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.
ALTON - The Alton Police Department has announced that Officer Mathew Wilson graduated from the Illinois State Police Academy last Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, and will work alongside officers on patrol. “The Alton Police Department is proud to share that Officer Mathew Wilson graduated...
BELLEVILLE - Officer Rodney Wilson is retiring from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office after 20 years of service that began Feb. 19, 2006, according to the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department. Wilson started his career with the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department as a member...
BELLEVILLE - Officer Mark Harris is retiring from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department after a career that began Aug. 6, 2001, in Belleville, where he served as a correctional officer and later worked in inmate transport and equipment support roles, the department said in a statement...
ALTON - The Sierra Club will host a speakers series event on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Old Bakery Beer Co. in Alton focused on how Illinois’ Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act could affect utility bills. The event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Old Bakery Beer Co., 400 Landmarks...
EDWARDSVILLE - Senior Vivian Panico and junior Alexandra Hill battled through the IHSA Regional to earn spots in the IHSA Bowling Sectional, giving the Edwardsville High School girls' bowling team two qualifiers for the next round. The Tigers' Hill finished 10th with 856 total pins, and Panico finished...
CARLYLE - The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis was activated Tuesday morning, March 3, 2026, in Carlyle, Illinois, after Carlyle police responding to a welfare check found a woman dead at a residence, authorities said. The squad was activated at about 10 a.m. March 3, 2026, at the request of...
BELLEVILLE - Jarod Rhodes, a Center of Creative Arts (COCA) voice student and member of the Muny Kids in St. Louis, is remembered fondly on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, for being "a bright light" and his immense contributions in theater and music in his young life. Rhodes died after he was found with...
ALTON - Crisis Food Center will partner with Midwest Members Credit Union to distribute free hams and side items to families in need during a drive-through giveaway from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Crisis Food Center, 21 East 6th St. in Alton. The event, billed as the Seventh Annual...
MARYVILLE - Maryville Mayor Wayne White served as a judge at a chili cook-off at Cambridge House of Maryville held in celebration of National Chili Day. The event featured nine entries, according to information provided about the cook-off. Employees described the day as “a lot of fun”...
O'FALLON, IL. - Tracey Ritzel of O’Fallon Township High School District 203 has received the Illinois State Board of Education’s Award of Meritorious Service in the Student Support Personnel category and will be honored at the 52nd Annual Those Who Excel & Teacher of the...
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