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.
PIASA — Kailyn Broyles had a standout season for the Southwestern girls softball team in 2025, making significant contributions both on and off the field. Broyles, a freshman, was praised by her coach, Abby Edwards, who highlighted her leadership qualities and athletic versatility. Edwards...
TROY — The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce is hosting a series of events throughout June aimed at supporting local businesses and fostering community engagement. The month kicks off on June 12 with a Chamber Social from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at McDonald's, 103 McDonald S...
SPRINGFIELD — Rep. Amy Elik addressed members of the North Alton-Godfrey Business Association this week, providing an overview of recent legislative developments in Illinois, including the passage of the FY 26 state budget, drug affordability efforts, and her own legislative initiatives....
GODFREY — Senator Erica Harriss, reflecting on her third budget season at the statehouse, said the process remains rushed and opaque. “Illinois families are making tough choices to pay their bills, but the government keeps getting bigger,” she said. Harriss was a speaker with...
ALTON - Alton couple Dale and Carol Neudecker were recently honored by Pride Inc. with the Legacy Award for their decades of dedication to beautifying the community. The Neudeckers have been instrumental in numerous projects in Alton, including the creation of the Bucket Brigade, which has organized...
PIASA - Thor Springman, a sophomore at Southwestern High School, emerged as a key contributor during the 2025 track and field season with notable performances in distance events. Thor is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of Month for the Piasa Birds. Springman posted a personal...
ALTON — The Alton Police Department honored officers and telecommunicators Friday afternoon, June 6, 2025, for their bravery and teamwork. Chief Jarrett Ford presented the Medal of Valor to Detective Sergeant Patrick Bennett, Sergeant Joseph Splittorff, Detective Doug Hubbard, Police Field Corporal...
ALTON — The Alton Police Department announced two key promotions during a recent ceremony, highlighting the department’s commitment to leadership and community service. Chief Jarrett Ford promoted Sergeant Andrew Pierson to Lieutenant and named him the new Chief of Detectives. In this...
COLLINSVILLE — Firefighters and paramedics from the Collinsville Fire Department, along with personnel from neighboring departments, completed ventilation training recently at Collinsville Fire Station One. The training was conducted by the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) and focused...
GRANITE CITY – A new comedy show will be playing locally at Patrick’s Bar and Grill following a nearby toy and comic book convention. Following the Midwest Toy and Comic Fest Presents: Side Quest Granite City, Cryptid Comix will be hosting a comedy night at Patrick’s Bar and...
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