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.
ROXANA - Jersey High School girls softball coach Chelsea Crnokrak could not have been more pleased with her squad in a 6-5 victory on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Roxana against the Shells. She said the game was "very competitive," and it was very nice to get a win. "Roxana is a very sound team," th...
ROXANA — In a competitive girls' soccer matchup on Monday, April 7, 2025, Marquette Catholic secured a 4-0 victory over Roxana at Roxana. The game showcased strong performances from both teams, but Marquette's offensive efforts proved decisive. Alex Stephan scored for Marquette Catholic, wit...
EDWARDSVILLE - Olivia Wolz gave Edwardsville the lead in the first half, then Gabby Thompson hit a goal from distance in the second half, and it was enough to give the Tigers a crucial 2-0 win over Belleville Althoff Catholic in a girls' soccer match played Monday night at Tiger Stadium. The...
SWANSEA — Three young boys and three police officers were recognized for their heroic actions in saving a resident from a fire during a Swansea Village Board meeting. The Swansea Police Department and Swansea Fire Department honored the individuals for their quick thinking and bravery in...
EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Chancellor James T. Minor addressed the evolving landscape of higher education in statements released on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, emphasizing the need for academic program assessments to align with industry demands and student interests....
PIASA - Mason Cougill, a standout guard and defensive tackle at Southwestern High School, has officially signed his letter of intent to play football at Knox College in Galesburg. The announcement was made recently, highlighting Cougill's commitment to continuing his athletic career at the collegiate...
GLEN CARBON - Patrick Gierer, a sophomore hitter for the boys' volleyball team at Father McGivney Catholic, has had an outstanding start to his 2025 season and has helped the Griffins get off to a 4-4 start. Gierer thus far has served up 11 points and an ace, with 29 kills, a total of six assists,...
GLEN CARBON - The Bunker Hill Minutemen boys volleyball team met a tough Father McGivney squad this past week at McGivney and showcased talent during the contest. Father McGivney won 2-0 over the Minutemen. Bunker Hill's boys volleyball team has six seniors on their roster, but also have many younger...
GLEN CARBON – Father McGivney was the dominant team from the opening service, and swept a young Bunker Hill team 25-10, 25-13 in a boys' volleyball match this past Thursday afternoon, April 3, 2025, at the McGivney gym. The Griffins appear to be rounding into shape for a formidable seaso...
JERSEYVILLE - Shea Herrera, a standout athlete from Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100, has committed to continue both his education and football career at Crown College in Saint Bonifacius, Minn. The announcement was made recently by the Jersey High School athletic department, which...
Did you know Riverbender.com is free for you thanks to our awesome advertisers? We noticed you're using an ad block software. Please give our sponsors some exposure by disabling your ad blocking service for Riverbender.com.
