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.
EDWARDSVILLE - Every time O'Fallon and Edwardsville collide in girls' volleyball, it is a competitive match, year in and year out. It was a very entertaining match on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, indeed, and afterwards, O'Fallon head coach Natalie Best was very happy with the outcome. O'Fallon rebounded...
TROY - Declan Wheat reached a significant milestone Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, with the Triad Trap Team, breaking his first 25 straight targets during a handicap yardage round. The achievement was recognized by Head Coach Bill Lawrence, who presented Wheat with a 25 straight patch to commemorate...
GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic High School’s girls tennis team secured a 6-3 victory over O’Fallon on Tuesday night, Oct. 7, 2025, improving its season record to 12-1 overall. The Lady Griffins showcased strong performances in both doubles and singles matches during the contest...
BELLEVILLE — Brad Blanchard, a volunteer firefighter with the East Side Volunteer Fire Department in Belleville, has faced a life-altering challenge since a motorcycle accident in October 2021 left him paralyzed from the waist down. Now, his community is rallying to support his goal of regainin...
SIKESTON, MO. — Officer Henry Franklin of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety was killed in the line of duty on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, while serving a warrant in Mississippi County, the department confirmed Tuesday. Franklin, a member of the Sikeston DPS Tactical Team, was shot by a person...
GLEN CARBON - The Father McGivney Catholic High School Lady Griffins tennis team edged out conference rival Marquette Catholic with a 5-4 victory Monday night, Oct. 6, 2025, improving their overall record to 11-1. The closely contested match took place in Glen Carbon and showcased strong...
GLEN CARBON - Lucas Roedl and Owen Weissert each scored in the first half, leading Father McGivney Catholic to a 2-0 victory over Granite City on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. The Griffins secured the win with strong defensive play throughout the match. Goalkeeper Patrick Gierer recorded two saves and...
MADISON COUNTY - Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is intensifying his campaign across Illinois as he seeks the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Dick Durbin. With five months remaining before the primary election, Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat representing a district near Chicago,...
MADISON COUNTY - Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich has identified Joseph Wayne Sands, 63, of Cottage Hills, as the male victim who died following a two-vehicle crash early Sunday morning, Oct. 5, 2025, on Interstate 55. The crash occurred at approximately 4:25 a.m. Oct. 5 near Mile Marker...
MADISON - Timeka Shaunail, a professional gospel artist, accomplished drummer and aspiring actress, has built a diverse career spanning music, theater and film. Known for her dynamic performances, Shaunail has appeared in Broadway productions and local theater plays. Shaunail is a Madison High...
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