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.
BELLEVILLE — The unemployment rate in St. Clair County showed a slight decrease in August 2025, dropping to 4.9 percent from 5.0 percent in August 2024, according to recent labor statistics. The data, released this week, also highlighted variations in unemployment rates across several counties...
EDWARDSVILLE — Unemployment rates in several southwestern Illinois counties showed slight changes in August 2025 compared to the same month last year, according to recent data. Overall, the unemployment rates throughout area cities and counties remain close to the national average of 4.3 percent....
ALTON — Anthony Tillman of Belleville West claimed first place at the Alton Cross Country Invite on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, completing the course in 16 minutes, 51.69 seconds. Tillman’s performance helped Belleville West secure the team title with a total of 21 points. Jersey finished...
BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Police Department is investigating a suspicious incident reported near the intersection of West Main Street and Carbon Street on Thursday afternoon, Sept. 25, 2025. The department was notified around 4 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2025, after a student from Belleville West...
ALTON — Alton High School’s girls cross country team claimed the top spot at the Alton Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, on their home course, scoring 38 points to secure the team victory. The Alton squad was led by Sophia Helfrich, who finished with a time of 21:29.46. Teammates...
O'FALLON, IL. - Dr. Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, band director at O'Fallon Township High School Panther Bands, was honored at the 2025 Country Music Association Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence event. The ceremony recognized music educators nationwide who inspire students, develop music programs...
EDWARDSVILLE — Jeff Waters, a 14-year-old freshman at Edwardsville High School, has been invited to perform as a tenor saxophone player in the Tiger Marching Band at the 2026 London New Year’s Day Parade. The event, scheduled for January 1, 2026, offers Waters a unique opportunity to...
ALTON - Maggie Pruetzel, a freshman at Marquette Catholic High School, is being recognized for her achievements in girls' golf this season. Pruetzel has distinguished herself by winning three matches, earning a spot on the all-conference team with a fourth-place finish, and being named the low freshman...
ALTON - Alton High School’s tennis team secured third place at the Francis Howell Duals tournament on Friday night, finishing with a 3-1 record. The Redbirds dominated pool play with 5-0 victories over Liberty and Hannibal before falling 3-2 to Francis Howell North. In the third-place match,...
ST. LOUIS — Brian Markert, a Godfrey resident and longtime civilian employee of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), was honored at a retirement ceremony in September 2025 for his 32 years of service with the St. Louis District. At the ceremony, Markert received the Bronze De Fleury Medal...
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