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.
GODFREY - Evangelical School's Benjamin Hejna had trendous support as he competed in the IESA Cross Country State Finals Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at Maxwell Park in Normal. Benjamin Hejna finished the race with a personal record time of 13:19.79. Benjamin shared his feelings about representing...
ST. LOUIS - A family’s newly renovated home was destroyed by an uncontrollable fire this week, leaving Dan and Mary Velasquez and their three young children — Elena, 3 months; Luca, 1½; and Axel, 3 — without a place to live. The fire spread from the basement, and thankfully,...
JERSEY - The Civic Memorial Eagles defeated the Jersey Panthers 21-7 in a Mississippi Valley Conference football game Friday night, Oct. 17, 2025, in Jerseyville. Civic Memorial took an early lead in the first quarter with a 50-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Luke Clouser to wide receiver Grad...
JERSEYVILLE - Members of Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100’s high school choir and band earned selections to the Illinois Music Educators Association District IV ensembles, marking a record year for the school’s music program. A total of 19 students from the high school were...
ST. CHARLES, MO. — A 33-year-old man was fatally shot by a St. Charles County Police officer on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, after a domestic disturbance call led to an armed confrontation on the front porch of a residence, authorities said. At approximately 6:37 p.m. Friday, St. Charles County...
EAST ST. LOUIS — East St. Louis School District 189 highlighted positive achievements at Gordon Bush Alternative Center for September 2025, recognizing staff and students who exemplify respect and contribute to a positive school environment. Catrice Johnson, a social worker at the center,...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — The Fairview Heights Police Department is warning residents after a report of an unknown man claiming to be an Ameren employee who attempted to gain entry to a home. The incident occurred recently when the individual knocked on a resident’s door and said he needed...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, the St. Louis County Family Court certified 17-year-old Darnell Warner as an adult, leading to homicide charges related to a March 2024 stabbing in the 2400 block of Hord Avenue. Warner faces second-degree murder and armed criminal action charges in connectio...
BELLEVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that rehabilitation of a crossing by Norfolk Southern railroad on North Belt West between Ruth Street and West Washington Street in St. Clair County will require a full closure beginning, weather permitting, Monday,...
ALTON — A candlelit vigil was held Thursday evening, Oct. 16, 2025, at an intersection of Homer Adams Parkway and Seminary Street in Alton to honor Grace Bustos, 17, who died in a car crash on Oct. 3, 2025. The community gathered near the location where the accident occurred to remember...
Did you know Riverbender.com is free for you thanks to our awesome advertisers? We noticed you're using an ad block software. Please give our sponsors some exposure by disabling your ad blocking service for Riverbender.com.
