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.
MARYVILLE — Illinois State Police Troop 8 reported on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, that it responded to a report of shots fired on the Illinois Route 159 exit ramp to I-270 near Maryville at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. The Illinois State Police said upon arrival, troopers found...
JERSEYVILLE — The Jersey County Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance in locating Kaila M. Vatole, who has been missing for two years. Vatole was last seen walking away from a residence on Little Piasa Road in rural Dow on Jan. 8, 2023. Despite extensive searches and investigations, authoritie...
ALTON - Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich has identified an Alton male who died on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, after being mauled by a dog inside his residence. The victim is identified as Robert W. Echols, 53, Lovejoy Lane, Alton. Echols resided at the residence with his brother. The coroner...
ALTON - Chez Marilyn, a well-known establishment in downtown Alton, is set to reopen under new ownership. The announcement was made via the restaurant's Facebook page, where the new owners expressed their enthusiasm for serving the greater Alton area and indicated that new hours and an opening date...
CASEYVILLE - The Caseyville Police Department is actively investigating a series of thefts that took place on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. Authorities have identified one suspect involved in the incidents but are still seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a second individual captured...
EDWARDSVILLE — A sensor issue triggered fire alarms at Edwardsville High School (EHS) shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, prompting an immediate evacuation of students and staff. Edwardsville School District 7 said: "In line with established safety protocols, all individuals...
BRIGHTON — Robert "Bob" Laverne Watson, an influential attorney and long-serving member of the Lewis and Clark Community College Board, died on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born on Oct. 13, 1937, in Jerseyville. Watson lost his sight at the age of six. He attended the...
ALTON - The Alton Police Department has publicly acknowledged the contributions of Illinois State Representative Amy Elik for her support of law enforcement and her efforts to commemorate the service of K9 Odin. This recognition comes following the passage of House Resolution 886, which honors...
JACKSONVILLE — The Jersey Community Middle School wrestling team showcased its strength at the Jacksonville Crimson Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, securing third place out of 15 competing teams. T he event highlighted the skills of both boys and girls wrestlers, with several...
BETHALTO — Ace Hardware of Bethalto has expressed gratitude to its customers for support in a recent fundraising initiative that benefited local organizations. The store, located at 1 Airway Court in Bethalto, collected donations through a register round-up campaign for The Community Hope Center...
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