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.
PEORIA – Governor JB Pritzker has announced that $7.9 million in grants will be awarded to support new grocery stores and equipment upgrades in underserved areas of Illinois. Multiple local food stores were part of the Pritzker grants initiative for grocers. The funding, which includes $6.9...
TROY – Quarterback Chase Reynolda ran for three touchdowns, while running back Rome Richardson scored twice on the evening, but it was the Kahok defense along with a pair of second quarter touchdowns in 20 seconds that helped make the difference as Collinsville became playoff eligible...
EDWARDSVILLE – DeSmet Jesuit took an early 14-0 lead and went on to defeat Edwardsville 42-19, in the regular season finale for both teams Friday night at Tiger Stadium. When the game started, It was the Spartans taking control early, taking 11 plays and 3:25 to go 65 yards on the opening possession...
GODFREY - Authorities are investigating a serious head-on collision that occurred in Godfrey, on Friday evening, Oct. 25, 2024, At approximately 8:33 p.m. Friday, the Madison County Sheriff's Office and Godfrey Fire Department responded to the crash site on Godfrey Road (Highway 67) near Davis Lane....
PEORIA - Father McGivney is known for having a strong group of boys and girls distance runners, but another emerged this past week at the Peoria Heights Patriot Invitational. The Peoria meet saw 14 complete JV boys teams/136 runners; 34 varsity boys (284 runners) who competed on the legendary Detweiller...
PEORIA - Father McGivney's girls cross country begins its post-season path to state with this sectional meet on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at Trenton-Wesclin. The Griffins are prepared for a strong meet after a recent weekend showing in Peoria. The Father McGivney varsity girls captured fifth overall...
GLEN CARBON - The Father McGivney Catholic girls tennis team had an incredible season in 2024 under head coach Brian Taylor and two girls - Kennedi Taylor and Natalie Beck - emerged as state qualifiers in doubles. Kennedi is Brian's daughter. The two girls recorded two state wins at the IHSA 1A Tournament...
ALTON - The Alton Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Shane Williams, is gearing up for its first concert of the season, titled “Ghost Busters: No Trick, Just Treats,” set for 7 p.m. on Saturday night, Oct. 26, 2024, at Hatheway Hall. The concert, which will feature music...
BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School's head boys basketball coach and physical education teacher, Jared Reynolds, was honored with an All-In recognition this week for his exemplary commitment to students and the school community. The award highlights Reynolds’ dedication to going above and...
BELLEVILLE - The Belleville Police Department recognized the promotions of Lieutenant Barfield, Sergeant Kallal, and Sergeant Wright during a City Council meeting this week. The department expressed gratitude for their service and dedication to both the department and the City of Belleville. The...
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