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.
SWANSEA - The Swansea Police Department celebrated the graduation of Deputy Chief Keith Howard from Session 292 of the FBI National Academy recently. The ceremony marked the completion of an 11-week training program that included 256 law enforcement professionals from 48 states and 27 countries....
JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey Community High School girls bowling team recently achieved a notable accomplishment, finishing second in the Silver Division at the Southern Illinois Team Challenge held at Bel-Air Bowl. This performance has earned the team recognition as the Sparklight Female Athletes o...
JERSEYVILLE — The Jersey Community High School boys bowling team recently secured a first-place finish in the Silver Division at the Southern Illinois Team Challenge, which took place at Bel-Air Bowl. The event showcased the skills of numerous teams from the region, with JCHS's boys team standing...
COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department has named Officer Guiseppi Coppotelli as its Officer of the Month for November 2024. Coppotelli, who joined the department in March 2023, has been recognized for his proactive approach to policing and his commitment to addressing criminal...
GODFREY — The Godfrey Fire Protection District was recently honored with the Gold Firehouse Station Design Award, recognizing the district's commitment to creating a facility that benefits both firefighters and the community. Fire Chief Eric Cranmer emphasized the significance of the...
O'FALLON, Ill. — Seventh-grade students at Fulton Junior High School in O'Fallon recently engaged in hands-on science, utilizing microscopes to explore the microscopic world. The classes, taught by innovative instructors Ashley Stefanisin and Julia Weyhaupt, provided students with the opportunity...
SHILOH - At 1:47 p.m. on Dec. 12, 2024, Shiloh Police officers conducted a well-being check on a missing person in the 300 block of North Main Street. The missing individual, identified as Vikki L. Thomas, 59, was located driving a vehicle that was subsequently stopped, leading to the detention...
JERSEYVILLE — Taylor Woodring, a junior at Jerseyville High School, has had a standout cross-country season in 2024, marked by significant personal achievements and a strong support system. Woodring is a Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month for Jersey. Woodring, who has been running competitively...
JERSEYVILLE – Jaxon Brunaugh, a standout multi-sport athlete for the Jersey Panthers, has made significant contributions to both the football and basketball teams this season. He is a Sparklight Male Athlete of the Month. In football, Brunaugh showcased his skills as quarterback this past season...
ALTON — The Alton Wreaths Across America event took place on December 14, 2024, at the city cemetery, where volunteers gathered to honor veterans by laying wreaths on their graves. Despite challenging weather conditions, the event saw the participation of local scout and youth groups, wh...
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