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.
BETHALTO - On April 17, 2025, the Bethalto Police Department presented charges to the Madison County State’s Attorney's Office for Justin S. Banks, 35, of Bethalto. The following charges were filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney's Office: Justin S. Banks: CT I: Child Pornography...
JERSEY - Jersey Community High School’s freshman and sophomore boys track team competed against 16 teams at the Highland Invite on April 15, 2025, delivering strong performances highlighted by standout athlete Jack Deist. Deist secured second place in the 400-meter race with a time of 53.08...
COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville School District superintendent and the Kahok Athletics Department are urging community members to contact state Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton to oppose House Bill 1237, which is under consideration in the Illinois Senate and would restrict the use of Native American...
GLEN CARBON — The Father McGivney Griffins boys track team competed at the freshman/sophomore meet in Highland on April 15, 2025, showcasing several strong individual performances amid growing competition. Joey Seefeldt opened the meet by setting a personal best and school record in the triple...
ALTON - The Alton Police Department has named Captain Kurtis McCray its Officer of the Month for February 2025 in recognition of his efforts to reduce gun violence in two troubled neighborhoods. Capt. McCray's efforts have made a huge difference in Alton. For more than a year, the 800 block of Pearl...
ALTON — Crisis Food Center and Midwest Members Credit Union will distribute free Easter hams and side items to families from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 21 East 6th Street in Alton. This marks the sixth year the two organizations have partnered for the Easter Ham Giveaway, wit...
ALTON - Ameren Illinois' new carbon-free assessment program aimed at helping public schools in the state reduce energy costs and improve sustainability has been very successful, Michael Pittman, manager of new clean energy programs, said. The program, which began in the first quarter of 2024, offers...
EDWARDSVILLE - Even though the Belleville East Lancers lost 8-7 to Edwardsville in girls softball, head coach Natalie Peters was very happy with how her team played, on the offensive side. “I think we are happy with how we approached the game, offensively,” Peters said. “I think...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - A family is seeking community support after a car accident on March 17, 2025, resulted in the deaths of Ashley Koehler and her 10-year-old son, Jacob, and left her 3-year-old daughter, Gracie, critically injured. In response to the tragedy, friends and family organized the Emmerich...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Patrick Steinway, 41, of the 4800 block of Southridge Park Drive in St. Louis, was charged Tuesday, April 15, 2025, with stealing more than $25,000 from St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Church, authorities said. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed...
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