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.
ST. LOUIS — Precipitation is expected to move into the St. Louis metropolitan area after midnight early Saturday morning, Nov. 29, 2025, with snow likely between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., according to Ben Herzog, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis. Temperatures are forecast...
GODFREY - Godfrey officials have announced the cancellation of the scheduled yard waste drop-off event for Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, due to anticipated severe weather conditions. Snow is forecasted to affect the Riverbend region on that day, prompting the decision to prioritize public safety. Chris...
ROXANA - The Roxana School Board has selected Courtney Costelli as its next superintendent, voting 3-2 in favor of her appointment. Costelli currently serves as the superintendent of the Smithton School District in Smithton, Mo., with an enrollment of 535 students. Costelli will succeed Debra Kreutztrager...
BETHALTO — Civic Memorial High School recently saluted its senior cheerleaders for their contributions during the football season. The acknowledgement took place as the team transitioned to supporting the basketball Eagles. The girls are the Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athletes of...
JERSEYVILLE — Four players from Jersey’s girls volleyball team were recently named to the Mississippi Valley All-Conference squad, recognizing their standout performances during the 2025 season. The honorees — Adrian Blasa, Meredith Gray, Hope Buttry, and Grace Russell —...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — After 29 years of serving generous portions and Southern-style hospitality, Lotawata Creek announced it has permanently closed its location at 311 Salem Place in Fairview Heights. The restaurant, a longtime community favorite in the Metro East region, officially ended operations,...
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 51,409 deer during the first weekend of the Illinois firearm deer season, held Nov. 21-23, according to data released by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Macoupin County led the region with 1,110 deer taken,...
JERSEY - Jersey’s girls basketball team recorded a decisive 47-37 home victory over Columbia on Monday night, Nov. 24, 2025, continuing their strong start to the season. The win followed a 38-32 triumph over Calhoun in the season opener. Meredith Gray led Jersey’s scoring with 22 points,...
COLUMBIA - Columbia's girls defeated Waterloo 64-57 in its Thanksgiving tournament game on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. The victory improved Columbia’s record to 2-1, while Waterloo fell to 1-2. Kinley Jany led the Eagles with a remarkable 29 points in one of the highest scoring games of any girls...
MARQUETTE — Marquette Catholic secured its first victory of the season by defeating Greenville 48-38 on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, during the final day of the Columbia Invitational. The Explorers established a 30-23 lead by halftime and maintained their advantage throughout the game against Greenville....
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