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 - Anderson Hospital welcomed its first baby of the year 2025 early on Jan. 1, 2025, with the birth of a boy named Kimani at 1:06 a.m. Kimani weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces and measured 19 inches in length. The proud parents, Briana and Mark, expressed their joy at the arrival of their son....
GLEN CARBON - Glen Carbon Fire Chief Jason Whitaker confirmed that a residential fire on Butternut Lane resulted in a total loss of the home early Thursday morning, Jan. 2, 2025. The fire departments from Glen Carbon, Maryville, and Edwardsville responded to the scene shortly after 7 a.m., with Tro...
ALTON — Eric Sykes officially began his role as the new theater director for the Alton Little Theater on January 1, 2025. His appointment comes with significant support, as local entrepreneur Eddie Sholar and the Village Dispensary announced on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, that they have made a substantia...
ALTON — Eddie Sholar, an owner of the Village Dispensary in Godfrey, emphasizes the importance of community engagement and support as the cannabis industry continues to evolve in Alton. On Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, Sholar announced the Village Dispensary's biggest community service project since...
COLLINSVILLE — The Madison County Coroner Nick Novacich identified a 26-year-old man from St. Louis, who died early Thursday after being struck by a tractor-trailer on Interstate 55 in Collinsville. The Madison County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Devin C. Smart. The coroner...
COLLINSVILLE — A fatal crash involving a pedestrian and a truck-tractor semi-trailer occurred late Wednesday night, Jan. 1, 2024, on Interstate 55 southbound near milepost 8, just outside Collinsville in Madison County. According to preliminary information from Illinois State Police Troop 8,...
GLEN CARBON — Multiple fire agencies responded to a significant fire early Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, on Butternut Lane in Glen Carbon. The initial call reporting the fire was received around 7:15 a.m., prompting a swift response from local firefighters. Shortly after 8 a.m. Thursday, the fire...
ALTON - As the countdown to 2025 begins, the Alton Police Department (APD) is reminding residents to celebrate New Year’s Eve safely with a set of practical tips. The advice comes as part of the department's initiative to ensure that festivities remain enjoyable and free of mishaps. In a messag...
GRANITE CITY – The Granite City High School cheerleading program has showcased a mix of talent across its varsity and junior varsity teams this winter, as well as a special group designated for game day support. Granite City placed first recently in the Illinois Cheerleading Coaches...
ALTON — James Gray, a prominent figure in the Alton community and former long-time president of the Alton Branch of the NAACP, died on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, at the age of 90. Gray celebrated his 89th birthday in the spring of 2023, coinciding with the dedication of a street sign in his honor...
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