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.
ALTON - Alton High School's Future Farmers of America (FFA) students recently contributed to their community by raising funds for the Alton Police Department's K9 Fund in memory of fallen K9 officer Odin. The presentation of the check took place last week at the school, where students and their advisor,...
O’FALLON — Fire officials are urging residents to prioritize fire safety as they kick off National Fire Prevention Month with a press conference scheduled at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. The event will take place at the O’Fallon Fire Department Headquarters, located at 1215...
EAST ST. LOUIS – A federal judge has sentenced two men for their roles in a scheme that manipulated the bidding process for construction projects at ALDI grocery stores in southern Illinois and Missouri. Louis R. Ross, Sr., a former ALDI executive, and Donald E. Schniers, a general contractor...
BELLEVILLE - In response to a surge in telephone scam calls targeting St. Clair County residents, authorities are urging community members to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited phone communications. The Sheriff’s Department issued a statement outlining common scams that have recently...
ALTON - If you don't watch closely, our newest Remarkable Redbird could run right by. Junior Hank McClaine has been running for the Alton School District since the sixth grade. Hank has been a headliner for the Redbird cross-country and track team. He was the winner of the Alton Invitational Cross...
BELLEVILLE — Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) will tour Chestnut Health Systems in Belleville at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. The visit aims to highlight a federal investment aimed at enhancing veteran services in Madison County. Rep. Budzinski,...
TROY - Angela Richter has been named Triad's 2024-2025 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award winner, recognizing her commitment to high student engagement and continuous personal improvement. The announcement was made recently by Triad Community Unit #2. Richter, who is in her 17th year with the Triad...
CHAMPAIGN – Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly has announced the line-of-duty death of ISP Trooper Corey S. Thompsen. ? Kelly said the ISP family mourns Trooper Thompsen and holds his family and loved ones in our hearts during this terrible time. At 3:40 p.m. on Friday,...
ALTON — A motorcycle accident on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, claimed the life of a 35-year-old man in Alton. The incident occurred at approximately 5:23 p.m. at the intersection of East Broadway and Laclede Street. According to preliminary investigations by the Alton Police Department, a silver Chevrole...
JERSEYVILLE — Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 recently hosted a visit from Dr. Tony Sanders, Superintendent of the Illinois State Board of Education, and Dr. Steven Isoye, the ISBE Board Chairman, on Thursday. The visit was aimed to showcase the educational initiatives and...
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