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.
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...
ILLINOIS - United Cerebral Palsy in Seguin aims to “create life without limits for persons with disabilities.” Joseph Mengoni serves as the president and CEO of UCP Seguin. Mengoni explained that the organization has existed since 1949 and runs several programs for children and...
RIVERBEND - Community members can give back this holiday season by donating to the Socks for Tots drive. Rosetta “Rosie” Brown, alderwoman for Alton’s Fourth Ward and candidate for State Representative for District 111, oversees the Socks for Tots campaign. People are encouraged...
ALTON - Community members can once again support the Alton Community Unit School District #11 band and orchestra program at the ABOB Olde Alton Arts and Craft Fair. On Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, and Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at Alton High School, The Alton Band and Orchestra Builders (ABOB) will host...
HILLSBORO - The Historical Society of Montgomery County will host their third annual Christmas House and Church Tour. From 1–4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, community members can visit several houses on the home tour in Hillsboro. You can also tour St. Agnes Catholic Church and the...
ALTON - Alton Elite Jiu-Jitsu will host their grand opening this Friday and the community is invited. From 4–8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, community members can stop by Alton Elite at 2716 Corner Court in Alton for free food, drinks, live music, giveaways and more to celebrate the...
EDWARDSVILLE - During their work session on Nov. 10, 2025, the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the final change orders for the Edwardsville High School softball field. These change orders include the addition of the e-paw logo for...
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