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 - K9 Jax, a dedicated member of the Alton Police Department, officially retired on Jan. 28, 2025, marking a decade of service. The date coincides with the 10-year anniversary of his working career alongside his handler, Sergeant Mike Morelli. Throughout his tenure, K9 Jax participated in...
GLEN CARBON — Father McGivney Catholic capped its regular season with a 35-28 victory over Rochester on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, marking the Griffins' 20th win. The game was held at Rochester, where the Griffins showcased a strong performance under head coach Jeff Oller. Despite a late-game...
ALTON - A traffic crash occurred around 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, on West Third Street and Piasa in Alton. There was an initial report of injuries in the accident with two vehicles. Traffic was disrupted because of the crash and motorists are encouraged to avoid the area during the accident...
ALTON/GRANITE CITY - The Salvation Army in Alton and Granite City has once again demonstrated its community spirit by surpassing the fundraising goal for The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign. The campaign raised a total of $442,700, exceeding the initial goal of $422,000 set for the...
EDWARDSVILLE — Triad advanced in the Mississippi Valley Club Hockey Association Class 1A playoff series with a 5-2 victory over Highland on Thursday night, February 13, 2025, at RP Lumber Ice Center in Edwardsville. Triad's balanced scoring was pivotal in their win, with goals from Jackson...
COLLINSVILLE – In response to a growing trend of school threats across the nation, the Collinsville Police Department and the Collinsville Unit 10 School District have collaborated to produce an educational video aimed at students and parents. The initiative comes as concerns rise over the...
CARLINVILLE - Carlinville residents Ron Releford and Kelly Passalacqua are spearheading a fundraiser to support Wally Dyer, who was seriously injured in a snowmobile accident on Jan. 26, 2025. The incident occurred in Mercer, Wisc., while Dyer was riding with his son, Nate, and friends. As he approached...
COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department has received a donation of a ballistic vest for its K9 officer, Kingo, from Brady’s K9 Fund, an organization dedicated to supporting police dogs across the United States. Brady’s K9 Fund was established by an 8-year-old boy named...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Two suspects were taken into custody following a reported burglary at a residence on Meckfessel Drive in Fairview Heights on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. Officers from the Fairview Heights Police Department responded to the scene after the victim discovered various items had been...
WOOD RIVER - Kayley Plank, a senior at East Alton Wood River High School, has been recognized for her achievements in cheerleading. Plank, who has dedicated 11 years to the sport, has been a member of her high school cheer team for four years under the guidance of coach Alison Beachum. In addition...
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