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 — A man who fatally shot a Maryville pastor during a church service in 2009 has been denied a request to transfer from a secure mental health facility to a non-secure treatment center. Circuit Judge Kyle Napp ruled Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, against Terry J. Sedlacek’s petition...
WATERLOO, Ill. — Charges have been filed in connection with the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Emma Schultheis, who died after being struck by a bullet on July 21, 2025, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. At approximately 1:34 p.m. on that day, deputies and emergency...
WINNETKA — The Edwardsville girls tennis team secured third place at the New Trier Invitational Tournament in Winnetka this past weekend, winning three of four dual matches. The Tigers defeated Hoffman Estates James Conant 4-1, Highland Park 3-2, and Barrington 3-2 in the third-place match....
SCHAUMBURG - Alton High School’s girls tennis team secured fourth place at the Saxon Invite held Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at Schaumburg High School, with strong performances in doubles play contributing the majority of their points. The Redbirds’ doubles teams medaled in all three positions,...
COLLINSVILLE — Alton High School’s tennis team defeated Collinsville 8-1 in a Southwestern Conference match Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 in Collinsville. The Redbirds secured the victory by sweeping all doubles matches and winning five of six singles matches. Alton Coach Jesse Macias highlighted...
ALTON - Marquette Catholic's girls tennis team topped Belleville Althoff Catholic 8-1 in a girls tennis match on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, at the Gordon Moore tennis courts in Alton. Marquette returns to action at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, at Metro East Lutheran High School and plays in th...
EAST ST. LOUIS — Officer Elementary School in East St. Louis School District 189 recently celebrated its first year as a community school with a Back2School Block Party. The event was aimed to showcase school pride, strengthen community connections, and honor families within the district....
GODFREY - Brian Hoener reached a significant milestone in his coaching career by securing his 400th win across college and high school soccer games with a 10-0 triumph on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, over Waterloo Gibault at Glazebrook Park in Godfrey. The achievement, reached while coaching at Fontbonne...
HIGHLAND - Highland Fire Department has named firefighter/engineer Ron Staroscsak as the recipient of the 2025 Albert’s Diamond Jewelers Hero Award. Staroscsak was recognized for his leadership and dedication during the department’s recent five-year fire insurance ISO audit. The...
GODFREY - Marquette Catholic blanked Waterloo Gibault Catholic 10-0 in a boys soccer match on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, at Marquette’s home field at Glazebrook Park in Godfrey. Cameron Golike and Myles Ortmann each scored two goals for Marquette, while T.J. Elisaia, James Fischer, Diego Lara,...
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