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 - The Roxana girls' cross-country team advanced to state from the Trenton Wesclin Sectional. In the regional, Gianna Stassi anchored the group with a first-place time of 18:22.51, followed by Nova Shaw in third place with a time of 18:52.95. Elizabeth Clouse was 21st (20:54.51); Savanah...
WOOD RIVER — Roasterz Coffee Co. , a locally owned coffee shop at 7 West Ferguson Avenue in Wood River, is expanding its services with plans to launch a mobile coffee truck and host after-hours events this summer. The business recently held a ribbon-cutting in Wood River. The mobile truck...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Five Fairview Heights police officers have been awarded the Medal of Valor for their actions during a shooting incident on May 17, 2025, that left three officers injured. The ceremony, hosted by Crusade Against Crime, honored the officers for their exceptional bravery...
WOOD RIVER — Three people were transported to the hospital following a two-vehicle collision at the Central Avenue intersection in Wood River, authorities said. The Wood River Police Department reported that one vehicle appeared to have run a red light and struck the other car. The crash...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — An adult male was killed early Friday morning, Nov. 21, 2025, in an officer-involved shooting at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, authorities said. The incident occurred at approximately 1:05 a.m. in Terminal 1 when STL Airport Police officers conducting...
CARLYLE - Carlyle Police Chief Mark Pingsterhaus has been placed on paid suspension amid an FBI investigation into the city’s police department, the City of Carlyle has announced on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. The City of Carlyle confirmed it was notified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation...
ST. CLAIR COUNTY - A 35-year-old Collinsville woman died Tuesday morning, Nov. 18, 2025, in a four-vehicle crash in a construction zone on Interstate 64 in O’Fallon, the St. Clair County Coroner's Office said. Courtney Branon was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred around...
EDWARDSVILLE — A 43-year-old Edwardsville man was arrested Tuesday in connection with an investigation into the distribution and possession of child pornography, authorities said. Merl Lamoreaux was taken into custody following an inquiry that began Aug. 18, 2025, after the Illinois Internet...
ALTON — The Alton All-Stars Basketball Association is expanding its reach this fall 2025, offering local youth the opportunity to compete on Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball teams. Founded and developed by John Smith, the program has grown to include more than 50 players, starting...
ALTON — Jim Wigger, the founder of the Great River Road Run, a Thanksgiving weekend tradition in Alton that has lasted 66 years, is being remembered by friends and community members for his lasting impact on local running and youth athletics. The annual race, which began in 1957, was started...
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