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.
ALTON/GODFREY - The North Alton-Godfrey Business Council will host its 21st Annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Godfrey. The event, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., offers a festive morning of holiday activities for all ages, including...
RAYMOND — Calhoun’s girls volleyball team concluded its season with a hard-fought three-set match on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, against Carlyle, falling 26-24, 16-25, 18-25. The loss capped a remarkable year for Calhoun under Coach Melissa Zipprich, who guided the squad to 27 wins. Ann Gilman...
COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville's Jenni Smith is seeking financial assistance for her husband’s medical care and family expenses following a severe staph infection that led to emergency surgery and partial amputation of his foot. Smith explained that her husband’s condition deteriorated rapidly,...
GRAFTON - Scott Isringhausen, a park ranger at Pere Marquette in Grafton, expressed surprise at the vibrant fall colors persisting into November, noting it is likely the latest in the season he has seen such a display. However, he emphasized that those who want to see fall colors at their best should...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Thomas Bailey, 53, of the 100 block of Upton Street in St. Louis, was identified as the pedestrian who died after being struck by a vehicle on the 7400 block of South Lindbergh Boulevard on Oct. 30, 2025. The St. Louis County Police Department responded to the crash...
JERSEYVILLE - Students from Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 participated in the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) District IV Festival, showcasing their musical talents at the event held recently. Jersey 100 had strong representation across multiple ensembles. In the...
ST. CLAIR COUNTY - The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD), in collaboration with Citizens for Modern Transit, AARP Missouri, and Metro, has unveiled benches six and seven with plans to install two more by the end of the year. The initiative aims to place five benches in the first year...
ST. CLAIR COUNTY — Emergency crews responded Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 5, 2025, to a reported pedestrian crash near the MetroLink’s Emerson Park station in St. Clair County. First responders from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies arrived at the scene to assist....
WOOD RIVER - Taylor Minner, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, is being recognized for her dedication and leadership in cheerleading. Having been a member of the varsity cheer team all four years, Minner has demonstrated resilience and encouragement, qualities that have contributed to he...
EAST ST. LOUIS — East St. Louis School District 189 recently spotlighted Dr. Craige Edwards, the new principal of Mason/Clark Middle School, in recognition of Principal Appreciation Month. Dr. Edwards, who joined the district last month, brings extensive leadership experience to his...
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