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 - Daisy Daugherty, an ultra senior athlete at Roxana High School, is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for her exceptional performance in volleyball. Shells girls volleyball coach Andrea Keller praised Daugherty as an “all-around phenomenal athlete who always...
CLINTON COUNTY — Officials from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, they have generated a possible identity for human remains found outside Centralia, in unincorporated Clinton County, following a tip received after information was released. The remains wer...
WENTZVILLE, Mo. — A 17-year-old Belleville resident was killed Monday morning, Oct. 13, 2025, in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 near Wentzville Parkway, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Dalton Lawrence Vonderheide was driving a 1993 Dodge Stealth while traveling eastbound...
GODFREY — The Heck Family lost nearly everything they owned in a fire that destroyed their home Tuesday evening, Oct. 14, 2025, in the 1200 block of Seasons Drive, according to a community organizer. April Marburger, who is helping coordinate relief efforts, said the family and their dog escaped...
COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 announced that the 2025 Collinsville High School Homecoming Parade will take place on Thursday, October 16, exclusively along Main Street in Collinsville. The parade is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. at the corner of Hesperia an...
ALTON - Marquette High School’s girls volleyball team secured a 2-0 victory over Waterloo Gibault on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, at home, improving their season record to 16-14. The match concluded with identical set scores of 25-22, 25-22. Key contributors for Marquette included Kaylin St. Pete...
ALTON - Riverbender.com's Ryan Schlueter provided a morning view of the remains of the home in the 1200 block of Seasons Drive in Godfrey on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. Charlie Schlueter and Ryan both contributed to the photos above. The fire started at about 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. Th...
EAST ST. LOUIS - Maurice Scott has transformed the East St. Louis baseball program, leading multiple players to earn college scholarships through his leadership. As head coach, Scott has not only focused on athletic success but also on strengthening ties within the East St. Louis community. The East...
ALTON — Detective Dan Jensen has been named Officer of the Month for July 2025 by the Alton Police Department in recognition of his exceptional investigative work and dedication to justice in cases involving crimes against children. Detective Jensen led a sensitive investigation that resulted...
WOOD RIVER - The Riverbend East Rotary Club honored two students from East Alton-Wood River High School with the September Service Above Self awards during a recent ceremony. Tamarion Marshall and Brooke Parker were recognized for their contributions to the school and community. Mark Smith, president...
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