Dan Brannan is Content Director of RiverBender and EdGlenToday.com. Dan started at Riverbender.com/Edglentoday.com in December 2014. He is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL with degrees in Journalism and Psychology. Having previously served as the Executive Editor of The Telegraph in Alton, his 17-year tenure led the paper to over 350 awards including several General Excellence awards in the Illinois Press Association, Illinois Associated Press, Freedom Communications, Southern Illinois Editorial Association and Journal Register Company contests. Brannan was chosen to lead Freedom Communications' national pilot on social media.
He is the author of eight nonfiction books including: "The Courage to Live," a biography about Donna Gustavel, a young woman with multiple disabilities; "Everyday Angels," an inspirational book of moving human interest stories; "Live Life to the Fullest: Stories of People Coping With Diabetes" which is endorsed by the American Diabetes Association; "Boy Giant: The Story of Robert Wadlow The World's Tallest Man;" "Damn Cold and Starving" written with Sgt. Marion Ray; "You Can't Kill the Dream" co-written with fellow journalist Ande Yakstis; and "A Life in Parts," the story of Loretta Goebel and endorsed by Beatle Paul McCartney.
Dan, an avid exercise enthusiast, is a member of the American Diabetes Association and lives in Maryville. Dan has two children in college - Savannah and Sierra.
O'FALLON, IL. - The O’Fallon Police Department welcomed a new officer to its ranks on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, swearing in Officer Maci Stein during a ceremony that included department staff, fellow officers, and family members. Stein joined the department after serving three years...
EAST ALTON - Janet and Dennis Weber of East Alton say they experienced “love at first sight” when they met April 11, 1980. Janet Weber said the couple has been living together since April 21, 1980, and later married on Dec. 21, 1990. “We have been living together since April 21...
ALTON - Aaron Wilson is sharing a personal love story with the community about his wife, Lauren Wilson. Lauren is the Alton City Clerk. Aaron Wilson describes their marriage and what he says sustains their relationship. Wilson said he and Lauren Wilson were married on June 6, 2015, in Alton. He...
ALTON - A fully engulfed SUV fire on the Clark Bridge drew considerable attention Monday night, Feb. 9, 2026, in Alton, but thankfully, everyone in the vehicle got out safely, according to the Alton Fire Department. When the Alton Fire Department arrived at the scene on Monday, everyone in the vehicle...
EDWARDSVILLE — Marquette Catholic reached the 20-win mark Tuesday night, using a balanced scoring effort to beat Metro East Lutheran High School 55-39 at MELHS. The win on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, gave Marquette 20 victories this season under head coach Steve Medford. Chase Jones led Marquette...
EDWARDSVILLE – Rowan Weller led the way for Edwardsville with 16 points as the Tigers outscored Collinsville 23-13 in a critical fourth quarter to take away a 47-40 win in a key Southwestern Conference game Tuesday night, Feb. 10, 2026, at Lucco-Jackson Gym. The win, combined with an Alton...
ALTON - Alton Mayor David Goins provided another update on the Alton sinkhole at the Gordon More Park soccer field on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. He said testing is continuing as the city awaits a report on how to fix the damage. The drone photos by Doug Booten show the progress and the present...
Several area sports figures and media members, including former Harlem Globetrotters player and Edwardsville High and Illini star Manny Jackson and former St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Jason Isringhausen, will be inducted into the Illinois Sports Hall of Fame on July 25, 2026, during a ceremony...
ATLANTA — With the Harlem Globetrotters preparing to mark 100 seasons on the road, the team announced Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, that it is adding 10 new athletes — six men and four women — to its roster for the 2026 rookie class. One of the athletes is a former Alton High sensation...
O'FALLON, IL. - The O’Fallon Police Department recently held its 2025 awards banquet to recognize the dedication, service, and professionalism of its team, honoring employees for career milestones and presenting commendations for work ranging from DUI enforcement to investigations....
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