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 Hayner Public Library district has “got a whole lot coming up,” including plenty of holiday cheer, said Executive Director Mary Cordes. The fun kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, with the Local Author Book Fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Alton Square Mall....
GLEN CARBON - Community members can join a major toy and food drive next weekend. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, you can drop off toys and nonperishable food items at Kellerman Investigations in Glen Carbon. Attendees can enjoy cookies, cocoa, photo opportunities and raffles...
WOOD RIVER - Rustic Roots Event Space has undergone a refresh, and you can celebrate with them. From 5–10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, community members can stop by Rustic Roots in Wood River to check out the space and enjoy live music, food from their preferred vendors, a giveaway and...
JERSEYVILLE - The Downtown Country Christmas Festival returns to Jerseyville with a day of free holiday fun. From 1–5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in City Center Park in downtown Jerseyville, community members can enjoy several free activities, including games, inflatables, visits...
Big bookworm, reporting for duty. I enjoy reading as much as I enjoy surfing the internet and writing for fun. As such, I grew up in libraries around the Riverbend region. And recently, I’ve rediscovered my love for these spaces, their resources, and the people who make them great spots to...
ALTON - A local nonprofit is hosting a “Christmas by the River” walk-through experience for community members to enjoy. From 5:30–8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, community members can stop by the Alton Amphitheater for the free Christmas by the River experience, complete...
ALTON - A few local social media posts are circulating about people being followed while driving. One Alton police officer explains what to do if you find yourself in a scary situation. Lieutenant Andrew Pierson, Chief of Detectives with the Alton Police Department, said that while there’s...
JERSEYVILLE - Community members are encouraged to enjoy “A Feast for the Ears” at Jersey Community High School’s upcoming Rocksgiving concert. At 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, community members can enjoy music by the high school’s guitar lab. Students will play music...
ALTON - The community is invited to Lincoln-Douglas Square for the 32nd annual Community Tree Lighting. Festivities kick off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, with the arrival of Santa Claus. You can enjoy caroling, cookies, hot cocoa and speeches until 6:45 p.m., when Mayor David Goins...
ALTON - First Presbyterian Church will host the first concert in its “Music at the Riverbend” series this weekend. At 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, community members can gather at First Presbyterian for “An Autumn Serenade,” a free concert featuring musicians from acros...
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