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.
GLEN CARBON — Father McGivney Catholic High School junior Omar Avalos has been named to the 2026 IHSA Class 2A All-State Team after leading McGivney at the plate during a 27-10 season under head coach Chris Erwin, the school announced. Avalos led McGivney batters with a .519 average and a...
GODFREY/EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER — Mid Illinois Gymnastics and Midwest Members Credit Union recognize a senior, Brooklyn Ruot, as a Female Athlete of the Month as she prepares to begin college after being named valedictorian of East Alton-Wood River High School and completing another outstanding...
GODFREY - Gymnasts from Mid Illinois Gymnastics in Godfrey reached the podium at the Alliance Energy Center in Madison, Wis., as the club remained competitive at nationals despite bringing fewer competitors this year. Joseph Elliott led the results by winning his third consecutive national title,...
GILLESPIE - A Gillespie teenager was charged Tuesday, June 30, 2026, by the Macoupin County State’s Attorney’s Office with two misdemeanor counts stemming from allegations that he spray-painted a brick wall at Dee Dee’s Florals on May 16, 2026. Damien J. Bentancourt, 18, a white...
EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Police Department said it will use remotely piloted aircraft at the upcoming Independence Day Celebration on July 4, 2026, at the American Legion to help monitor the event and support personnel on the ground. The Edwardsville Police Department said the...
ALTON - The Alton Police Department said it is reminding local retailers in Alton that a new state law now prohibits the sale of intoxicating hemp products to anyone younger than 21, and that officers will actively enforce the measure through investigations and random compliance checks. T...
BELLEVILLE - The Belleville Police Department is urging residents to celebrate Independence Day safely and legally over the holiday weekend in Belleville, reminding the public that most consumer fireworks are prohibited under Illinois law and city ordinance and that extra officers will...
EDWARDSVILLE - The Liberty Middle School seventh-grade boys track and field team was recognized recently at the Edwardsville School District 7 Board of Education meeting after finishing third at the Class 4A state meet with 25 points. The boys' performance gives the Edwardsville School Distric...
ALTON - Duke Bakery marked its 75th anniversary on July 1, 2026 , at Haskell Park during the “250 on the Mississippi” Festival, where city officials proclaimed Duke Bakery Day in Alton and the business introduced its new “Duke on the Go” mobile trailer. The celebration featured...
ALTON - Duke Bakery, a full-line retail bakery with a 75-year history in Alton, marked its milestone anniversary at a celebration event at Haskell Park on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, and said the turnout and community response was overwhelming. Founded in 1951 by Christ and Helen Doucleff, Duke Bakery...
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