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 - A local photographer has created the community they always wanted in Alton. Lumi Marson is Milton Schoolhouse’s Artist of the Month for November, and they still can’t believe it. Marson shared their journey to photography and their decision to start Piasa Rainbow Collective,...
ALTON - Community leaders gathered to learn more about AltonWorks FiberNet, which will increase internet access by delivering enterprise-grade fiber broadband to Alton residents. On Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, Alton residents heard from AltonWorks CEO John Simmons about his vision for the city...
ALTON - OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center's Imaging Services Department wants you to know they do a lot more than x-rays. Director of Imaging Services Fred SanSoucie, RT(R)(CT)(ARRT), and Manager of Imaging and Diagnostic Cardiology Services Jeff Worman, BS, CNMT, explained that imaging...
FIELDON - Community members can join a community Thanksgiving meal in Fieldon. At 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, at Fieldon United Church of Christ, the Fanning family will serve a Thanksgiving dinner to everyone in attendance. No RSVPs are required, but Niki Egelhoff, who helps organize...
ALTON/COTTAGE HILLS - Community Hope Center has started a campaign to raise money for a major building project while finalizing their food and toy drives ahead of the holiday season. Christy, the executive director of Community Hope Center, said the center has just 44 days left to raise the...
ALTON - Jackson Daugherty is no stranger to hard work. For his dedication, Jackson Daugherty is a Hayner Public Library District Student of the Month for Alton High School. Daugherty is a junior at Alton High School. He shows a determination to succeed in everything he does. As a student,...
ALTON - Josie Landuyt stays busy. For her accomplishments, Josie Landuyt is a Hayner Public Library District Student of the Month for Alton High School. Landuyt, a senior, has played varsity softball since her freshman year. She loves every minute she spends on the field. But her other...
EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - Malachi Carter works hard to succeed. For his accomplishments, Malachi Carter is a Fischer Lumber Student of the Month for East Alton-Wood River High School. A senior, Carter is a celebrated multisport athlete. He plays football and participates on the track and...
EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - Ayla Thomas has had a busy year. For her hard work, Ayla Thomas is a Fischer Lumber Student of the Month for East Alton-Wood River High School. Thomas, a senior, recently joined the Student Council. She works hard to advocate for her peers and represents them with...
GRANITE CITY - The Historic Route 66 Flea Market encourages community members to come out and see everything they have to offer. Located at 3121 West Chain of Rocks Road in Granite City, the flea market is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. They share space with The Route...
Did you know Riverbender.com is free for you thanks to our awesome advertisers? We noticed you're using an ad block software. Please give our sponsors some exposure by disabling your ad blocking service for Riverbender.com.
