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.
GRAFTON — Families and children gathered at Red Hawk Park on Saturday, August 10, 2024, for Grafton's Family Fun Day, a final celebration before the school year begins. The event, organized by the Family Fun Day Committee, offered a variety of activities and refreshments that delighted attendees....
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service announced the finalists and winner of the 2024 Governor’s Hometown Awards on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, during a ceremony in Springfield. The City of Edwardsville's...
ALTON - In a ceremony held recently, Police Chief Jarrett Ford swore in the four newest members of the Alton Police Department. The new officers, Isaiah Hampton, Jordan Picklesimer, Steven Vaughn, and Joshua Saucedo-Hernandez, stood side by side as they took their oaths of office. "We are very excited...
BELLEVILLE — In a recent ceremony, the Belleville Police Department officially welcomed two new recruits, Officer Headen and Officer Ortiz. Both officers took their oath to protect and serve the citizens of Belleville and will soon begin their training at the police academy. The swearing-in...
EDWARDSVILLE – Alex Fox, the new interim principal of Edwardsville High School, joined other school officials outside the school to greet students on their first official day on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. The greeting by administrators and teaching staff was aimed to set a positive tone for...
BELLEVILLE – A bobcat sighting in Brookhill Estates, near Green Mount Road in Belleville, has garnered significant attention this past weekend. The wildcat was first spotted on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, when a person let a dog out in the backyard. Brookhill Estates, located just east of Green...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges against Christopher Woodard, 40, of Florissant, Missouri, for endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful use of a weapon. Woodard, who resides on the 2300 block...
PONTOON BEACH/BELLEVILLE - A pair of local licensed cannabis dispensaries will receive a significant amount of funds from Round II of the Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024....
ALTON — What began as a small initiative seven years ago has grown into a significant community event, thanks to the efforts of Jiuana and Efrem Evans. On Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, the couple organized a backpack giveaway at the Alton Middle School Annex Gym, providing over 300 backpacks to...
ALTON – The fourth season of Movie Nights at James Killion Park launched with a "resounding success," one of the coordinators, Sheila Goins, said. The event, held on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, saw hundreds of children in attendance and was described as a "beautiful vibe of excitement and community,"...
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