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.
EDWARDSVILLE - These are another of a series of profiles on artists who will have art displayed at the Edwardsville Art Fair in City Park Sept. 27-29, 2024. Artist #1 Artist Name: Rhonda Gurgone Artist Medium: Jewelry Artist Statement: " I believe that jewelry we wear should not only look...
ALTON – The third annual OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center Back-to-School Celebration drew several hundred attendees on Saturday, August 3, 2024. “For the second year in a row, our annual Back to School Celebration distributed 500 school supply bags to local students to help...
GLEN CARBON - The region will likely never see a caliber distance runner like Elena Rybak, the senior Father McGivney phenom, come ever again. Rybak has won three state championships in the 1,600-meter run and appears poised for a fourth in the spring of 2025. Father McGivney Catholic High School's...
CARROLLTON — The Carrollton Hawks Trap team shooters have etched their name on the national stage, showcasing their talent and sportsmanship at recent the USA High School Clay Target League National Championship in Mason, Mich. Representing Carrollton with distinction, Brady Carroll achieved...
CARROLLTON - Brady Carroll, a recent graduate of Carrollton High School, has made a name for himself in the competitive world of trap shooting. Despite his recent achievements, Carroll remains modest about his performance at a national level, where he placed 13th in the country. "I was proud of it,...
TROY — Three local students have been selected to sing in Europe through The Illinois Ambassadors of Music program and are seeking the community’s assistance with the funds needed to make the trip in 2025. Riley Hansen of Troy, Lyndsy Janning of Troy, and Becky Dumar of Marine have bee...
ALTON - Tony and Amanda Hawkins, high school sweethearts from Alton, are on a new chapter in their lives as they move to Sawyerville. The couple, who met on Nov. 25, 2005, and married on May 17, 2008, closed on their first house on July 24, 2024. "We are high school sweethearts! We met my senior yea...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Sgt. Robert Belba and Officer Molly Muennich of the Fairview Heights Police Department congratulated local resident Brice Travis on his recent achievement of earning the Eagle Scout award. The recognition took place during a ceremony, where Travis was also presented...
WOOD RIVER - East Alton-Wood River High School senior Kaidence Reef has earned three consecutive all-conference honors for the Oilers in soccer. Oilers head girls soccer coach Diane Cox rates Reef the squad’s “best player.” Reef is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete...
EAST ALTON — Travis Skinner is a sprinter who has significant potential for the East Alton-Wood River Oilers in the future. Skinner is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Skinner, a sprinter, has demonstrated remarkable progress in his performance this year...
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