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 - Jersey senior Abe Kribs is leading his basketball team with strong performances as they prepare to face Triad on Friday night, Jan. 9, 2026. Kribs, a 6-foot-3, 170-pound forward, is averaging 11 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, both team highs, along with 2.7 assists and 2.1 steals per...
MARYVILLE - Edward LaRue, 82, and Marlene Parsons, 78, exchanged wedding vows in the pool at the Collinsville Maryville Troy YMCA in Maryville, Illinois, in mid-December 2025. The ceremony, held at 1 Maryville Town Center Drive, included family, friends, and even a lifeguard who participated...
EAST ST. LOUIS — East St. Louis School District 189 hosted its annual Alumni Panel on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, bringing together nine former East St. Louis High School Flyers to share insights with current seniors preparing for college and career paths. The event, organized by the...
O'FALLON, IL. — The O’Fallon Police Department issued a reminder Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, about the laws governing electric scooters and e-bikes in Illinois, aiming to address concerns over safety and compliance following a surge in their use since Christmas of 2025. "We figured it ma...
JERSEYVILLE - Meredith Gray of Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 has become the all-time leading rebounder for the JCHS girls basketball team, surpassing the previous record of 865 rebounds held by Shelby Woelfel Sackmann. Gray achieved this milestone recently. The Jersey...
MARYVILLE, Ill. — The Maryville Police Department concluded its holiday traffic enforcement campaign, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High, Get a DUI,” and “Click It or Ticket,” with officers issuing multiple citations but no impaired driving arrests,...
ALTON - Alton resident and business owner Dan King will make his debut on the television game show Wheel of Fortune at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 on KSDK Channel 5. King, owner of Heaterz Hot Chicken, will take a spin at the iconic puzzle wheel, buying vowels and consonants...
RED BUD - Marquette Catholic senior Allie Weiner reached a significant milestone Wednesday night, joining the 1,000-point club during the Explorers’ victory over Christ Our Rock. Weiner scored eight points in the game to surpass the 1,000-point mark, becoming one of the select...
EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced the promotions of three deputies, effective immediately, recognizing their contributions and assigning them to new roles within the department. Detective Matt Werner has been promoted to captain and will serve as the...
BELLEVILLE - The St. Clair County Sheriff's Office received an unexpected holiday donation just before Christmas from Caroline Vancamp, her daughter, friends, and the Good Samaritan Center. The group delivered more than 70 hams and boxes containing ingredients to prepare a Christmas dinner,...
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