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.
HARTFORD — A man was rescued early Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, after becoming trapped inside a garbage truck’s compactor, prompting a response from the Hartford Fire Department and assistance from the Roxana Fire Department. At approximately 4 a.m. on Nov. 27, emergency services were alerted...
ROXANA - Marquette and Staunton squared off in a competitive boys basketball matchup on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in the Roxana Hoopsgiving Tournament, but the Bulldogs edged the Explorers 54-44. Staunton's Bryce Coalson led all scorers with 12 points, while Cameron Golike led Marquette scorers with...
COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Fire Department honored Lieutenant Frank Arnold for his more than 24 years of dedicated service during a City Council meeting on Tuesday evening, Nov. 26, 2024. Arnold, a lifelong resident of Collinsville, is retiring from his position as a Licensed Paramedic...
O'FALLON - Donald W. Harris III has been apprehended without incident and charged with one count of Robbery and one count of Theft From Person. At 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, O'Fallon Police Officers responded to a call regarding an elderly male found lying on the sidewalk in the 300...
BELLEVILLE - Margaritas West, a local restaurant located at 108 E. A Street in Belleville, has officially closed its doors. The announcement was made on social media, where the owners expressed their gratitude to patrons for their support over the past eight years. In their statement, the owners...
BELLEVILLE – Daryl S. Muhammad, a 48-year-old resident of Marietta, Ga., has been convicted for his role in a shooting and armed robbery that occurred at the Casino Queen in 2017. Following a week-long trial that concluded on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, Muhammad was found guilty of multiple...
ALTON — Marquette Catholic's boys basketball team demonstrated resilience and teamwork during their season opener on Monday night, defeating Freeburg 61-51 in the Roxana Hoopsgiving Tournament. The game showcased the young roster, which includes multiple sophomores and juniors, and two freshmen...
ALTON — Henry Neely capped off his high school golf career with a standout performance, helping to solidify Alton High School's boys' golf team as a formidable competitor in the fall of 2024. Neely, alongside teammate Sam Ottwell, emerged as leaders of the Redbirds golf squad, showcasing their...
ALTON - Rodger Zawodniak, a standout athlete from Marquette Catholic, concluded the 2024 boys cross country season with impressive performances, marking a notable year for the area runner. Zawodniak is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athlete of the Month and received the title of Runner o...
JERSEY - Kaden Strohbeck, a sophomore at Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100, has been recognized as an Alton Road Runners Boys Runner of the Year for Jersey after his outstanding performance in cross country during the 2024 season. This accolade and today's Sparklight Male Athlete of the...
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