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.
ALTON - For a unique and successful blend of talents in band, theater and engineering, our most recent Remarkable Redbird, junior Wesley LeBrun, will be leading the way. Wesley said during a recent interview that "Alton High is a great school and he is proud to attend." Wesley has been a member o...
EDWARDSVILLE – Senior pitcher Joe Chiarodo threw a masterful game on Tuesday, evening, May 13, 2025, retiring the first 16 batters he faced before allowing an one-out single to Gabe Kashyoke ending up with a two-hit shutout, striking out eight, including five in a row, and also coming up with...
ALTON — The City of Alton has been recognized in the Family Destinations Guide publication as an affordable and welcoming place for retirees living on Social Security income. The article, published May 10, 2025, highlights Alton’s unique combination of small-town charm, rich history,...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Officer Connor Maedge has been named the Fairview Heights Police Department’s Officer of the Year for 2024, recognizing his outstanding contributions to law enforcement and community safety since joining the department in February. Maedge has made significant impacts...
CARROLLTON — The Greene County Historical and Genealogical Society has a very special meeting on May 18, 2025, when Carrollton High School grad David Gillingham will present a program about lessons from his late father, Neal Gillingham. The Greene County Historical and Genealogical Society...
EAST ST. LOUIS — A St. Louis man was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison Friday after admitting to robbing four banks in less than three weeks in late 2023. Tyrone Leslie, 40, pleaded guilty in January to four counts of bank robbery, with one count charged in the Southern District...
ALTON - Alton High School has accepted the resignation of Deserea Howard as head coach of the girls basketball team, ending her six-year tenure with the program. Howard led the Lady Redbirds to a record of 123 wins and 51 losses, capturing three Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Regional titles,...
GRANITE CITY - Junior Antonio Dean aims to break the 50-second barrier in the 400-meter dash by the end of the season, building on a series of strong performances for the Warriors. Dean recently set a personal best of 50.71 seconds at the Collinsville Invite, where he placed seventh, and earlier wo...
GLEN CARBON — Mia Range secured first place in the high jump at the Gateway Metro Conference meet held recently at Althoff Catholic, marking a nearly unheard of fourth consecutive year winning the event. Range cleared a height of 5 feet 2 inches, continuing a strong season that includes a personal...
ALTON/GODFREY — A benefit event to support Wade Gibson, a beloved area hair stylist and business owner facing medical challenges with pancreatic cancer, will be held May 17, 2025, at The Pavilion in Kampsville. The event, organized by friends, family and local businesses, aims to raise funds...
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