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.
EAST ST. LOUIS — A federal judge has extended the prison sentence of Raekwon M. Patton, 27, by 24 months after he pleaded guilty to possessing a makeshift weapon at the Federal Correctional Institution in Greenville, Illinois. On June 29, 2024, a correctional officer at FCI-Greenville conducted...
PIASA — Southwestern High School freshman Chase Kallal concluded a notable cross country season by competing at the Class 1A state championships in Peoria. Kallal finished 140th at the state meet with a time of 16 minutes, 22 seconds. Before the state competition, he posted a personal record...
HIGHLAND - Highland CUSD No. 5 has named Brooke Krey as the next principal of Highland Elementary School, effective July 1, 2026. The announcement was made during the school board meeting on Dec. 15, 2025. Krey will succeed Lori Miscik, who is retiring after 36 years of service, including 18 years...
COLLINSVILLE – The Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Board of Education appointed Human Resources Director Kevin E. Robinson to become assistant superintendent beginning July 1, 2026. Robinson’s new duties will be in addition to his human resources responsibilities. The assistan...
ALTON - The Alton School District music program had a strong representation at the Illinois Music Educators Association District 6 Festivals held recently at Belleville East and Belleville West high schools. Below are Alton members who excelled at the Illinois Music Educators District 6 Festival....
EDWARDSVILLE — Employees and officials at the Madison County Courthouse, along with a private firm, recently joined forces to brighten the holiday season for local families through the Angel Tree program. Associate and Circuit Judges, Criminal Justice Center Circuit Clerks, judicial assistants,...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — A coordinated fugitive apprehension effort involving federal and state law enforcement agencies resulted in 63 arrests, the seizure of 2.5 pounds of narcotics and $15,000 in U.S. currency, officials announced Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. The weeklong operation, dubbed “Operation...
EDWARDSVILLE - Metro-East Lutheran High School musicians participated in the Illinois Music Educators Association District 6 Festival recently, showcasing their talents in various ensembles. The students representing MELHS at the ILMEA District 6 Festival were as follows: Dean Hemmer...
EDWARDSVILLE - Metro-East Lutheran High School’s girls bowling team earned recognition at the recent Gateway Metro Conference Bowling Tournament, held earlier this month. The MELHS' strong performance was highlighted by individual honors for several players. Katie Albrecht and Dani...
EDWARDSVILLE — Lucy Doyle, a sophomore at Metro East Lutheran High School has made significant strides in her cross country success, advancing to the IHSA 1A Sectional and State competitions. She is the Alton Road Runners MELHS Female Cross Country Runner of the Year. Doyle recorded a personal...
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