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 - Soon, Captain Kris Tharp of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office will be retiring. He officially retires on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, after a 26-year career in law enforcement. Twenty-four of those years have been of service in the sheriff’s office. Kris has not decided on...
ALTON - A Pet Food Drive this Saturday honors the memory of a late Alton teen. A local nonprofit, Trinity’s Way, is hosting a pet food drive from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Aug. 6, at Piasa Park in Alton. The drive will benefit the pet food pantry operated by Metro East Humane Society. This pantry...
ALTON - Kailey Vickrey was one of the true leaders of the Marquette Catholic High School girls' track and field team in their highly successful 2023 season. She excelled on varsity from her freshman to senior years in both cross country and girls' track and field. Vickrey, a distance to a middle-distance...
MARYVILLE - Sami and Zoe Oller became stars in a new sport this past spring - track and field - in the shot put and discus throw for the Father McGivney Catholic Griffins. Sami captured the Gateway Metro Conference Meet shot put with a toss of 8.69 meters, while her sister, Zoe, had a throw of 8.57...
EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Futures Tournament attracted more fans than ever this year, Director Dave Lipe said on Thursday, despite probably some of the most difficult weather conditions ever for the event. The tourney winner said that it was "amazing for a small little city like Edwardsville...
EDWARDSVILLE - A unique aspect of the Edwardsville Futures Tennis Tournament each year is the “ball kids.” Edwardsville Futures Tennis Director Dave Lipe said he was again very impressed with how the ball kids conducted themselves. He said he heard many compliments from players and fan...
ST. LOUIS - A St. Louis Cardinals super fan named "Rally Runner" was apprehended Wednesday on charges that he was part of a mob rush on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Daniel Donnelly Jr. faces charges after he allegedly used a stolen shield to help rioters attack police officers at the scene. Donnell...
GODFREY - Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick again issued a warning to residents to double-check any conversations with solicitors. The mayor said there have been some ongoing complaints that some are still soliciting in the Village of Godfrey without a permit. Some solicitors have also been reported...
ALTON - The Alton Fire Department has been busy in recent days with three severe fires in eight days. Alton Deputy Fire Chief Matt Fischer reported the last fire was in the 900 block of College Avenue early Monday. He said when Fire Department officials arrived at the two-story house fire, flames...
EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn has identified an area man that died as a result of being struck by a passenger vehicle early this morning as 36-year-old George L. Laughlin of Granite City. Nonn said 911 was notified at 1:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. "For reasons unknown,...
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