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.
ROXANA - Gianna Stassi, a standout sophomore athlete from the Shells, has qualified for the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Cross Country Meet with an impressive sectional time of 18:25.8. This achievement comes as part of her ongoing success in multiple sports, highlighting her versatility...
PIASA — Southwestern High School junior Vivian Zurheide has made a significant impact both on and off the field as an athlete and student. She is an Altonized Community Federal Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Piasa Birds. Zurheide just completed a successful varsity volleyball season...
JERSEYVILLE — Gage Carey, a senior standout athlete at Jersey Community High School, has had a significant impact on both the football and baseball teams, showcasing his versatility and talent in multiple sports. As an offensive lineman and defensive end for the Panthers football team, Carey...
JERSEYVILLE - Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 facilitated a unique cultural exchange this week when students from Jersey Community High School (JCHS) connected with third-grade students in Mexico City, Mexico. The meeting, organized by JCHS Spanish teacher Andrea Lamer, allowed the...
EDWARDSVILLE — The Madison County Sheriff's Office recently held a retirement ceremony for Captain Brian Koberna, marking the conclusion of a distinguished 20-year career in law enforcement. Koberna began his tenure at the sheriff's office in 2003 as a deputy in the Patrol Division befor...
O'FALLON — The O'Fallon Police Department, along with local emergency medical services, firefighters, and registered nurses from St. Elizabeth's Emergency Room, have collaborated to produce a calendar that aims to support Metro East Every Survivor Counts. The initiative, which showcases...
TROY — The Troy Police Department has announced it will enhance its traffic safety initiatives following the award of a Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant. The grant aims to bolster high-visibility enforcement strategies that seek to reduce traffic crashe...
BENTON — The Father McGivney Catholic High School girls cross country team secured a spot at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Championships through a strong showing at the Benton Sectional this past Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. The girls' team finished as the runner-up with 100...
LEBANON — Maryville's Destiny Johnson, a senior at McKendree University, has been recognized as the 2024-2025 Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, an honor awarded for exceptional leadership, service, and academic excellence. Johnson, a Collinsville High School graduate, received...
EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville's hockey team scored two goals in 40 seconds late in the first period, then another two goals in a 37-second span, including one on the power play, to take an 8-4 win over Collinsville in the Mississippi Valley Club Hockey Association season opener Monday night, Nov...
Did you know Riverbender.com is free for you thanks to our awesome advertisers? We noticed you're using an ad block software. Please give our sponsors some exposure by disabling your ad blocking service for Riverbender.com.
