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.
CARROLLTON - Carrollton and Greenfield firefighters battled a serious blaze on Saturday, March 2, 2024, on Sycamore in Carrollton. Carrollton Fire Chief Tim Thaxton said on Monday, March 4, 2024, that his crew received a call at 11:45 a.m. of a fire in the 800 block of Sycamore. He said because of...
GLEN CARBON - Natalie Beck is one of the top female athletes at Father McGivney Catholic High School. She stars in girls' basketball, soccer and tennis. Beck was a junior for the Griffins girls basketball team in their very successful 2023-2024 season. She averaged 8.6 points per game for Father McGivne...
CHARLESTON - The Father McGivney Catholic Lady Griffins girls track and field team posted top-notch efforts on Friday, March 1, 2024, at the Eastern Illinois University Indoor Invite in Charleston. The Griffins girls team was sixth overall in the meet 2A Tolono Unity, 2A Richton Park Southland Charter,...
BETHALTO - Avari Combes was a player for Civic Memorial High head girls basketball coach Mike Arbuthnot for four years, and he has only positive things to say about the standout athlete. Avari also hit .385 during her junior year for the Eagles girls' softball team and .333 in her sophomore season....
BETHALTO - Civic Memorial wrestler Bryce Griffin recently brought home a 2A State Wrestling Championship to Bethalto in the 157-pound category. Griffin appeared with C.J. Nasello on his Our Daily Show! this past week. Bryce won the state championship in Class 2A with a 5-1 win over Seth Digby...
ALTON - The combination of Josh Weed and Marty Gerloff captured first place in the weekend Twisted Cat Outdoors fishing tournament in Alton with a total catch of 116.86 pounds. Weed-Gerloff won $10,080 for the first-place overall triumph. Second place went to Jordan Collins, Joseph Quinn and Robert...
EAST SAINT LOUIS – The Illinois State Police is investigating a traffic crash where the squad car was struck by a vehicle driven by a Belleville woman. The trooper was transported to an area hospital for the treatment of injuries and was released. The driver of the Buick, 55-year-old Billie...
IHSA PLAYOFFS - SECTIONAL FINALS/SWEET SIXTEEN GAMES CLASS 1A WHITE HALL - Calhoun-Brussels stayed with West Central until the game's last play on Friday night at White Hall in the IHSA Class 1A Boys Sectional Championship, but the Cougars hung on for a 64-61 win to advance to the Elite...
EAST ST. LOUIS – A U.S. District Judge has ordered a Swansea man to repay the federal government over $1.2 million after he admitted to using an East St. Louis market in a fraud scheme to obtain SNAP benefits. Almahde H. Nijmeh, 65, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful acquisition of SNA...
BELLEVILLE - A man who left a lasting impact regarding sound and professional microphones and related accessories - Bob Heil - died at age 83 on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, after a long bout with cancer. Heil mics are highly regarded around the world by Grammy-winning artists, professional podcasters,...
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