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.
TROY — The Troy Police Department is partnering with the Illinois State Police and other local agencies to enforce traffic safety laws during the “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign running from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2, 2025. Officers will focus...
PEORIA — Southwestern junior Thor Springman set a new school record at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Meet on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, finishing 79th overall with a time of 15 minutes, 50 seconds. The meet took place in Peoria. Springman’s performance capped an impressive season...
ALTON - The Alton Police Department unveiled a new mural in one of its main hallways, thanks to a collaboration with Sacred Spaces of CARE and Hype of Type. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said the mural features vibrant colors and messages aimed at inspiring the department’s officers as they...
ROXANA — The Riverbend East Rotary Club honored Roxana High School seniors Dalton Carriker and Alix Hernandez with the October Service Above Self awards, recognizing their dedication to community service and leadership. Mark Smith, president of the Riverbend East Rotary Club, presented the...
CALHOUN COUNTY — A propane tank explosion and fire in the Calhoun Point hunting area injured three people Sunday morning, prompting a multi-agency emergency response, officials said. The Point Fire Protection District received a call at approximately 9:50 a.m. reporting an explosion and fire...
PEORIA — Gillespie’s Chaz Oberkfell captured the 1A IHSA State Championship in cross country on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, with a commanding time of 14 minutes, 32.1 seconds at the state meet held in Peoria. Oberkfell led the field decisively, finishing ahead of Evan Knobloch, who placed...
CARROLLTON — Carrollton’s balanced passing attack propelled the Hawks to a 34-19 victory over Dupo in a second-round IHSA Class 1A football playoff game Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at Carrollton. Quarterback Carson Flowers led the way, completing 24 of 37 passes for 349 yards and four touchdowns...
PEORIA — Civic Memorial senior Max Weber claimed the individual title at the IHSA 2A State Cross Country Meet on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at Detweiller Park in Peoria. Weber completed the three-mile course in 14 minutes, 8.5 seconds, edging out Gabriel Greer of Marion by nearly two seconds. Weber’...
HARDIN — Calhoun slipped past Greenfield-Northwestern 22-14 in an overtime thriller during the second round of the IHSA Class 1A playoffs Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at Calhoun High School. The closely contested game saw both teams trading scores throughout regulation before Calhoun secured the...
PEORIA — Civic Memorial High School’s boys cross country team achieved a historic milestone by finishing ninth overall at the IHSA State Finals on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at Detweiller Park in Peoria. This marks the best finish in the school’s history. The team’s standout...
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