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.
COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville, Illinois, Fire Department has become the first fire department in the St. Louis region and among the first in Illinois to deploy the new ZOLL EMS and Fire Zenix Cardiac Monitors in active service. This recent announcement marks a significant step in...
BELLEVILLE — Sgt. Cerether White of the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department retired on Jan. 2, 2026, concluding a 25-year career marked by diverse roles and commendations. White began her service as a correctional officer on Dec. 18, 2000. During her tenure at the county...
BELLEVILLE - Miccah Butler and Brady Niemi led three Edwardsville players in double figures with 15 points on five threes each, as the Tigers went on an 11-0 run early in the opening quarter, and a 16-0 run from the end of the first half to the start of the third quarter to help hold off Belleville...
EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department has announced that three people have been arrested in connection with a burglary investigation at a vacant building that once served as a medical facility. The Edwardsville Police Department said it responded to a report of a burglary...
COLLINSVILLE - In its weekly "Fugitive Friday" edition on social media, the Collinsville Police Department said it is seeking public assistance in locating Chrishawn Crosby, who is wanted in connection with a domestic incident. Crosby faces charges of Domestic Battery, Aggravated Domestic Battery,...
MADISON COUNTY — Steven E. Watson was charged with multiple felonies related to child exploitation following an investigation initiated by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office after receiving a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on December...
JERSEY - Jersey senior Abe Kribs is leading his basketball team with strong performances as they prepare to face Triad on Friday night, Jan. 9, 2026. Kribs, a 6-foot-3, 170-pound forward, is averaging 11 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, both team highs, along with 2.7 assists and 2.1 steals per...
MARYVILLE - Edward LaRue, 82, and Marlene Parsons, 78, exchanged wedding vows in the pool at the Collinsville Maryville Troy YMCA in Maryville, Illinois, in mid-December 2025. The ceremony, held at 1 Maryville Town Center Drive, included family, friends, and even a lifeguard who participated...
EAST ST. LOUIS — East St. Louis School District 189 hosted its annual Alumni Panel on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, bringing together nine former East St. Louis High School Flyers to share insights with current seniors preparing for college and career paths. The event, organized by the...
O'FALLON, IL. — The O’Fallon Police Department issued a reminder Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, about the laws governing electric scooters and e-bikes in Illinois, aiming to address concerns over safety and compliance following a surge in their use since Christmas of 2025. "We figured it ma...
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