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.
BELLEVILLE — The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department in Belleville is warning residents about a new phone scam in which callers impersonate deputies and other local law enforcement officials, falsely claiming that individuals have outstanding civil judgments or arrest warrants. The...
BELLEVILLE — Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knapp officially retired from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department on Thursday, July 31, 2025, after 38 years of service, marking the end of a long and distinguished law enforcement career. Knapp began his career with the department as a...
EDWARDSVILLE - These are three profiles of artists set to appear at the Edwardsville Arts Faire, held at Edwardsville City Park on September 26-28. Today's trio is Felicia Olin, Jeff Bohnert and Aron Kapembeza. Artist #1: Felicia Olin Medium: Painting Artist Statement: "My work...
EDWARDSVILLE - Third seeded Aiden McHugh, from Glasgow, Scotland, used three service breaks in the final set and advanced to Sunday's singles final with a 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 win over Marko Milandinovic of Belgrade, Serbia, and Baylor University in Waco, Tex., at the 14th annual $25,000 Edwardsville...
ALTON - The Alton Police Department has announced preparations for Puddle of Mudd’s concert at the Alton Amphitheater this Saturday evening, Aug. 2, 2025. The rock band is scheduled to perform at 1 Riverfront Drive, Alton, with gates opening at 6 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase,...
SAVANNAH, Ga. - Edwardsville’s Sophie Shapiro came back from the 2025 USATF National Junior Olympics Track and Field Championships with All-American status. Shapiro was fourth in the 400-meter hurdles prelims race with a time of 1:02.48 at the USATF Meet and eighth in the finals with a time...
COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department announced Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, that multiple reports of a man believed to be a missing person, Josh Amos in the Collinsville area have been investigated, but the individual encountered was not Amos. The Collinsville Police Department...
ROXANA - Wyatt Doyle of Roxana, a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for Roxana, recently completed an outstanding high school track and field and cross country career. Doyle, who has committed to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), earned the recognition following...
ROXANA — Incoming sophomore Paityn Lucas has emerged as a standout freshman athlete in Roxana High School’s girls track and field program this season, tying the school’s pole vault record in 2025 at 6 feet 6 inches alongside teammate Bailey Schallenberg-Decker. Julie Akal, the...
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Alton's Rayna Raglin, a 17-year-old track and field sensation, has demonstrated remarkable endurance and skill recently at the USATF Junior Olympics National track and field meet in Savannah, Ga. Raglin, competing in the 17-18 age division, earned All-American status in three...
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