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 - Kevin Johnson, owner of Artisan Stone Interiors in Highland, was recently airlifted to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis after sustaining three skull fractures and a brain bleed in a suspected hit-and-run accident while test-riding his rebuilt e-bike. The incident, which left Johnson unable...
EDWARDSVILLE - Timothy Smith of St. Louis pulled off an upset in the featured Men's Category 1/2/3 race by defeating Houston's Lucas Bourgoyne to climax the 15th running of the Edwardsville Rotary Criterium Festival, presented by BuseyBank, Saturday night, Aug. 16, 2025, in downtown Edwardsville....
COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville High School Kahok Softball program announced this week the addition of Branden Henson as its new assistant coach. Henson, a familiar figure at Collinsville High School, brings a coaching style characterized by high energy, attention to detail, and a focus...
GRANITE CITY - Dean Webb, President, Greater Madison County Federation of Labor AFL-CIO (GMCFL) is pleased to announce the upcoming Labor Day Celebrations. This year’s theme is “WORKERS DESERVE: Freedom, Fairness & Security”. Union members and their families are invited to enjoy...
GREENE COUNTY — Charles Huff, 68, of rural Rockbridge, died Saturday afternoon, Aug. 16, 2025, following an all-terrain vehicle accident in Greene County, authorities confirmed. Greene County Coroner Brady Milnes reported that Huff was pronounced dead at 3:57 p.m. Saturday after being ejected...
BETHALTO — Sgt. Cole McMichael of the Bethalto Police Department retired last night after 20 years of service, the department announced. During his two decades with the department, McMichael served in multiple roles and was recognized as a mentor to many colleagues. The Bethalto Police Departmen...
EAST ST. LOUIS — The East St. Louis School District 189 has appointed Robbie Edmond as the new Director of Family Engagement and Attendance Services, a role focused on strengthening connections between families, schools, and the community. Edmond’s work will support the district’s...
WEST ALTON, Mo. — Federal investigators released an initial report Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, on the helicopter crash that killed two people near West Alton, MO., on Aug. 7, 2025. The National Transportation Safety Board said an eyewitness reported that the helicopter pilot and a lineman were attempting...
EAST ST. LOUIS — Classes have begun for the 2025-2026 school year in East St. Louis School District 189, ushering in a new chapter marked by fresh leadership with an emphasis on a positive school culture from the high school to kindergarten grade levels. Lincoln Middle School welcomed Quanshanda...
ALTON — The young parents of a 6-month-old baby girl who died earlier this month are seeking community support to provide a peaceful burial and memorial for their daughter. Karma Perry and her partner, both 16 years old, lost their daughter, Leilani Blake Outsey, at 6:55 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug...
Did you know Riverbender.com is free for you thanks to our awesome advertisers? We noticed you're using an ad block software. Please give our sponsors some exposure by disabling your ad blocking service for Riverbender.com.
