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 - MustacheMarch4PD will host their annual food drive to commemorate Police Officer Blake Snyder’s birthday. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, community members can stop by Alton Physical Therapy to drop off food donations, toiletries, gift cards and cash. The donations...
ALTON - Community leaders came together in Alton to celebrate the grand opening of a new affordable housing development. On Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, elected officials and community members gathered at the Alton Sunnybrook Affordable Housing Development at 767 Washington Avenue in Alton for...
O’FALLON - Jackson Gherardini is a well-rounded young man. For his accomplishments, Jackson Gherardini is a College Prep Station Student of the Month for O’Fallon Township High School. Gherardini is a multisport athlete, competing on both the varsity cross country and track...
ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District is hoping to build a new library building. Executive Director Mary Cordes and Board of Trustees President Kevin Botterbush stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello to answer a few questions about this process. Cordes and Botterbush...
O’FALLON - Haylee Williams is a leader. For her hard work, Haylee Williams is a College Prep Station Student of the Month for O’Fallon Township High School. Williams, a senior, has been involved in several clubs and organizations since her freshman year. She has played varsity...
Photos by Tom Warner. STAUNTON - A large crowd gathered on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, to support Ismael Ayuzo Sandoval, a 41-year-old Staunton business owner detained last week by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Sandoval, owner of Caldera Bar & Grill in Staunton, was detained on Oct....
TROY/MARYVILLE/ST. JACOB/MARINE - The local Chamber of Commerce stays busy, and you’re invited to join them. The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce, led by Dawn Mushill, organizes a variety of community events, networking opportunities, and additional programs for business...
EAST ALTON - Community members are invited to East Alton for a free spaghetti dinner. From 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, you can stop by the town hall at 33 S. 9th Street in East Alton to enjoy a hot meal and a sense of community. Organized by Jennifer Maher, the community spaghetti...
GRAFTON - Riverbend residents have only a few more days to get their tickets to the second annual Craft Beverage Festival. Hosted by Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau at Grafton Winery The Vineyards, the festival will run from 12–4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, and feature ten craft...
BETHALTO - Community members have the chance to receive free turkeys — and to give back. Pruitt Mechanical Services in Bethalto is hosting a turkey giveaway at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at a location that will be announced soon. The turkeys will be distributed on a first-come,...
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