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.
ST. CHARLES, Mo. — A St. Charles High School teacher has been charged with possession of child pornography. Louis N. Saubers was charged on Aug. 13, 2025, in St. Charles County, Mo., with one count of possession of child pornography. Following his arrest, Saubers was placed on administrative...
SHILOH/GRANITE CITY — The Shiloh Police Department will mark the retirement of Sergeant Sean Joy, who has served the community for 25 years, with his final working day on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. Throughout his career, Joy has held various roles within the department, including Patrolman,...
CLINTON COUNTY — On Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, Marco Monreal-Rojas of rural Breese, Illinois, was charged with three felony counts of unauthorized videotaping after recent incidents at the St. Rose Church Picnic. Following the charges, Monreal-Rojas was held at the Clinton County Sheriff’s...
WASHINGTON PARK, Ill. — Illinois State Police Troop 8 responded to a crash involving two vehicles at the intersection of Kingshighway/IL-111 and St. Clair Avenue at 9:06 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. The collision resulted in injuries for both drivers. According to a preliminary investigation,...
EDWARDSVILLE - Drake Luebbert, a multi-sport athlete at Metro East Lutheran High School, is preparing for his senior year in the 2025-2026 sports season, showcasing talent in baseball, soccer, and football. Luebbert, who plays outfield and first base in baseball, serves as a place kicker and punter...
PIASA - Ella Kadell, a standout softball player at Southwestern High School, signed a letter of intent late last year to play softball at Lewis and Clark Community College and will now continue her love of the game locally. Ella is an Altonized Community Federalized Credit Union Female...
GODFREY — By fall, Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick said, the no-smoking signs that have been ordered will be positioned at various public areas in the village. These areas include baseball fields, soccer fields, pickleball courts, the splash pad and more. Mayor McCormick said on Thursday, Aug....
COLUMBIA, IL. - Paul Jordan and Casey Davis of Columbia, IL., are seeking community support after a house fire rendered their home uninhabitable, displacing them and forcing the boarding of their dogs. The incident occurred recently, leaving the couple without a permanent residence as they await...
ROXANA — This is one of those stories that isn't done because of performances on cross-country courses, but one about a group of young runners who did the right thing for their community after a recent severe storm. During a recent run through a local park, the Roxana junior high cross...
GRANITE CITY — Granite City High School track and field coaches announced the passing of Naiesha Henry, a 2025 graduate and key member of the girls track team, on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. Dr. Donald Harris, Granite City School District's Superintendent, issued this statement about Henry's loss:...
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