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.
JERSEY - New Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns was sworn-in in Jersey County on Thursday by Judge Allison Lorton with his wife, Robin, at his side. Manns made this statement about Thursday's special event: "I would just say that while I have been blessed to travel and work around our country, it was...
Consistent with ISP’s commitment to integrity and public transparency, the videos of the incident are being made available to the public. LITCHFIELD - The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Internal Investigation (DII) continues its investigation into an officer-involved shooting in...
EDWARDSVILLE — New Sheriff Jeff Connor promised to “faithfully” serve the residents of Madison County today in a ceremony at the courthouse. Connor became the 47 th sheriff of Madison County as former Third Judicial Circuit Judge James Hackett administered his oath of office. Jeff's...
ALTON - Luke Padesky is a runner who has witnessed many first-place road race finishes in recent years. Padesky won the 10-mile Great River Road Run in Alton with an excellent time of 54:36.4. Second-place finisher William O'Keefe was just behind Padesky with a time of 54:45.6. Padesky, of St. Louis,...
GLEN CARBON - Jackson Rodgers led Father McGivney Catholic with 18 points on Tuesday night, but a 23-point performance from New Athens center Garrett Birkner helped the Yellowjackets to a 53-46 win in the Griffins' home opener. New Athens went on a run in the second quarter to tie the game 27-27...
JERSEYVILLE - In any sport, it is rare for a 14-year-old to appear on the world stage. However, Jersey Community High School's Josselyn Allen will do just that this weekend in the World Axe Throwing Championships presented by Signarama at Fox Cities Exhibition Center in Downtown Appleton, Wisc. The...
JERSEY - Dan Brynildsen and his wife, Erika, have put axe throwing for this region on the map nationwide and worldwide with their locations in both Jerseyville and East Alton. This weekend, Dan will compete in the World Championships again in Appleton Wisc., Friday through Sunday. Dan Brynildsen's...
ALTON - The Mira Piano Quartet, a group of talented area musicians, had their minds on the people of Ukraine this holiday season. After some deep reflection, the four decided to have a benefit concert during the holidays with proceeds to benefit a relief effort in Ukraine. The concert is scheduled...
ALTON - Marquette Catholic senior Max Cogan has emerged as one of the area’s top bowlers so far this season. He is the Explorers’ boys bowling captain and is a Tucker’s Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athlete of the Month for Marquette. Cogan thanked his teammates, parents, and coaches...
ALTON - Isabelle McKellar, a traveling nurse from the region of South Mississippi, was a standout in Saturday's Great River Road Run 5K, recording a time of 24:12.9. McKellar is now convinced to move forward with additional running in her training and plans to continue with road races. She was seventh...
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