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.
OKAWVILLE — Freshmen Blake Driskill and Chloe McAdams, along with sophomore Hayden McMurtrie, are poised to continue the tradition of basketball excellence for the Carrollton Hawks. The trio contributed to the team's recent success, culminating in a super-sectional win against Albion-Edwards...
CARROLLTON — Lauren Flowers solidified her legacy on Monday night, March 3, 2025, as she became the all-time leading career scorer for the Carrollton Hawks girls' basketball team during a decisive performance in the IHSA 1A Super-Sectional at Okawville. Flowers scored a game-high 35 points...
OKAWVILLE — Harper Darr’s long-time dream of advancing to the state finals became a reality on Monday night, Dec. 3, 2025, as the Carrollton girls' basketball team secured a victory over Albion Edwards County. Darr contributed 11 points in the game, finishing as the Hawks' second-leading...
CARROLLTON — Abby Flowers has played a pivotal role in the success of the Carrollton Hawks girls basketball team, and on Monday night, March 3, 2025, her contributions helped propel the squad to the state finals at Normal. The senior guard scored 10 points in the game against Albion Edwards...
O'FALLON — Stephanie Watkins, a custodian at Carriel Junior High, has been honored with the Illinois State Board of Education Award of Special Recognition, as announced by the O'Fallon Community Consolidated School District #90. The award, part of the 225 Those Who Excel program, recognizes...
GLEN CARBON - McGivney Catholic High School is set to host a Taylor Swift Tribute Concert and Party from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in the school gymnasium. The event aims to bring together fans of all ages for an evening of music, fashion, and activities inspired by the pop star....
MAPLEWOOD, MO. — Renowned Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser and cellist Natalie Haas will lead a workshop for students and teachers on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the St. Louis String Collective space in Maplewood, followed by a concert on March 7, 2025, at the Blue Strawberry in the Central Wes...
EDWARDSVILLE - Amanda Couch is rallying community support for David and Marge, an Edwardsville couple who suffered a devastating house fire on the evening of Feb. 20, 2025. The fire resulted in the complete loss of their home and vehicles, leaving the couple to navigate the aftermath of the tragedy....
EAST ST. LOUIS — Students from the East St. Louis School District 189 showcased their musical talents during the district's Black History Program, held recently at a local venue. The event featured a live performance by the orchestra students, who played "Favorite Song" under the guidance...
ALTON — A new culinary celebration is set to take place in Alton, as Mac's 315 Belle St. hosts its inaugural Fat Tuesday Buffett on March 4, 2025. The event, running from 4 to 9 p.m., will feature a variety of Cajun favorites, including crawfish and shrimp boil, gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and...
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