg didn’t necessarily set out to transform the art scene in St. Louis, but she has had quite the impact. As she wraps up her 39-year career with St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts , Greenberg reflected on the years she spent as the executive...
ALTON - Community members have a unique opportunity to see award-winning photography at Elysian Gallery this weekend. Like many small businesses in the downtown Alton shopping district, Elysian Gallery has created a special experience for the 17th annual Alton Eagle Ice Festival . Throughout...
RIVERBEND - RiverBender.com , Raging Rivers WaterPark and Shivers Frozen Custard thank all who participated in their annual Holiday Lights Contest and congratulate the three winners. “We’re so proud of our community for showing up and celebrating the holidays with us,”...
ALTON - The Alton Eagle Ice Festival promises plenty of fun this weekend. From 5–10 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, various locations across Alton will host Eagle Ice Fest events and fun. Grace Sakry with Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau...
ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District is considering building a new building. Executive Director Mary Cordes gives an update. Earlier this year, the library announced that they were considering a new building to better serve the 46,000 community members living in Alton, Godfrey and...
ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has a busy January ahead. Executive Director Mary Cordes stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello to talk through the month’s programs and events. She hopes patrons come to the library to engage with their materials and experience...
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