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.
BELLEVILLE - Dierre Hill, Jr. perhaps the best player in the entire St. Louis metro area, had an extraordinary day, running 13 times for 318 yards and five touchdowns including runs of 50 and 99 yards, while quarterback Jayden Ellington ran in for two scores, including an explosive 65-yard run...
EDWARDSVILLE – Mia Semith led the way with 19 points, while newcomer Alandyn Simmons, a transfer from St. Louis Lift For Life Academy, added 11 points, but it was a solid defense that forced 24 turnovers that helped the Edwardsville girls basketball team to a season-opening 48-43 win over...
ALTON — Emerson A. "Bud" Schultz Jr., a prominent figure in the Riverbend music community, died Thursday, November 14, 2024. He was 90 years old. Schultz was known for his extensive contributions to music education and performance in the Alton region, particularly as a one-time director of...
COLLINSVILLE 56, GRANITE CITY 32: In Ron Twitchell's debut as head coach at Granite City, Collinsville's girls' basketball squad grabbed the win 56-32 in the Kahoks' home opener at Vergil Fletcher Gym. Talesha Gilmore had another big game for Collinsville, scoring 30 points, while Diamond Walker...
MADISON COUNTY — Authorities are seeking the public's help in identifying the driver involved in a hit-and-run crash that resulted in the death of a cyclist last month. The incident involved 43-year-old Pablo Puente of Edwardsville, who was reported missing on Oct. 3, 2024. According to a release...
ALTON - Alton Redbirds boys golfer Sam Ottwell's time on the golf courses around the region will not be forgotten for years in the future. Alton's Ottwell at the IHSA Large Schools State Championship achieved a two-day score of 151 for 24th place at The Den at Fox Creek in Bloomington. Ottwell i...
ALTON — Shalom Harvest is scheduled to distribute food baskets to families in need on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon. The initiative aims to provide assistance amid rising prices that have left many struggling to feed their families. The distribution will take place at two locations...
MILLSTADT - Colleen C. Hensel, a dedicated educator and beloved community member, died on Nov. 20, 2024, at age 82. She impacted the lives of countless people in the Millstadt/Belleville area through her work as a mother, wife, teacher, volunteer, and friend. Born and raised in Springfield, IL., Collee...
ALTON - Tabitha Craig-Robinson and Dan Robinson, owners of Tab's Cafe in Alton, are preparing to serve a Thanksgiving meal and trimmings to individuals in need on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. The restaurant is closed that day to provide a turkey dinner, complete with dessert, to 80 selected individuals fro...
ST. CLAIR COUNTY - Homeowners and renters in Illinois affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding from July 13 to July 16, 2024, now have additional time to seek federal disaster assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended the application...
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