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.
GREENE COUNTY — Greene County, a rural community of about 11,500 residents in Illinois, is making strides to combat substance use disorder and reduce recidivism through a targeted recovery support program launched in 2023. The Greene County Health Department (GCHD) received a grant from the...
BETHALTO - Slugger Bella Thien finished at the top of the Civic Memorial High School charts for RBIs this past softball season, and a remarkable 468 batting average with eight home runs. Raigen Linton, the CM girls' softball coach, described Bella as a "great hitter for CM" and noted her value t...
EDWARDSVILLE — Alexa Stock, a junior at Metro East Lutheran High School, has been recognized as BJ’s Printables Female Athlete of the Month for her contributions to the school’s girls' soccer team this spring. Stock, a multi-sport athlete, also competes in volleyball and basketball....
ALTON - In May 2025, 95-year-old Bob Becker experienced a memorable turkey hunt on his family’s property in Calhoun County. Despite some early distractions from hens attacking decoys and several jakes passing by without a clear shot, Becker ultimately succeeded in harvesting a turkey after...
KAMPSVILLE - Wade Gibson, co-owner of Papa Toodles in Godfrey and a beloved hairdresser, died June 19, 2025, after complications from a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. He was 58 years old at the time of his death. Wade was a long-time resident of Kampsville, with his husband, James. Wade was a loving...
PLEASANT HILL — A burglary investigation in Pike County led to the arrest of a man connected to a multi-county crime spree spanning Calhoun, Jersey, Macoupin, and Pike counties, authorities said. On June 9, 2025, at approximately 3:55 a.m., the Pike County Sheriff’s Department responded...
BELLEVILLE - Belleville West cornerback Nick Hankins Jr. has committed to the University of Illinois Fighting Illini football program, the 4-star recruit announced Thursday night. Hankins, ranked as the No. 13 player in the state, chose Illinois over offers from Missouri, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and...
O’FALLON, IL. — Detective Benjamin Callahan was promoted to sergeant during a joint promotional ceremony with O’Fallon-Shiloh EMS on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The O’Fallon Police Department recognized Callahan for his service since joining the department in 2016. Sergeant...
ALTON — Despite being cut short by weather on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the Alton River Dragons game became a memorable community event that celebrated local first responders. Before the rain interrupted play at Gordon Moore Park, Officer Allen Averbeck, Illinois State Senator Erica Harriss...
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