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.
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...
EAST ALTON - The East Alton Police Department is warning residents about a recent surge in scams targeting area citizens, urging people to stop and verify any request for money before sending it. The police department said the scams are happening in several ways, including online phishing schemes,...
GODFREY - Illinois American Water issued an urgent boil water order Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 10, 2026, for a portion of Godfrey as crews began emergency repairs tied to a hydrant repair on Vinca Drive. The work was scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, in Godfrey. Illinois American...
GRANITE CITY - Triad Wrestling’s girls team placed fifth out of 29 teams at a regional tournament Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Granite City, earning four sectional qualifiers who will compete next weekend at the North Mac Sectional Tournament. The Triad athletes will now have a chance...
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