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.
HIGHLAND — Gavin Schlarmann, a dedicated emergency medical technician and firefighter with the City of Highland, died in a motorcycle crash on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, the Highland Police and Fire Departments announced on Friday. Schlarmann was known for his commitment to public service,...
GRANTFORK - Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich has identified a 21-year-old Highland man who died following a motorcycle crash on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. Gavin L. Schlarmann was operating a 2025 Kawasaki motorcycle northbound on Illinois Route 160 in Grantfork when his motorcycle left th...
WOOD RIVER — Marquette Catholic’s boys golf team delivered a strong performance Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at the Madison County Small Schools Golf Championships, held at Belk Park. The Explorers finished with a team score of 324, highlighted by senior Carson Jones’ second-place...
ALTON — Landon Mayer captured the Large School Division title at the Madison County Boys Golf Tournament event at Belk Park in Wood River, finishing with a score of 1 over par, 73. Mayer’s performance showcased his skill among competitors in the region. Mayer managed to post a strong scor...
ALTON - Alton’s boys golf team finished sixth overall in the Madison County Large Schools Boys Golf Championship on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at Belk Park in Wood River, scoring a total of 330 points. Landon Mayer led the Redbirds with a score of 73, placing first individually. Other team member...
O'FALLON, Ill. — The O'Fallon Police Department welcomed Officer Allyson Biehl back to the force after her graduation from the Sauk Valley Community College Police Academy, the department announced Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. Biehl completed the 16-week basic law enforcement training program,...
BELLEVILLE - A 33-year-old woman from Mascoutah struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver Thursday morning, Aug. 21, 2025, on Green Mount Road near Eckert’s in Belleville has been identified, authorities said. Emily Johnson, who lived in the 500 block of Augusta Street in Mascoutah, was identified...
STAUNTON - Staunton High School student-athlete Payton Davis and scholar has distinguished herself through her participation in multiple sports and academic excellence, earning a nomination for Sports Illustrated Youth of the Year. She has competed in track, soccer, and volleyball, in addition to...
BRIGHTON — Amara, a 2-year-old toddler from Brighton, Illinois, is competing for the title of Toddler of the Year in an ongoing national contest. The competition, which involves multiple rounds of voting, is currently in its fourth round, set to conclude in the coming days. Amara must remain...
LEBANON, Ill. – McKendree University has announced that Caty (Ponce) Happe, of the Class of 2016 (basketball and softball), will be one of five individuals and one team who will be inducted into the 2025 Bearcat Sports Hall of Fame. Joining Happe are former student-athletes Matt Cole (Class...
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