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.
EDWARDSVILLE — The aisles of Target in Edwardsville buzzed with excitement Saturday morning, Dec. 14, 2024, as local police officers partnered with children from 14 families for the annual Christmas with a Cop shopping event. Organized by the Edwardsville Fraternal Order of Police Lodg...
GRANITE CITY — More than 40 children in Granite City experienced an early holiday celebration during the annual Shop with a Hero event on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. The program pairs students with local first responders, allowing them to select gifts while creating lasting memories. Participants...
GRAFTON — The Grafton community is mourning the loss of retired Police Chief Eric Spanton, who died on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow said Spanton, who battled cancer, had served as the police chief since 2017, following a distinguished 28-year career with the Illinois State...
BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School student Elliana Fiorino has been selected for the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-State Honors Chorus, a distinction that recognizes her as one of the top high school vocalists in the state. The announcement was made recently, highlighting...
COLLINSVILLE - Chase Reynolds hit a big three at the start of overtime, then the Kahoks connected on big free throws down the stretch of the period, helping Collinsville take a key Southwestern Conference win over East St. Louis 68-63 in a game played Friday night at Vergil Fletcher Gym. It was ...
O'FALLON - New and expectant mothers in O’Fallon, Illinois, will have the opportunity to gain valuable resources on pregnancy and parenting at the upcoming “Bundles for Babies” community baby shower. The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in th...
JERSEYVILLE — Four student-athletes from Jersey Community High School have been recognized for their outstanding performance in soccer, earning Mississippi Valley All-Conference honors. Brady Maxeiner, Dax Gotten, Christian Dugger, and Dylan Molloy were acknowledged for their contributions during...
WOOD RIVER - Three have been apprehended from an incident that started at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Wood River. Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said Tyler Cunningham and Brooke Wiegand allegedly texted a person who live inside a home in the 100 block of Main in Wood River. One...
ST. LOUIS – Prosecutors have charged 26-year-old Garrett Jordan with multiple offenses, including first-degree murder, in connection with the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Colin Brown on Interstate 55 in St. Louis last month. Charges were filed by the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office...
ALTON — After 45 years of service, the Alton Community Service League has announced the discontinuation of its popular gift-wrapping fundraiser at Alton Square Mall. Committee Chair Marge Ferguson cited rising material costs, declining foot traffic, and an aging membership as key factors in...
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