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.
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,...
ALTON - The Grandpa Gang has been hard at work decorating Rock Springs Park for Christmas, but on Halloween night, the group came together for the Alton Halloween Parade. On Oct. 31, 2025, several members of the Grandpa Gang rode in a truck through the parade route to drum up excitement for th...
ALTON - Denise Sparks believes she has “the best spot” to watch the Alton Halloween Parade. Located at 2201 E. Broadway in Alton, Sparks Junk Removal and Hauling is known for helping the community clean up. But on Oct. 31, 2025, Sparks and her friends and family were taking the evening...
ALTON - The Alton Halloween Parade always features several Jeep groups, but Shannon Schneider says Riverbend Jeeps is about much more than a parade. On Oct. 31, 2025, the Riverbend Jeeps club was preparing to show off ten Jeeps in the parade. President Schneider explained that while all of the...
ALTON - A special group of dancers were ready to take the streets by storm at the Alton Halloween Parade. On Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, dancers from King Khi’s Royal Court gathered in downtown Alton for their debut in the Alton Halloween Parade. Dressed like the character Wednesday Addams,...
Halloween is, sadly, over, but I’ll be riding the high of my Halloweekend for a long time. For me, most of my Halloween fun was relegated to last weekend. But, of course, the rest of the world was ready to party it up on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. And while I was no longer in the party mood,...
ALTON - OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center has officially marked its 100th anniversary, and their Medical Group remains one of their most popular offerings. Jackie and Melissa, who work with the primary care team in the Medical Group, noted that primary care is “your first step to...
BETHALTO - With home-cooked meals and a family atmosphere, B-Town Restaurant is a great new spot in Bethalto. Owner Ari Rushiti has spent the last 25 years in the restaurant business. On Nov. 1, 2025, he celebrated his newest venture with a ribbon-cutting at B-Town Restaurant, located at 312...
ALTON - The 108th Alton Halloween Parade had a special musical float that brought fun to all. Tarrant & Harman Real Estate and Auction Co. took home second place for their float on Oct. 31, 2025. The float included a live band, made up of Mark, John and Wyatt Harman, playing while they traveled...
ALTON - The 108th Alton Halloween Parade lineup had a few special equestrian guests. On Oct. 31, 2025, Audrey Wright and her family were eager to share their horses with the community. As the only animals in the parade, they brought a lot of joy to the kids and families in attendance. “We’re...
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