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.
ROXANA - Carbondale defeated Piasa Southwestern 77-45 in the group stage opener of the Roxana Hoopsgiving Classic on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. The Terriers held a 17-9 and 31-23 lead at halftime and extended their advantage to 55-37 after the third quarter before securing the victory. Trenton Brackett...
ROXANA — The Roxana Shells defeated the Jersey Panthers 56-46 Monday night, Nov. 24, 2025, in the Roxana Hoopsgiving Tournament. Roxana took an early lead, holding a 30-23 advantage at halftime and extending it to 40-27 by the end of the third quarter. Jersey narrowed the gap in the final period...
ROXANA - University City defeated Marquette 51-37 in the Roxana Boys Hoopsgiving Tourney on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, marking Marquette’s basketball opener. For Marquette Catholic, Chase Jones led the scoring with 17 points, followed by Cam Jones with eight points. Jack Rea contributed four...
BELLEVILLE - Edwardsville High School Orchestra Director and Fine Arts Chair Victoria Voumard reported that on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, 76 EHS band, choir and orchestra students who made ILMEA All District Music Festival 2025 performed at Belleville West High School. The list of students is below:...
O'FALLON, Ill. — The O’Fallon Police Department announced a change in schedule for the city’s annual Illuminated Holiday Parade due to expected inclement weather on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. The parade, originally set for Saturday, will now take place starting at 6 p.m. on Friday,...
PIKE COUNTY — A small plane crashed Sunday night, Nov. 23, 2025, in Pike County, killing one person and injuring two others, authorities said. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released additional information about the crash, but the person who died in the crash has not yet been identified...
BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Police Department is investigating an overnight burglary at Althoff Catholic High School, located at 5401 W. Main St. in Belleville. At approximately 12 a.m., suspects were seen entering the school, prompting a police response, the Belleville Police Department...
WOOD RIVER - Jasiah Brown, a junior at East Alton-Wood River High School (EAWR), is being recognized for his dedication to basketball and all his other sports. Brown has been playing the sport his entire life and says he enjoys the opportunity to improve every day. “I’m thankful for my...
WOOD RIVER - Averi Gilliam, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has been in basketball for many years. Gilliam has played the sport since seventh grade and credits her leadership, kindness, encouragement, teamwork, and focus as key qualities leading to this honor. She is a Midwest Members...
JERSEYVILLE - More than 100 underclassmen from Jersey Community High School toured several key government and public service locations in Jerseyville recently. The students visited the Jersey County Courthouse, Jersey County Government Building, City Hall, the City of Jerseyville Police...
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