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.
WOOD RIVER - Jamal Burgess Jr. of East Alton-Wood River High School broke a 49-year-old school record in the 400-meter run at the IHSA Sectional meet in Bethalto on May 21, 2025. Burgess recorded a time of 49.64 seconds, surpassing the previous mark set by Terry Studnicki in 1976. He is a Midwest...
EDWARDSVILLE — Michael Dixon, a sanitation worker at Crescent, lost his home and possessions when a tornado struck St. Louis over the weekend, according to Cydni Harris, the SPG at D1 in Edwardsville. Harris has created a GoFundMe campaign to raise support for Dixon during this difficult time....
ALTON — Kathleen Wiegand has retired from Alton High School, concluding a long career in education that began as a Special Education Paraprofessional at Alton Middle School. Wiegand said the most rewarding part of working in the district has been "working and interacting with students and making...
EAST ST. LOUIS — After 33 years of dedicated service, Vanessa Huffman, an elementary teacher with East St. Louis School District 189, is retiring in 2025. Throughout her career, Huffman has been recognized for her commitment to fostering a love of learning and supporting student growth....
COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, issued a warning about individuals posing as Ameren utility workers who are attempting to scam residents by going door-to-door in the city. The Collinsville Police said that it had received several reports about the...
GODFREY — The Community Christmas campaign is gearing up to support local families in need during the holiday season through its annual fundraising events this summer, including the Christmas In July event. Organizer Margaret Freer emphasized the importance of community involvement, urging peopl...
BENTON — A federal jury convicted Kevin D. Stewart, 59, of Edwardsville, on two counts related to methamphetamine distribution in Franklin and Perry counties. Stewart was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of...
ALTON – The Alton Police Department is providing an update regarding the death of Christopher D. Green, a 41-year-old male from East Alton, who was fatally shot in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 1, 2025. On Sunday afternoon, approximately six hours after the original incident, officers...
SWANSEA — On Monday, June 2, 2025, Swansea Mayor Jeff Parker promoted Detective Jason Frank to the rank of Detective Sergeant in the Swansea Police Department. The ceremony took place at the department’s headquarters, recognizing Frank’s 20 years of service, including nearly 12 years...
BELLEVILLE - Investigator Lee Rinehart has retired from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department in Belleville, after a combined 32 years in law enforcement. His career began in January 1993 with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department and included 12 years with the Village...
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