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.
WOOD RIVER - Unionized refinery workers at Phillips 66's Wood River Refinery are voting on a final contract proposal with the company both Tuesday and Wednesday evening. A total of 370 operators in the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399 will vote on the contract proposal. Melissa...
EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Gun Club unveiled some details today about its annual event called Schutzenfest. Stephen Gilbertson, a spokesperson for the event, said, "Every year at Edwardsville Gun Club, there is this large event called Schutzenfest. It is a local kids' fishing derby. Kids from...
ELDRED - Gregory Thomas "Fuzzy" Brannan was a devoted man to his family and a life of public service. Gregory died suddenly at home on Sunday in Eldred. Gregory and what he always described as his "best friend," wife, Penny, were married for nearly 50 years. They have two children Adam and Ashley...
WOOD RIVER - Paul Nichols is off to a dynamic start this season for the Oilers boys soccer team and recently scored a hat trick against Wesclin. For his efforts so far this season, Nichols is an East Alton Wood River High School Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month. Nichols thanked...
WOOD RIVER - East Alton-Wood River High's Sammy Kulish is a senior standout for the Oilers girls team. The Oilers' athlete is an exceptional student with a 4.0 GPA through high school while taking many honors and dual credit classes. Sammy thanked her mom (Amy Kulish), dad (Brian Kulish), and my grandparent...
ALTON - Since her freshman year in high school, one thing can always be said about Marquette Catholic's Paige Rister in cross country and track - she epitomizes the word "consistency." In every meet, Paige is always one of the Explorers' best runners and she has been for multiple seasons. She is primaril...
ALTON - The Alton Catfish Classic featured strong competition and the winning team of Kaleb McAdams, Chris Baker and David Shipman brought in a monster catfish that weighed 106.23 pounds for a total of 151.27 pounds of fish. The winners captured $21,500 for their victory. B and R Marine won the...
EDWARDSVILLE - These are three additional Edwardsville Arts Fair participant profiles, today featuring work from Edwardsville's own Tana Wallace. The Edwardsville Art Fair is Sept. 22-Sept. 24. Artist #1 Name: Tana Wallace Location: Edwardsville Medium: Emerging Artist Artist's Statement:...
ALTON - The Sixth Annual Alton Cigar event created by host Derrick Richardson will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, at Bluff City Grill, 424 E. Broadway. Bluff City Grill is a local restaurant/bar owned by Cathy Gross. "Scott Biancardi, owner of STL Cigars, is amazingly skilled in the...
ALTON - Makaila Irby is a player on Marquette Catholic's girls volleyball team that stands out with her tenacity, and as her coach Sue Heinz describes it, "hustle on the court." The senior is a libero/defensive specialist, and one of the captains of the Explorers volleyball team this year. Makaila...
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