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.
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner has announced she is standing alongside families impacted by the Carlinville funeral home’s insufficient handling of human remains , with a plan to reestablish integrity and trust in the death care industry. Senate Bill 2643 would require the...
CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. - The man charged in the recent Granite City Police officer shooting - Donald J. Friese - was reported killed in a gunfire exchange with officers in Southern Illinois on Wednesday night, Feb. 7, 2024. Cape Girardeau Police obtained an alert about a car driven by a suspect involved...
EDWARDSVILLE - In a Gateway Metro Conference game played on Wednesday, Metro-East Lutheran used a mid-court three from O'Bryant Brown at the halftime buzzer to build momentum in taking the 62-54 win over McGivney at Hooks Gym. Under head Coach Anthony Smith, the young MELHS team appears...
GRANITE CITY - Donald J. Friese, a suspect sought in an attempted first-degree murder case, has been located in Southern Illinois by multiple law enforcement agencies, the Granite City Police Department has reported. The Granite City Police said more information will be provided at a later time. Gr...
ROXANA - Aidan Briggs had one of the most special moments of his life on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, when he sank a jumper from long range as the buzzer sounded to notch his 1,000th career point. The Roxana students and fans emptied to the floor to celebrate with Aidan, who is also a top-ranked student...
BOYS BASKETBALL MARQUETTE CATHOLIC 72, MARYVILLE CHRISTIAN 20 In a Gateway Metro Conference game at Maryville’s gym, Marquette had little trouble in taking the win over the Lions. The Explorers led from start to finish, leading 23-10, 45-11, and 66-14, with the fourth quarter ending...
CAHOKIA – The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the 700 block of Mildred Avenue in Cahokia Heights. The Cahokia Heights Police were initially called to the scene at 1:04 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2024. The victim has been identified as Bradfor...
GRANITE CITY - Granite City Police announced Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, that a suspect has been charged after a Granite City police officer was shot during gunfire late Tuesday night. Granite City Police said the suspect is still at large. Donald J. Friese was charged with two counts of attempted...
WOOD RIVER - Devon Green joined the 1,000-point club in East Alton-Wood River’s 69-57 win over Mt. Olive at EAWR Memorial Gym. Green reached his 1,000 th point on a three at the end of the third quarter in the Oilers’ win. Tah'juan Smith had 17 points for the Oilers and Malyk Spiller...
EAST ALTON - Dazzler Dance Company of East Alton, recently took their DDC All-Stars to Orlando, Fla., to compete in the UDA National Dance Team Championships. The coaches are Katie Pluhar and her assistant Bailey Culiberk. The local team placed fourth in Lyrical and sixth in Pom against some tremendous...
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