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 union carpenter is asking the City of Alton to allow him to rehab a few homes instead of demolishing them. Detraze McElroy owns 3 MC Construction. He shared that he wants the City of Alton to implement a “rehab-first policy” wherein homes are restored instead of demolished....
ALTON - A healthy lifestyle translates directly to a longer life. One local doctor breaks down how to take care of ourselves to maintain health and independence as we age. Dr. Christopher Green with Associated Physicians Group explained that longevity is a major concern for all of his patients....
WOOD RIVER - A local assisted living community held a surprise retirement party for Ms. Connie, a pianist who has performed at the facility for almost 20 years. Connie started as a server at High Point Residence in Wood River in 2008. She began to play piano for the residents after she finished...
BELLEVILLE - This Christmas, a local 14-year-old hopes to celebrate with her forever family — and, soon, her “forever dog.” Belleville’s Kassie, 14, is raising money to adopt a service dog to help manage her seizures. Kassie began experiencing seizures at age 11. On Thanksgiving,...
I had an eventful weekend-before-Christmas weekend, and the fun started with a little car ride on Friday with one of my favorite furry friends. That’s right, I was dog-sitting, and I took the dog to go see Christmas lights. We loaded into the car and I held on tight to Baze The Dog as w...
WOOD RIVER - Allison Schardan knew something was wrong with her 3-year-old son when the normal bumps and bruises of childhood started to intensify. In October, Carsen, a loving, vibrant toddler, began to bruise easily and often. It confused Schardan, who also noticed red dots on his skin, called...
BELLEVILLE - Paige Gehrig cares about being kind. For her hard work, Paige Gehrig is a Student of the Month for Althoff Catholic High School. Gehrig, a senior, has played volleyball since her freshman year. She also joined the yearbook team early on in her high school career. She loves putting...
BETHALTO - Ty Books works hard and leads well. For his success, Ty Books is a DD Homes Network Student of the Month for Civic Memorial High School. Books, a senior, has played soccer since his freshman year and currently serves as the team captain. He also runs track and was a 4x400 state...
EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - Woody Peterson works hard to support his classmates. For his accomplishments, Woody Peterson is a Fischer Lumber Student of the Month for East Alton-Wood River High School. Peterson, a senior, has been a member of the basketball team since his freshman year. He respect...
PIASA - Noel Gray has big plans for the future. For her hard work, Noel Gray is a Student of the Month for Southwestern High School. Gray, a junior, has been a member of the track and field team since her freshman year. She loves to run and enjoys spending time with her teammates. Everyone...
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