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.
GLEN CARBON - The Glen Carbon Police Department has launched a new K9 patrol program with the addition of A’to, a 2-year-old German Shepherd trained in narcotics detection and tracking. This initiative, made possible by a $15,000 donation from Dr. Mark Eavenson of Multicare Specialists,...
PIASA - Cason Robinson, a sophomore at Southwestern High School, emerged as a standout athlete on the boys’ track and field team this spring. Robinson has competed in sprint and middle-distance events, including the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 400-meter dashes, as well as several relay races....
ALTON - Scott Harper, coach of the Alton High boys baseball team, highlighted the contributions of Jack Puent, No. 23, following the recent season. Puent, a 6-foot-1, 178-pound center fielder and pitcher, played a significant role for the Redbirds. He is an Auto Butler Male Athlete of the Month...
GLEN CARBON — Natalie Beck has distinguished herself as a versatile athlete at Father McGivney Catholic High School, excelling in soccer, tennis, and basketball. As a junior during the 2024-2025 school year, Beck played a key role in the soccer team’s success and is set to return for...
EDWARDSVILLE — Grace Brown, a recent senior graduate at Metro East Lutheran High School, recently wrapped up her athletic career as a versatile member of the girls' soccer, cheer and dance teams. Brown was a player who could play all over the soccer field for the Knights this spring. She earne...
DES MOINES, IOWA — Brad Jacobs, a retired firefighter from Alton, and his partner Bob Biarkis of Edwardsville, recently competed in the National Senior Games pickleball tournament in Des Moines, Iowa, finishing 10th out of 25 teams in the 70-74 age bracket. Jacobs, who qualified last year at...
ROXANA — Holden Shoemaker, a local athlete known for his dedication and leadership, has advanced to the top 20 in the voting for Sports Illustrated Youth Athlete of the Year. The national contest, which honors outstanding youth athletes across the United States, continues its voting phase fo...
EAST ST. LOUIS - Dunbar Elementary School in East St. Louis welcomed students and families to its Open House event at the start of the school year, offering a mix of educational resources, community engagement, and entertainment. The event, held recently at the school, featured contributions...
ALTON — Friends, family, classmates and teammates of Jack Warren gathered recently for Wifflefest, an event honoring and remembering the late Marquette Catholic High School graduate and athlete. Jack Warren died on Dec. 20, 2021, at the age of 21 years old. Warren was known for his leadership...
ST. LOUIS, Mo. — A nine-vehicle crash sparked closures of lanes of Interstate 270 near Interstate 64 on Tuesday morning, Aug. 12, 2025. The Missouri Department of Transportation reported the crash occurred around 6 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-270. MODOT said left lanes and the left shoulder...
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