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 - The Upper Alton Association invites community members to join them for a litter cleanup this weekend. At 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, Upper Alton neighbors and community members can meet at Boost Mobile on Washington Avenue to begin the cleanup. Debbie Frakes, president of the Upper...
ALTON - As OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center celebrates its 100th anniversary, Frances Young shared more about the hospital’s rehabilitation department. Young, Manager of Rehabilitation, works with 17 other physical, occupational and speech therapists to help patients with a variety...
ALTON - Every year, Vintage Voices invites community members to learn more about Alton history. The Vintage Voices tours take attendees through Alton City Cemetery, where they hear from actors portraying Altonians who are buried in the cemetery. The actors tell stories about the decedents’...
ALTON - OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center recently celebrated its 100th anniversary in the Riverbend community, and oncology nurse Dana Matesa is eager to share more about the hospital’s work. Matesa has spent the past five years in the oncology department at St. Anthony’s....
ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has another busy month ahead, and Executive Director Mary Cordes invites the community to join them. “All of our programs have been filling up, which is great,” Cordes said. “We’ve had some good stuff lately.” On Thursday,...
ALTON - Community members have the chance to support the YWCA’s programs at their upcoming trivia night. At 7 p.m. on Nov. 8, 2025, at Great Rivers Ascend Hotel in Alton, the YWCA will host a trivia night to raise money for programs like their child enrichment, health and wellness, economi...
BETHALTO - Charlie Kilpatrick is a dedicated student athlete. For his hard work, Charlie Kilpatrick is a DD Homes Network Student of the Month for Civic Memorial High School. Kilpatrick, a senior, has played basketball since his freshman year. It takes a lot of responsibility and commitment...
ALTON - Alton Elite Jiu-Jitsu invites you to “the most lavish grand opening Alton has ever had at any business.” From 4–8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, community members are invited to Alton Elite’s new location at 2716 Corner Court in Alton. Owner Adam Marburger promises...
SHILOH - Heartland Women’s Healthcare of Advantia aims to provide healthcare for all women’s needs, from urology to gynecology and AI-assisted mammograms. Dr. Michael Schifano, an ob/gyn and physician manager with Heartland Women’s Healthcare, explained that the practice can...
WOOD RIVER - Local singer-songwriter Charlie Brown has released a new song to pay homage to his hometown. Brown grew up in Wood River before moving to Nashville to pursue a career as a songwriter. These days, he teaches at Civic Memorial High School in Bethalto and creates music. On Oct....
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