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.
TROY - Local food pantry Ministries Unlimited hopes to build a new building soon, but in the meantime, they’re serving the Troy community with heart and compassion. Ministries Unlimited started in 1978 as a homebound Bible ministry. They quickly realized the families they were serving...
MARYVILLE - The Village of Maryville came together to celebrate the upcoming installation of a new entertainment pavilion at Firemen’s Park. On Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, community members gathered at Firemen’s Park for a groundbreaking ceremony. The entertainment pavilion will encourage...
BETHALTO - Community members can receive a free turkey ahead of Thanksgiving. At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, you can stop by Pruitt Mechanical Services at 8511 Witt Lane in Bethalto for their drive-thru turkey drive. In addition to turkeys, attendees will receive Thanksgiving sides and...
ALTON - Local veterans could receive free comprehensive dental care through the SIU School of Dental Medicine as part of their Veterans Day celebration. On Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, veterans received dental care at the hands of SIU students under faculty supervision. Dr. Katie Kosten, Director...
ALTON - Alton Elite Jiu-Jitsu invites the community to come together for a “party.” From 4–8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, you can stop by Alton Elite for their grand opening celebration. Free food and drinks, live music, activities for kids and four grand prize giveaways...
ALTON - Santino’s Steak and Pasta House has added international cuisine and a chef who loves his job. CJ Nasello recently stopped by Santino’s at 180 E. Center Drive for a taste test. As he tried new dishes, he talked with Chef KK about what makes Santino’s special. “Th...
GODFREY - The Alton Area Optimist Club once again displayed 100 flags for Veterans Day. On Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, club members were up early to display the flags in Glazebrook Park in Godfrey. The club showcases the flags five times a year — Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor...
RIVERBEND - Community members have the opportunity to engage with local artists in their studios as part of ARTEAST. From 12–6 p.m. on Nov. 22 and 23, 2025, you can travel throughout the Riverbend region to visit almost 50 artists and view their work. Sponsored by the Edwardsville Arts...
ALTON - Riverbend residents can once again participate in the Wreaths Across America initiative in Alton. At 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, community members will gather at Alton National Cemetery to lay wreaths on the graves of veterans. Margaret Hopkins, who oversees the local Wreaths...
WOOD RIVER - Community members gathered at East Alton-Wood River High School for a special Veterans Day ceremony. On Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, local veterans were honored for their service. Featured speaker Thomas Haine, Madison County State’s Attorney and a U.S. Army veteran, shared a tribute...
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