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.
NORMAL— Calhoun's girls' volleyball team secured a spot in the IHSA State Championship with a 25-15, 25-23 victory over Cessna Park in the semifinals on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at Normal. The win marks the Warriors' 23rd consecutive match victory, solidifying their strong performance this season....
ALTON — The bravery and dedication of local first responders were honored at the 2024 Alton Area Optimist First Responders Award Celebration. The event recognized the exemplary service of police officers and firefighters from Alton and Godfrey, showcasing the impact these individuals have...
O'FALLON — The O'Fallon Police Department is gearing up for its annual Breakfast with Santa event, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. In preparation for the festivities, members of the Metro Alliance FC visited the department to assist with crafting items for the occasion. The...
ALTON - Residents in the Metro East region of Illinois experienced varying visibility conditions due to fog that developed overnight, primarily affecting areas within five to ten miles of the Mississippi River. National Weather Service in St. Louis Meteorologist Jayson Gosselin noted that the clearing...
ALTON/GODFREY - 15 local agencies came together on Nov. 12 and 13, 2024, to shop at Target in Alton using Community Christmas funds, a program designed to support families in need during the holiday season. The initiative, funded by community-raised contributions, highlights the impact of collective...
ALTON — My Just Desserts, a local eatery in Alton, reaffirmed its operational status on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, amid construction work near its location at 31 E. Broadway. The statement was prompted by ongoing street work outside the building next to the old Telegraph building, which has resulte...
O’FALLON — The O’Fallon Police Department has expressed its condolences following the death of William Kuzma, Jr., an influential community member and Army veteran, who died on Nov. 7, 2024, at the age of 87. Kuzma, who served in the U.S. Army from Nov. 28, 1956, to Nov. 21, 1958,...
EDWARDSVILLE — The Annual Edwardsville Veterans Day Parade took place on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, honoring those who have served in the military with a lively procession through the city. The parade route began on Main Street in Edwardsville, turned west onto Vandalia Street, continued down...
Letter to Editor: Community Members, My name is Craig Lombardi, and I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the position of Mayor of Godfrey. Having spent my entire life in Godfrey, I am proud to call this community my home. I am a dedicated husband to my lovely wife, Amy, and a proud father...
O’FALLON — Alyssa Albertyn, a junior from O’Fallon High School, is poised to significantly impact the upcoming Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Swim Meet this weekend. She posted a standout performance at the sectional meet on Saturday in Edwardsville, where she won th...
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