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.
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — An off-duty Fairview Heights police officer’s vigilance led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the arrest of two juveniles early Wednesday morning, July 30, 2025, authorities said. At approximately 5:30 a.m. on July 30, 2025, the Fairview Heights Police Departmen...
EDWARDSVILLE — Barrel & Brü Tap House, a new establishment offering an extensive selection of beers and cocktails along with elevated bar food, opened recently at 6151 Trace Parkway Drive Suite D, in Edwardsville. Owner Aaron Coleman said the timing and location felt ideal to enter the thrivin...
EAST ALTON - Larry Thatcher, the long-time rink manager of East Alton Ice Arena, retired after 32 years on July 31, 2025. Thatcher was recognized at a recent East Alton Meeting for his long-time dedication to the rink and the region. Thatcher was commended for a lifetime of dedication to the community...
BETHALTO - Skylar Johnson, a first baseman from Civic Memorial High School, recently concluded her career with the Eagles, sporting a .323 batting average from her freshman to senior year, 73 hits and 64 RBI. She also contributed 13 home runs. She has signed to play for Lewis and Clark Community...
ALTON — The Puddle of Mudd concert at the Alton Amphitheater drew an estimated 1,200 attendees on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, marking a successful event for organizers and fans alike. Dan Herkert, chair of the Alton Amphitheater Commission, said the turnout exceeded expectations. He also added tha...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Fairview Heights Alderman Harry Zimmerman died this past week at his home, Mayor Mark Kupsky has announced. Zimmerman had been serving his third term, representing Ward Four since 2015. Kupsky said Zimmerman was known for his dedication to the residents of Fairview Heights...
ALTON — The James Killion Beautification & Enhancement Commission (JK-BEC), in partnership with nonprofit fiscal sponsor Be A Bridge, will host the Back-to-School Movie Night & Community Celebration on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, at James Killion Park in Alton. The event aims to support local...
EDWARDSVILLE - The singles final was the climax of another successful Edwardsville Futures Tournament, one in which Director Dave Lipe hoped to do things just a little bit better than last year. And at the end of the day, he was able to accomplish all of his goals. "I think we did a lot of things...
EDWARDSVILLE - Seventh seeded player Kyle Kang of Orange County, Calif., came back in the final two sets, and gained three service breaks in the final two sets to win the singles final of the 14th annual Edwardsville Futures tennis tournament, presented by The EGHM Foundation, 3-6, 6-1, 6-1...
BETHALTO — Keegin Morgan, a Bethalto special education paraprofessional and mother of two, lost her only vehicle in a fire at her apartment complex on Grant Street. With the new school year approaching, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help her replace the car and continue supporting...
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