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.
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....
PIASA - Mikayla Means, a wrestler for Southwestern, placed third at the regional on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, and will advance to sectionals. The regional this past Saturday was held at Jacksonville ISD. Means finished third at 235 pounds, winning her final bout over Sophia Brown of Shelbyville...
WOOD RIVER - Ethan Barrett, a senior at East Alton-Wood River, is being recognized for bowling after four years in the sport that culminated in his highest high school game, a 244. Barrett said his progress came through “practice and more practice,” adding that “with hard work, ...
WOOD RIVER - Aubrey Cathey, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, is being recognized for cheer after a decade in the sport and a senior season that included learning and performing advanced stunts in new roles. Cathey said her “strong passion and love for cheer” helped lead...
JERSEYVILLE — Jude Jones, a senior multi-sport athlete at Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100, has committed to Greenville University to continue his education and play baseball and join the Panthers baseball program, according to a district announcement. Jones is a Sparklight...
GRANITE CITY - Granite City Wrestling’s Lady Warriors hosted a girls regional tournament over the weekend, facing large brackets in a 29-team field and finishing seventh as a team while advancing three wrestlers to next weekend’s sectional competition in Virden at North Mac. The tea...
JACKSONVILLE — It is a rare feat for a freshman to advance high in the ranks of the Illinois High School Association postseason wrestling. However, Jersey Community High School's freshman standout Skylee Howell has done just that. Skylee is also a Sparklight Female Athlete of...
EAST ALTON - As of 2:10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, the East Alton Ice Rink said it would open for the day while keeping public sessions canceled, following a situation that prompted added safety steps, including carbon monoxide monitoring. The update said the facility is “good to open...
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