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 — Two Alton Police Department lieutenants have been recognized by Sacred Spaces for their initiatives aimed at promoting well-being with first responders and department employees. Lieutenant Dustin Christner was acknowledged for establishing a first responder Bible study that is open...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Officers responded to a traffic collision involving a silver Hyundai Elantra and a blue BMW X3 at approximately 11 a.m. on March 20, 2025, at the intersection of North Illinois Street and Market Place in Fairview Heights. The incident escalated into a physical altercation between...
ALTON — The Boys and Girls Club of Alton reported a break-in early Thursday morning, April 3, 2025, prompting an investigation by local authorities. The incident occurred at the club, located at 2512 Amelia St., where an intruder allegedly caused significant damage. Sgt. Andrew Pierson, General...
BLOOMINGTON — The Edwardsville girls' track and field team showcased remarkable talent at the recent Top Times Indoor Championships Meet in Bloomington this past weekend, highlighted by the performances of hurdlers Sophia Shapiro and Adara Martin, who both qualified for the finals in their hurdle...
ALTON - The Alton Redbirds sprinter Rayna Raglin is off to an unbelievable start this track and field season and won a state championship at the Illinois Top Times Indoor Meet this past weekend at Bloomington. Raglin outperformed the other competitors in the 60-meter dash and wowed the crowd by...
TROY/BLOOMINGTON — Multiple Father McGivney Catholic runners excelled at the Triad Distance Carnival Meet recently and also at the Top Times Indoor Championships in Bloomington. The track and field competitors contended with 30 mph winds at the Triad Meet and still had incredible success....
BLOOMINGTON - The Father McGivney Catholic boys' track and field team made history at the Illinois Top Times Invitational in Bloomington this past weekend. The boys’ team set the tone early with a record-setting performance in the 4 x 800-meter relay. The quartet of Tyler Ahring, Liam Schmidt,...
BLOOMINGTON — Father McGivney's Lilly Gilbertson emerged as a standout performer at the Illinois Top Times Invitational, showcasing her sprinting prowess in multiple events this past weekend. The meet, often regarded as the unofficial state indoor track and field championships, took place i...
GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic High School celebrated the installation of new lights and a renovated track with a girls' soccer match against Freeburg on March 28, 2025. The event marked a significant enhancement to the school's athletic facilities, which were made possible through community...
COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department participated in the Collinsville Area Vocational Center Criminal Justice Jamboree, held recently at Collinsville High School. This annual event brought together various law enforcement agencies, including local, state, federal, and military partners,...
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