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 Branch of the NAACP President Leon Smallwood has responded to the recent tragic shooting of a 13-year-old girl in Alton that has been devastating to family, friends, and the community. The teen was shot and critically wounded on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Three people are in custody on attempte...
GLEN CARBON - Christin Rigoni of the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon area often has inspiring Facebook posts and this week she told the positive story of a local man named Hank who treated her son, Jack, and other friends to dinner at Applebees. Christin said the story began when Jack and friends went...
ALTON - Marquette Catholic recently honored its Scholar Bowl team seniors who were described as "a very special group." The seniors' loyalty and support have certainly helped Marquette Catholic's efforts toward a successful season. Here are the 2024 Marquette Seniors and their parents: Anna...
COLLINSVILLE - Alyssa Lewis led five players in double figures for top-seeded Alton with 15 points, as the Redbirds went on a 50-0 run in the first half, including all 24 points in the second quarter, in going on to an 83-15 win over Granite City in the first semifinal of the IHSA Class 4A girls...
WORDEN - The small community of Worden, population 1,110 was filled with individuals and families not only from the city itself but from communities all over the region and beyond on Saturday. The attendance was estimated in the 5,000 range and it was every bit of that. The Worden bars were filled...
ALTON - Alton High School freshman Jillian Dwiggins has done something incredible - she has advanced to the IHSA State Girls Bowling Meet in her first year on varsity. Jillian put together games of 212, 160, 204, 202, 162, and 202 for a total of 1142 in the sectional this past weekend. She finished...
JOLIET - The Alton High girls' bowling team posted a strong performance in the IHSA Sectional at Joliet and advanced freshman sensation Jillian Dwiggins, who advanced as an individual with 1142 for a 190 average on the day. She was 10th overall and fourth for the non-qualifying individuals not...
ALTON - Sophomore Lydia Fite and her creative eye have been recognized as the Art Fahrner-Edward Jones Alton High School Remarkable Redbird of the Month. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Lydia became very interested in sunsets and started taking pictures of them. As her interest in photography continued...
WORDEN - The Wordi Gras Celebration in Worden had something for everyone on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. There was not only the active parade, but plenty of candy for children, beads for adults and children, and plenty of food and drink once again. The Baywolfe Band and Cheers Band again drew capacity...
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