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.
ALTON - Marquette Catholic’s Brianne Bagwill has emerged as a standout trap shooter since joining the school’s squad. Bagwill is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athlete of the Month for Marquette after another strong season in 2025. Bagwill, who lives in Godfrey, discovered...
ALTON - Alton has a long-standing Juneteenth Celebration tradition and the Juneteenth Committee is already in preparation for the 35th Annual Celebration in 2026. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is observed annually on June 19. It honors the day in 1865 when Union soldiers...
JENNINGS, MO. — Four men have been charged in connection with an armed robbery and vehicle hijacking that took place in Jennings, Mo., according to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. On Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, charges were filed against Cederick Boyd, 20, of the...
ALTON — The James Killion Beautification and Enhancement Committee, in partnership with Be A Bridge, will host a Back-to-School Movie Night and Community Celebration at Killion Park beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. The event aims to provide families in the Alton community...
ALTON - Alton High’s Justice Haynes posted personal bests in the 100- and 200-meter sprints during her junior track season, signaling strong potential as she heads into her senior year. Justice recorded times of 12.32 seconds in the 100 meters and 25.45 seconds in the 200 meters. She was par...
JERSEYVILLE — Maleah Derrick, a rising junior at Jersey Community High School, has made a significant impact on the school's girls' softball team as a two-year starter at second base. She recorded a .411 batting average in 2025 and has established herself as a versatile offensive threat through...
ROXANA - Holden Shoemaker, a young area athlete recognized for his dedication and leadership, has been nominated for Sports Illustrated Youth Athlete of the Year , a national contest that honors outstanding youth athletes across the country. His father, Blake Shoemaker, is seeking support through...
JERSEY - Anna Kribs, a sophomore at Jersey Community High School, emerged as a key player for the school's girls softball team in 2025, according to coach Chelsey Crnokrak. Kribs, a two-year starter at shortstop and the team's leadoff hitter, has demonstrated consistent effort and leadership throughout...
COLLINSVILLE — The City of Collinsville hosted its National Night Out in Woodland Park, drawing a large crowd to foster community engagement and strengthen relationships between residents and local law enforcement. Organized by the Collinsville High School Black Student Union, the event...
ROXANA - Roxana High School is a school that prides itself on student-athlete excellence in the classroom. The Roxana High School girls basketball squad in 2024-2025 was a perfect example of that, as every member earned high honors or honor roll recognition. "We are proud of these student-athletes,"...
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