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.
HIGHLAND - Layna Powers is a well-rounded student. For her accomplishments, Layna Powers is a Platinum Transportation Student of the Month for Highland High School. Powers, a senior, has competed on the cross country and track and field teams for three years. She loves running and has completed...
HIGHLAND - Annie Etter works hard to succeed. For her dedication, Annie Etter is a Platinum Transportation Student of the Month for Highland High School. Etter, a senior, has been a leader since early in her high school career. She has served as an Ambassador for two years, guiding underclassmen...
ILLINOIS - Republican Don Tracy is running for the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois, and he recently shared more about his platform, his major concerns, and his plan if he takes office. Tracy previously ran for state senator as a Democrat before he realized his values aligned more closely wit...
ALTON - You can experience a powerful Christmas Cantata service at Main Street United Methodist Church this weekend. At 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, community members are invited to Main Street UMC for the Christmas Cantata service led by Michael and Julia Frazier. Pastor Nick Gleason...
GODFREY - The North Alton-Godfrey Business Council recently hosted their Breakfast With Santa event, and NAGBC President Zeke Jabusch couldn’t be prouder of their work. On Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, community members came together for a hot breakfast and photos with Santa Claus in Godfrey....
RIVERBEND - It’s time to get a jump on those New Year’s resolutions! If you’re feeling the reason for the season and want to help out your community in 2026, keep reading. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities in the Riverbend region that might be a great fit for you. Al...
GODFREY - At the recent Breakfast With Santa event, Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick reflected on a great year in Godfrey. On Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, community members gathered for the 21st annual Breakfast With Santa event, sponsored by the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council. McCormick, a forme...
GODFREY - As the Alton and Godfrey communities prepare to celebrate the holidays, one North Alton-Godfrey Business Council member is reflecting on the year. On Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, NAGBC hosted their annual Breakfast With Santa event to bring families together for a meal with Santa Claus....
GODFREY - Magician John Johnson recently performed at the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council’s annual Breakfast With Santa event. On Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, NAGBC hosted the Breakfast With Santa event to spread holiday cheer and bring families together. Johnson served as the event’s...
ALTON/GRANITE CITY - Community members have the chance to see an enchanting Christmas-themed magic show. Alton Little Theater will host “The Magicians of Christmas — A Holiday Spectacle of Wonder and Illusion!” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12 and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec....
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