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.
BATCHTOWN — A devastating fire on Tuesday, March 26, 2025, has left the Jackson family in Batchtown grappling with severe losses, including the hospitalization of family member Paula Benoist Jackson. The fire consumed their home and claimed the lives of three of their dogs, while three others...
EAST ST. LOUIS - Briana Morales, an educator at Bush Alternative in East St. Louis School District 189, has been nominated for the 2024-2025 LifeChanger of the Year Award, an honor that recognizes exceptional K-12 educators and school employees who significantly impact students' lives. The announcemen...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — A 75-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a child sexual abuse investigation initiated by the Fairview Heights Police Department on March 5, 2025. The suspect, Roger M. Tiemann, is currently in custody at the St. Clair County Jail following the issuance of multipl...
BROOKLYN - A Brooklyn, Illinois, police officer was injured recently while trying to deploy spike strips during a vehicle pursuit, prompting charges against a man involved in the incident. The officer is expected to recover from his injuries. This incident brought back terrible memories for Tammy...
CARROLLTON/BUNKER HILL - St. John's the Evangelist Elementary in Carrollton's eighth graders and Bunker Hill's Wolf Ridge eighth graders both returned home with Class 1A and Class 2A Illinois Elementary School state volleyball championships. Bunker Hill defeated Auburn 2-0 for its state title...
ALTON - Alton High boys tennis coach Jesse Macias expresses optimism for his Redbirds group for the upcoming 2025 spring season, led by senior Alex Teutken. Macias calls Alex Teutken an "extremely talented player." The other top six for Alton are: Nick Tuetken, Joe Ventimiglia, Jayden Beirman, Erick...
EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville and Alton met on Tuesday night, March 25, 2025, at the Edwardsville Tennis Courts. The Tigers emerged a 9-0 winner with a competitive Alton group. The results were as follows: Jesse Hattrup 6-0, 6-0 over Alex Tuetken. Isaac Chelborn 6-0, 6-0 over Nick Tuetken. Brandon...
EDWARDSVILLE — Collinsville's girls soccer team faced a challenging match against Edwardsville on Tuesday night, March 25, 2025, ending with a 3-1 defeat after a competitive first half that saw both teams level at 1-1. Ava Digiroalmo scored the lone goal for the Kahoks in the first half, showcasing...
COLLINSVILLE — Caici Buckman, a senior bowler at Collinsville High School, will go down in school history as one of the best to ever play the sport. She has been named a Collinsville High February Athlete of the Month for her outstanding contributions to the bowling team during the recent...
EDWARDSVILLE – Gabby Thompson scored in the second half to put Edwardsville ahead, with Anna Maxim providing insurance later on, and Genny Burroughs made the big saves in goal, as Edwardsville held off Collinsville 3-1 in the Southwestern Conference girls soccer opener for both sides...
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