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 — Rock Spring Golf Course in Alton will close permanently on Oct. 31, 2025, after more than a decade under the management of VVH Golf Management, led by Vern Van Hoy. The decision for VVH Golf Management to remove itself from the course follows ongoing maintenance challenges and financial...
ALTON - Dwight and Teresa Fowler announced Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, that all drive-thru services at their six Hit-N-Run locations will close on Nov. 1, 2025, due to escalating operational costs. The couple, who have been part of the community for years and have invested heavily in the company over th...
EDWARDSVILLE - On Thursday, October 23, 2025, the Edwardsville High School Tigers and the O’Fallon Township High School (OTHS) girls swim teams competed in a dual meet at Edwardsville High School, showcasing strong performances across multiple events. The Tigers dominated the meet, accumulating...
GRANITE CITY — Holly Lightfoot, a devoted mother of four and wife of Granite City Police Officer Bryndan Lightfoot, was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma, a form of breast cancer, in August 2025. The diagnosis has led to a recommended double mastectomy, with her first surgery scheduled for Nov...
GODFREY — A resident spoke of concerns about vandalism at Glazebrook Park at a Village Board meeting this week, and he recommended adding some security cameras. Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick acknowledged the person's concerns but highlighted the challenges involved. He said the village currently...
EDWARDSVILLE — James T. Berry, 24, of Edwardsville, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty Wednesday to a Class X felony count of disseminating child pornography, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025. Berry admitted to sharing...
ALTON — Duke Bakery, a longtime fixture in the Alton community, is set to relaunch its Duke Beverage line with a launch party scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. The event will celebrate the return of the bakery’s soda offerings. The Doucleff family purchased...
ALTON — A single-vehicle crash involving a female driver occurred Thursday morning, Oct. 23, 2025, near Alton Square Mall at the intersection of Oakwood Drive and Homer Adams Parkway, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Alton Fire Department. The incident occurred in...
ST. CLAIR COUNTY - The St. Clair County Coroner's Office identified a man found dead Wednesday morning in Frank Holten State Park as 42-year-old Michael Rogers. Rogers’ body was discovered at 10:21 a.m. on the backside of the Grand Mariah Golf Course along North Park Drive. Rogers was pronounced...
GRAFTON — A stray dog found running loose in Grafton around Oct. 15, 2025, tested negative for rabies, city officials announced Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025. The male dog began showing signs of illness the day after it was found and was taken to Hawthorne Animal Hospital in Glen Carbon. Veterinarians...
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