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.
BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School hosted an inspirational Pink Out Night this past Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at Hauser Stadium to honor those affected by breast cancer and support Nicole Parris, a local teacher and football mom currently battling the disease. The event aimed to bring the community...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — A 14-year-old boy was fatally struck by a stray bullet while inside his home during a shooting incident in the 10200 block of Hobkirk Drive on Wednesday evening, Oct. 8, 2025, authorities said. The victim, identified as Duwan Morgan of St. Louis, was shot around 6:10...
COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department has named Officer Connor Diecker as its Officer of the Month for September 2025, recognizing his proactive efforts that resulted in 25 arrests throughout the month. Officer Diecker’s arrests included charges for possession of methamphetamine,...
MARYVILLE, IL. - Maryville Christian School’s volleyball team secured a 2-0 victory over Metro East Lutheran High School on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, at Maryville Christian, improving their record to 14-7. The scores were 25-15 and 25-9. Coach Jill Harrison praised her team’s performance...
JACKSONVILLE - Freshman golfer Maggie Pruetzel of Marquette Catholic will compete in the Class 1A Girls Golf State Final this weekend at Red Tail Run Golf Club in Decatur. Pruetzel earned her spot by shooting a 77 at the Jacksonville Sectional, placing sixth overall and securing her position as...
EDWARDSVILLE - Every time O'Fallon and Edwardsville collide in girls' volleyball, it is a competitive match, year in and year out. It was a very entertaining match on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, indeed, and afterwards, O'Fallon head coach Natalie Best was very happy with the outcome. O'Fallon rebounded...
TROY - Declan Wheat reached a significant milestone Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, with the Triad Trap Team, breaking his first 25 straight targets during a handicap yardage round. The achievement was recognized by Head Coach Bill Lawrence, who presented Wheat with a 25 straight patch to commemorate...
GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic High School’s girls tennis team secured a 6-3 victory over O’Fallon on Tuesday night, Oct. 7, 2025, improving its season record to 12-1 overall. The Lady Griffins showcased strong performances in both doubles and singles matches during the contest...
BELLEVILLE — Brad Blanchard, a volunteer firefighter with the East Side Volunteer Fire Department in Belleville, has faced a life-altering challenge since a motorcycle accident in October 2021 left him paralyzed from the waist down. Now, his community is rallying to support his goal of regainin...
SIKESTON, MO. — Officer Henry Franklin of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety was killed in the line of duty on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, while serving a warrant in Mississippi County, the department confirmed Tuesday. Franklin, a member of the Sikeston DPS Tactical Team, was shot by a person...
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