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.
WINCHESTER - Calhoun's boys advanced to the semifinals of the Winchester Invitational Tournament with a 56-46 victory over West Central on Wednesday night, Jan. 14, 2026. Lane Eilerman led Calhoun with 18 points, bringing his career total to 995 points. Eilerman is expected to surpass the 1,000-point...
CASEYVILLE — A Caseyville police officer attempted to stop a vehicle for reckless driving on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, but the driver fled at high speed into Collinsville before crashing and fleeing on foot, authorities said. The vehicle struck a curb in Collinsville and became disabled on the...
JERSEY COUNTY - The Dr. Silas Hamilton Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently donated a braille American flag to the Jersey County Public Library for public display. The Braille American flag donation reflects the chapter’s ongoing commitment to education...
EDWARDSVILLE — Illinois’ two regional library systems are hosting a virtual event on Jan. 20, 2026, aimed at strengthening school libraries amid ongoing budget and staffing challenges. The Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS) and the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) wil...
TROY, Ill. — Rose Street, between Wayland Avenue and Barnsback Street, will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, for emergency sewer main replacements, the City of Troy announced this week. The repair is expected to be completed within one day. The work will take place adjacent to addresses...
ALTON — Woody’s Chicken, a longtime local favorite, is making a comeback this Sunday, Jan. 18, with a new twist: serving chicken tenders from a food truck. Nate and Lilly Dettmers, third- and fourth-generation family members behind the legendary brand, announced a trial run to test community...
GRANITE CITY — Granite City School District #9 honored local first responders during a halftime ceremony Tuesday night, Jan. 13, 2026, at a basketball game, recognizing police officers, firefighters, paramedics and EMTs for their service to the community. The event, held at the Granite City...
WHITE HALL - Calhoun/Brussels defeated Western 35-23 on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at the Lady Spartan Classic at North Greene High School, advancing to the semifinals against West Central. The game, held at the Lady Spartan Classic tournament, featured a slow start for Calhoun, but the team caught...
ALTON — The Alton Branch NAACP will host a community event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 2621 Amelia St. in Alton. The event, themed “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” invites community members,...
ALTON — The International House of Pancakes (IHOP) restaurant located at 181 Homer M. Adams Parkway in Alton will close permanently after Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. The announcement was posted on the restaurant’s front door on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, informing customers of the upcoming...
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