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.
COLLINSVILLE — Officer Stuart Patterson of the Collinsville Police Department was named the department’s Officer of the Month for March 2025, recognizing his contributions during his second year of service. Officer Patterson marked his two-year anniversary with the department in March...
Justice Department announces results of Operation Restore Justice 205 child sex abuse offenders arrested in FBI-led nationwide crackdown, four facing charges in the Southern District of Illinois EAST ST. LOUIS — The Department of Justice announced Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the results of...
PIASA — Matthew Ready, a 6-foot-3, 300-pound offensive lineman for the Piasa Birds, has signed a scholarship to play football at Greenville University. Ready, a two-year starter for the Piasa Birds, was recently named the Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for...
SWANSEA — Commissioner Dennis Blick retired Monday night, May 5, 2025, after 44 years of service to the Swansea community, the Swansea Police Department announced. At the Swansea board meeting, outgoing Mayor Mike Leopold honored Blick with a special award recognizing his leadership, dedication,...
EDWARDSVILLE - Although Riley Nelson dominated in the circle in a girls' softball game against Belleville West at Edwardsville on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, West pitcher Kara Kramer pitched well herself, at one point, retiring six in a row in the middle innings, and was able to keep battling throughout...
TUESDAY, MAY 6 PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS SCOREBOARD BASEBALL Trenton Wesclin 4, Carlyle 3 Collinsville 4, Alton 3 Piasa Southwestern 8, Vandalia 4 Edwardsville 10, Belleville West 3 Breese Central 16, East Alton-Wood River 1 Jersey 2, Waterloo 1 O’Fallon 15-11, East St. Louis 0-0 Civic...
EDWARDSVILLE – Riley Nelson pitched magnificently, striking out 10 and allowing only four hits, while both Lily Stone and Sophie Antonini drove in two runs each as Edwardsville’s softball team won over Belleville West 8-0 in a Southwestern Conference game Tuesday afternoon, May 6, 2025,...
ALTON - A big five-run fifth inning was a key for Marquette Catholic’s 6-1 baseball triumph over a talented Wesclin squad on Monday night, May 5, 2025, at Gordon Moore Park in Alton. Marquette tied the game in the fourth inning with a run then knocked out five runs in the fifth for all the...
ROXANA — The Roxana High School boys 4x800 relay team set a new school record at the Triad Invitational on May 2, 2025. The Shells team completed the race in 8 minutes, 8.45 seconds, breaking the previous record of 8:17.27. Roxana's 4x800 squad now appears primed for conference and sectional...
ROXANA - Roxana High School’s Leah Newton broke a 20-year-old triple jump school record with a leap of 10.31 meters (33 feet, 10 inches) recently. Newton has been a standout athlete for the Shells in 2025, excelling in multiple events including the triple jump, high jump, hurdles, sprints, and...
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