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.
JERSEY COUNTY — An elderly couple from Alton lost their lives in a flash-flooding incident between Beltrees Road and near Fessler Road in Jersey County on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns said. The woman was discovered inside the submerged vehicle, while the man's body...
GRAFTON/SHILOH - The Metro Illinois region and Jersey and Calhoun Counties experienced substantial rainfall over the past 24 hours, with several areas reporting significant accumulations and ongoing flash flood warnings. The heaviest rainfall was recorded in Shiloh, where 6.85 inches fell and Grafton,...
SWANSEA - A Swansea native and Belleville East High School grad Evan Gray earned congratulations on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, as he became the first Alton River Dragons player to be selected in the Major League Draft. Alton River Dragons General Manager Dallas Martz said: "Huge congrats to Evan Gray!...
BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Area Humane Society is appealing for donations following a challenging day marked by a natural disaster and the rescue of two stray dogs. "We are still here. We are soaking wet and exhausted," the Humane Society said later on Tuesday, July 16, 2024,...
NASHVILLE – Following extensive rainfall on the night of July 15-16, 2024, the Nashville Reservoir dam was overtopped, resulting in downstream flooding and the evacuation of residents in the affected areas. Washington County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and first responders worked through...
GRAFTON — Over five to seven inches of rain in a short period in the Grafton region for some time inundated Route 100 and Route 3 and affected several side roads, according to city officials. "We are now in the process of clearing up areas where debris came from the fields," said Grafton Mayor...
BELLEVILLE – The Belleville Police Department issued a warning to the community at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, regarding significant water accumulation on the roadways due to ongoing rainfall. “If you see a street covered by water, do not attempt to drive through it,”...
ALTON - The Alton Police Department has announced several promotions within its ranks, recognizing the dedication and service of its officers. Emily Hejna and James Siatos have been promoted from sergeant to lieutenant positions. In addition to these advancements, PFC Rob DeWall and PFC Stephen Januar...
SWANSEA — After nearly three decades of dedicated service, Dispatcher Lori Jennings is retiring from the Swansea Police Department. Her last day of work marks the end of a 27-year career, during which she became a well-respected and integral part of the team. The Swansea Police Departmen...
CARLINVILLE — U.S. Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) will visit the Macoupin Center for the Developmentally Disabled to present the Center with a $500,000 check to be used to build a new facility and expand its community offerings. At 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Budzinski will present...
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.
