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 - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 has raised over $11,000 to help local kids battling childhood cancer. During the Board of Education’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Rene Hart commended elementary school student...
EDWARDSVILLE - Damon Davis works hard as a student athlete. For his dedication, Damon Davis is a Student of the Month for Edwardsville High School. Davis, a sophomore, plays football and participates on the track and field team. This means he has an incredibly busy schedule, but he enjoys every...
EDWARDSVILLE - Maeve Durkee is a go-to leader. For her accomplishments, Maeve Durkee is a Student of the Month for Edwardsville High School. Durkee, a junior, enjoys playing field hockey. She joined the District #7 orchestra program eight years ago and still loves playing viola as part of the...
ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 has a new Director of Student Services. The Board of Education has unanimously approved the appointment of Angela Kuchnicki to the role, effective May 1, 2026. During the Board’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, Kuchnicki expressed...
ALTON - A special education teacher has gone above and beyond to support students by creating a food bank at Alton High School. Tammy Wood, who teaches at AHS, recently collaborated with students, staff members, and the St. Louis Area Foodbank to create the Bird Loft. During the Alton Community...
PIASA - Brianna Smith balances academics and athletics with grace. For her dedication, Brianna Smith is a Student of the Month for Southwestern High School. Smith, a senior, started cheerleading years ago. She loves the athleticism and hard work that it requires. Every practice, game and competition...
MADISON COUNTY - As Madison County Clerk Linda Andreas prepares for the primary election on March 17, 2026, she reflected on her work over the past several years. Andreas, a Republican, was elected to the Madison County Clerk position in 2022. In this role, she has purchased new tabulators...
PIASA - Madie Egelhoff commits to bettering her community every day. For her hard work, Madie Egelhoff is a Student of the Month for Southwestern High School. Egelhoff, a senior, has been a part of the band and colorguard program at Southwestern since she was a freshman. She currently serves...
CASEYVILLE - Robin Plantz has turned a difficult situation into a chance to help others. On Christmas Eve, Plantz will distribute 150 stockings and backpacks to unhoused community members across the Riverbend region. Named Cloudia’s Christmas after Plantz’s mother, the tenth annual...
EDWARDSVILLE - During their regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a separation agreement with former Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton. Shelton was suspended with pay on Sept. 25, 2025, amid...
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