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 few community members are coming together to make a difference, and you can help. Becca Mesey and her team will host their fifth annual Back the Backstoppers fundraiser on Sept. 12, 2026, at Bowl Haven in Alton. Attendees can bowl in a nine-pin tournament and enjoy a craft fair while...
BETHALTO - The Bethalto Fire Department will once again host its annual homecoming carnival, and they encourage people to mark their calendars now for a fun weekend. On Sept. 4–7, 2026, Labor Day weekend, community members can enjoy carnival rides and games, live music, food, vendors, an...
ALTON - Community members can learn more about estate planning and taxes at an upcoming free dinner seminar. At 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Stephens Planning and Goldenberg Heller & Antognoli, P.C., will host the seminar at The Wedge in Alton. Curtis Stephens and Mark Goldenberg emphasized...
WOOD RIVER - Chestnut Health Systems was founded in 1973, and it wasn’t long before the organization became one of the largest providers of substance use, behavioral health and physical health treatments in the Riverbend region. Started in “a modest house” on West Chestnut Stree...
ALTON - OSF St. Anthony’s will host a free Mental Health First Aid training for community members. On July 10, 2026, Riverbend residents can join a hybrid Mental Health First Aid training to learn how to respond when someone is having a mental health or substance use crisis. Rachel Yuhas...
ALTON - Alton High School’s girls volleyball team will host a trivia night fundraiser so they can support opportunities for their athletes. On Friday, June 12, 2026, community members can gather at the Owl’s Club in Alton for the trivia night. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event...
WOOD RIVER - Wood River Main Street will celebrate its National Main Street accreditation and kick off the season with a summer social event. At 3 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, community members are invited to the Wood River Business Alliance’s office at 61 East Ferguson Avenue in downtown...
WOOD RIVER - Wood River’s annual summer farmer's market opens this week. From 4–7 p.m. on Thursdays starting June 11, 2026, through Sept. 24, 2026, Wood River Main Street will host their farmer's market in the downtown lots at Madison Avenue and First Street. Community members...
I recently took my cat to the vet, and it was harrowing for us all. I will say right away, my cat — Astronomer, or Murr for short — is okay! He had a weird scab on his tail and he needed some yearly shots. It was basically a checkup. I might’ve overreacted to the scab thing....
ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District and Jacoby Arts Center announced that the Little Free Art Library at Olin Park is no longer available due to vandalism. The Little Free Art Libraries were created through a collaboration between Hayner Library, Jacoby Arts Center, and Lewis and Clark...
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