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 - Alton Fire Department Chief Jesse L. Jemison Jr. marked 33 years with the department on March 3, 2026, a milestone the department recognized in a statement shared by the Alton Fire Department, the City of Alton, Illinois, and Alton Firefighters Local 1255. Jemison began his career on March...
O'FALLON, IL. - The family of Debra K. Farmer, a longtime volunteer with the LaVerna Evans PTO, has donated to the LaVerna Evans Elementary School library in O’Fallon, Illinois, the school’s PTO said. The donation was made in her honor following her death on Dec. 5, 2025. The LaVerna...
ALTON — Rayna Raglin reclaimed the top spot statewide in the 60 meters and won three events as the Alton High Lady Redbirds competed in their second indoor meet at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Redbirds coach Chelsea Anderson said. Raglin won the 60 meters in 7.43 seconds, the...
SWANSEA - Swansea Police arrested an adult male within minutes on Friday, March 6, 2026, after officers responded to a reported bank robbery at Arsenal Credit Union, authorities said. Officers were called on March 6, 2026, to the credit union at 4384 North Illinois St. in Swansea. Arsenal Credit...
St. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — St. Louis County police have identified a motorcyclist who was killed in a crash last week near the intersection of Kilmory Drive and Shackelford Drive. Police said Nicholas Chaney, 44, whose last known address was in the 2600 block of Derby Place in Florissant,...
CASEYVILLE - Illinois State Police Troop 8 units responded Saturday night, March 7, 2026, to a fatal crash on Illinois Route 159 in Caseyville, where a northbound passenger car struck a pedestrian and the person’s canine near an intersection, authorities said. The crash happened at about 8:57...
VANDALIA - Jersey Community Middle School wrestling delivered a strong showing at the Sectional Tournament over the weekend in Vandalia, finishing second as a team behind a performance led by three individual champions. The Panthers were paced by sectional titles from Wade Ball at 119 pounds, Grayson...
JERSEY - Calhoun County Sheriff Zach Hardin traveled Friday, March 6, 2026, to the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office to deliver lunch and certificates of recognition to Jersey County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Hardin recognized Sgt. Kevin Ayres and 911 telecommunicators Kelly Nichols and Kaitlin...
JACKSONVILLE — Jersey Community High School’s girls track and field team traveled Friday, March 6, 2026, to an indoor invitational at Illinois College, where Morgan Allen broke the school record in the high jump by clearing 5 feet, 5.25 inches. Allen’s record-setting mark came...
ALTON - Around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026, emergency services responded to a call about a possible building collapse at 2426 East Broadway, Alton. The incident was initially dispatched by the Alton Police Department following reports of structural concerns. Alton Police arrived on the scen...
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