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 – The Edwardsville Police Department Lt. Bradn Whittaker reported one impaired driving arrest over the recent Halloween enforcement effort. Edwardsville Police also reported the following: 1 drug-related arrest 7 speed citations 7 other citations during the recent Halloween...
JERSEY - Jersey junior Amelia Strebel is working with tenacity this fall as winter begins in preparation for the 2024 indoor and spring outdoor track and field season. She has been diligent about her time in the weight room and her father, Kevin, who doubles as Jersey’s head girls track and...
EAST ALTON - The demolition of the old Citizens Savings & Loan Bank at 700 Berkshire Blvd. in East Alton began Thursday morning, Nov. 2, 2023. By 9:30 a.m., the demolition was in full gear and shortly after a crowd collected in a parking lot across the street to take photos, video and simply...
WOOD RIVER - East Alton-Wood River High offensive/defensive lineman Aiden Wright has had a long career with football that started in his eighth grade year in the JFL. He has played a key role for the Oilers since his entry on the varsity team. Wright said if he had to thank anyone in regards to support...
ALTON - Alton High School had a big sendoff recently for six girls' varsity volleyball players: the seniors - Grace Carter, Karen Lewis, Ella Artis, Tayen Orr, Aleigha Snipes and Lanee Miller. The AHS senior volleyball girls are Auto Butler Female Athletes of the Month. Alton head girls volleyball...
ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE - There is no doubt about it, Alton and Edwardsville communities take Halloween seriously. East End Improvement Association sponsors the annual Alton Halloween Parade and it is nearly a year-long undertaking. The same holds true for the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce...
ALTON - The Alton Halloween Parade sponsored by the East End Improvement Association was a cold one, but once again brought tons of smiles from children and plenty of candy with top-quality floats, East End spokesperson Steve Schwartz said late Tuesday night. This was the 106th Alton Halloween Parade...
EDWARDSVILLE - It was a bone-chilling night, but revelers at the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce Halloween Parade didn’t let that dampen their spirits or the once again fantastic event. The parade kicked off at 6:30 p.m. and did not disappoint with an abundance of memorable...
ROXANA - Roxana freshman runner Gianna Stassi and her senior teammate Raelee Kimbro have a lot to celebrate. Stassi and Kimbro two both qualified for the IHSA State Cross Country Meet. Freshman Stassi led the Shells' qualifiers with a time of 18 minutes, 29.40 seconds on the 2.92-mile course at Bento...
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