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 - Alton High School students will have the opportunity to take a few new courses next school year. During the Dec. 16, 2025, regular meeting of the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education, the Board unanimously approved the high school’s plan to offer Health Careers...
HIGHLAND - Community members can enjoy a unique New Year’s Eve pool party at Korte Rec Center in Highland. Kids and families are invited to swim in the heated pool, play games, get their faces painted, bounce in the bounce house, enjoy special NYE concessions, and watch two beach ball...
ALTON - Dream Home Charities has completed its 17th year of giving Christmas gifts to families in need across the Riverbend. Sherry Gilleland, who started the Dream Home Charities Christmas initiative, explained that the organization collects donations to provide toys, clothing, hygiene products...
ALTON - K Miller Foundation founder Kidada Miller is pleased to announce that their toy giveaway is completely full. From 12–3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at the Mineral Springs Banquet Center in Alton, those who have registered can pick out toys and turkeys. Miller said that every...
PIASA - Madelyn Gordon is a high-achieving student. For her accomplishments, Madelyn Gordon is a Student of the Month for Southwestern High School. Gordon, a senior, has played volleyball and soccer for eight years. She also participates on the cross country team. She is a member of the Fellowship...
ALTON - A local woman recently embarked on the trip of a lifetime when she helped decorate the White House for Christmas. Christy Schaper, hailing from Alton, was invited to decorate the White House in Washington, D.C., for the Christmas holiday. Schaper expressed her appreciation for the...
EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - Gina Truax is a well-rounded student. For her hard work, Gina Truax is a Fischer Lumber Student of the Month for East Alton-Wood River High School. Truax, a senior, has been named Most Valuable Player for the track team twice. She also qualified for state and nationals....
MORO/EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Board did not approve a solar project in Moro during their regular meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. Larry and Charlene Bandy have requested a special use permit to develop a commercial solar energy facility in an agricultural district in Moro Township....
BELLEVILLE - Lorne Green III is a well-rounded student. For his accomplishments, Lorne Green III is a Student of the Month for Althoff Catholic High School. Green, a senior, plays football and basketball at Althoff Catholic. It takes a lot of responsibility and dedication to balance sports and...
PIASA - Addy Walden knows what it means to work hard. For her accomplishments, Addy Walden is a Student of the Month for Southwestern High School. Walden, a junior, has played varsity volleyball and soccer throughout her high school career. She loves challenging herself to be better in every...
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