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.
GLEN CARBON — A moving candlelight vigil was held Monday night, April 21, 2025, to honor the memory of Brandon Ahring, a 22-year-old assistant track and field coach at Father McGivney Catholic High School. Ahring, also a McGivney graduate and cross-country and track participant, died last wee...
WOOD RIVER - Haley Pratt, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School (EAWR), has been recognized for her outstanding performance in softball, marking a significant milestone in her athletic career. Pratt, who has played softball for nine years, made history this spring as the first Oiler to hit...
ALTON - Alton High School’s Theatre and Music Departments will present the musical “Into the Woods” on April 24 and 25 at 7 p.m., and April 26 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. The performances will take place at the school’s auditorium at 2200 Humbert Road in Alton. The production features...
PIASA - Vivian Zurheide has emerged as a key player for Southwestern High School’s girls softball team, contributing both on the field and as a mentor to younger players. Coach Amanda Edwards praised Zurheide as “an outstanding hitter” and highlighted her value in the field as well...
WOOD RIVER - Gianna Stassi of Roxana, Gina Truax of East Alton-Wood River and Karly Davenport of Marquette Catholic led their teams with standout performances in the EAWR Relays on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Stassi won both the 1,600 and posted a solid time on the Shells' winning 4 x 800 relay, Trua...
WOOD RIVER - Jack Beaber of Marquette Catholic led all athletes at the East Alton-Wood River Relays on Thursday, April 17, 2025, with first places in both the shot put and discus. East Alton-Wood River, Roxana and Marquette also had several other athletes stand out in relays and individual results....
BRIGHTON - Grace Strohbeck pitched a perfect game recently to lead Southwestern to an 11-0 victory over North Greene in a five-inning softball contest. The game took place recently, with Strohbeck retiring every batter she faced, a rare achievement in softball and baseball. Grace is recognized as...
GRANITE CITY - Collinsville’s Devin Habermehl and Shane Box continued their dominance in the shot put and discus at the Granite City Invitational on Friday, April 18, 2025, showcasing why they are among the state’s top competitors in these events. Habermehl secured first place in the...
GRANITE CITY - Granite City track and field distance sensation Landon Harris blazed the track for a time of 4:22.91 to capture the 1,600-meter run to delight local fans on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Granite City High. Area athletes performed exceptionally well as Wentzville, Mo., North Point...
GRANITE CITY - Lavoris Montgomery is organizing a fundraiser to support the burial expenses for her grandson, Devontray Jamal Williams, of Granite City, who died in his sleep on April 17, 2025, at the age of 4 months and 17 days. The infant’s mother, Dekearra Williams, had recently returned...
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