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 local nonprofit is working to support survivors of human/sex trafficking. Tigerlili Resources offers a three-pronged approach to help survivors and their loved ones. Based in Alton, the nonprofit is asking community members to consider donating to their cause so they can fund their...
GRAFTON - Grafton is known for its New Year’s Eve fireworks and fun. Starting on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, and continuing through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, this weekend promises plenty of excitement in Grafton. Paula Jameson, who runs the Enjoy Grafton Facebook page , is eager to see...
PERRY - When Brian White and his wife decided to purchase a wood stove, they had no idea they’d one day be the people selling them. White now owns Backyard Boilers, a wood stove business out of Perry that sells stoves from Central Boiler. He emphasized that comfort, safety and savings ar...
My grandfather died this Christmas. It was a long time coming, to be honest. I’ve been grieving him in little ways for years as he worked his way through all the stages of Alzheimer’s. People always ask if he remembered me. The truth? No, he forgot who I was years ago. But, until...
SAINT LOUIS - When 15-year-old Chase was born, his parents questioned if he’d ever be able to use his hands. In this Christmas season, Chase and his family are so thankful for the miraculous work at Shriner's Children's Hospital in St. Louis that changed his life forever. Chase was born wit...
WOOD RIVER - Riverbend kids had the opportunity to enjoy a shopping spree with the Alton branch of the NAACP. On Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2025, 25 kids from across the Riverbend region met with NAACP leaders at the Wood River Walmart. Each child was paired with an adult and had $200 to spend however...
WOOD RIVER - A local ministry has partnered with a Wood River art gallery to expand its offerings. A Place of Grace, which operates as a combined small business and ministry, will collaborate with Von Dell Gallery and Studios to offer spiritual pastoral care, Reiki, one-on-one coaching, and art...
ALTON - For Brittany Blechle, creating art is “more easy on heart” than almost anything else. Blechle serves as December’s Artist of the Month at Milton Schoolhouse. Her nature paintings and drawings are on display at Milton and available for sale. Self-described as “kind...
BETHALTO - Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 recently celebrated their integrated bowling team. This year, the Civic Memorial High School integrated bowling program had three teams make it to the state championship in Decatur, Illinois, on Dec. 6, 2025. The Bethalto Board of Education...
ALTON - A local attorney breaks down how a lawsuit works and what to expect if you hire a lawyer. Keith Short, with Keith Short & Associates, P.C., in Alton, explained that he can quickly decide whether or not he is going to take a case based on the client’s demeanor. Unlike other lawyers,...
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