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.
EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County Deputy Ja'Markus Gary graduated from the Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy, Session 157, and will begin his field training with the Patrol Division, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Deputy Gary, a former McKendree...
BRUSSELS - It had been since the 2020-2021 school year since a high school game had been played on Franke Court in Brussels but it happened on Monday night, Dec. 8, 2025, when Calhoun-Brussels took on Roxana's girls. Calhoun-Brussels emerged a 43-33 winner in the contest. Anna Eberlin...
GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic posted two important home victories on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, and Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, defeating Calhoun 57-29 and Maryville Christian 68-25. Zoe Oller exploded for 17 points in the Griffins' triumph over rival Maryville Christian to lead scorers. In the...
ROXANA — Troy Rahn, a senior at Roxana Senior High School, has been selected for the Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA) All-State Honors Chorus for the third consecutive year. Rahn, who will sing Bass 1 in the ensemble, is among the top-scoring vocalists from across Illinois chosen...
COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department, in partnership with the Caseyville and Maryville Police departments, hosted the annual CUSD #10 Cops and Kids Shopping Event on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, providing local children with a memorable holiday experience. The event began with...
SWANSEA — KeyShawn G. Smith, 24, has been charged with multiple felony counts related to the online exploitation of minors following an investigation initiated by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Swansea Police Department. The investigation began on Oct. 9, 2025,...
EAST ALTON — The Village of East Alton announced the winners of its "Night of Christmas" Christmas Tree Contest, held recently in the community. Based on votes cast during the event, the first-place winner was "Merry Stitchmas" by Larissa and Lona Heeren. The East Alton Fire Department took...
JERSEY - The Jersey Community High School boys basketball team hosted their annual toy drive Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, during the basketball games against Carlinville High School at Haven’s Gymnasium. Fans attending the games were encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to donate, with all contributions...
MT. OLIVE — Georgia-Pacific, a manufacturer of packaging and paper products has announced it will permanently close its box-making facility in Mt. Olive by Dec. 31, 2025. The closure will affect approximately 134 workers at the plant, located at 900 S Route 66, which produces corrugated packaging...
KANSAS CITY, MO. - Stanford and Florida State will meet Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in the College Cup national championship game after both teams won their semifinal matches Friday night, Dec. 5, 2025. Lily Freer, a midfielder and Alton High School graduate, will play for Stanford in the contest in Kansas...
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