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.
BETHALTO - Riverbend residents have the opportunity for a unique Christmas experience in Bethalto. Bethalto Christmas Village features lights strung throughout Central Park, hot chocolate, s’mores, vendors, visits with Santa and more. Food costs a few dollars, but walking through the...
EDWARDSVILLE - Fans of the hit TV show “Friends” have a unique, “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to see some of the original props in Edwardsville. EXO Lounge’s Christmas pop-up, titled “The One With the Christmas Pop-Up,” runs through Dec. 31, 2025....
BUNKER HILL - Shelly Wuellner, Vice President of the Illinois School Nutrition Association, wants to make sure no child goes hungry at school. Wuellner has met with several local politicians to advocate for free school breakfasts and lunches for students. She has traveled to Washington, D.C.,...
This past weekend, everyone was out of the office for a few days to celebrate Thanksgiving. And now that Turkey Day is over, winter is officially here, with plenty of snow and Christmas decorations around town to prove it. How’d you spend your Thanksgiving? Mine was complicated this...
SAINT LOUIS - Winterfest has returned to St. Louis. Gateway Arch Park Foundation will host Winterfest from now until Jan. 11, 2026, in Kiener Plaza. Complete with ice skating, igloos, lights, markets, special events and more, Winterfest promises to be a fun experience for families and couples...
JERSEYVILLE - You can share the magic of Christmas with your little ones while helping a local nonprofit. Starting on Thursday, Nov. 27, through Dec. 26, 2025, the North Pole Elf Hotline invites kids to call into the hotline every day for an updated message about what’s happening in...
ALTON - Rosetta “Rosie” Brown, Alton Alderwoman of the Fourth Ward, hopes to represent District 111. Brown (D) has challenged incumbent State Representative Amy Elik (R) for the position. In a recent interview on “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello , Brown spoke...
JERSEYVILLE - Kids can enjoy a special visit with Santa this holiday season. From 6–8 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 13, 2025, Got Faith? Ministry in Jerseyville will host a free visit with Santa where kids can chat with the man himself, make their own toy, and pick out a gift for their caregivers....
WOOD RIVER - The Holiday Traditions Night Market promises tons of fun in downtown Wood River. From 4–7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, community members can enjoy a vendor fair, carriage rides, s’mores and hot cocoa, visits with Santa, a petting zoo and a Christmas tree lighting...
ALTON - There’s a new church in Alton with a unique mission. At 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, you can experience the first official service of Confluence Faith Community at The Conservatory in Alton. Lead Pastor Kyle and Lay Minister Peggy shared that they wanted to create a space that’s...
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