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.
EAST ST. LOUIS — A former executive of the Bank of O’Fallon was sentenced to more than five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges related to a $2 million check kiting fraud scheme, the U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft announced on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. Andrew P....
MADISON COUNTY — Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich has identified a 20-year-old man from St. Charles, Mo., whose body was found in the Mississippi River near the Interstate 270 and Chain of Rocks Bridge construction site. Brendon L. Krill was discovered Monday morning, Aug. 11, 2025,...
ROXANA - Alton High School’s girls tennis team secured a victory against the Roxana Shells on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in Roxana. The Redbirds’ singles winners included Arlie Hartmann, Maddy Henkhaus, Caroline Cannon, Laila Kiger, Vail Schwaab, and Olivia Scarborough. In doubles,...
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - Cahokia Heights Police Department announced promotions for three officers this week, marking the first departmental advancements in more than two years. Chief Thomas L. Trice promoted Sgt. Derek Ruberstell to Master Sergeant, recognizing his nearly three decades of service with...
EAST ST. LOUIS — A double stabbing early Thursday morning, Sept. 18, 2025, in East St. Louis left one man dead and another injured, authorities said. The incident occurred around 3:15 a.m. Thursday inside a vacant building at the Orr-Weathers Apartment Complex, located at Missouri Avenue and...
ALTON/MADISON COUNTY - The Madison County Sheriff's Office and Alton Police Department recently received a donation from MustacheMarch4PD, a volunteer-based organization that supports law enforcement and collaborates with several area police departments to foster positive community interactions....
ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Metropolitan Police lost two police officers on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, one to illness and another in a fatal car accident in East St. Louis, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has announced. District 4 Officer Malik Baker was killed in a car accident on Interstate...
ALTON - Alton High School’s girls cross country team placed fifth at the Belleville West Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, with senior Sophia Helfrich leading the way in the varsity girls race. Helfrich finished 14th out of 65 runners, posting a season-best time of 20 minutes, 15.5 seconds...
BELLEVILLE - The Alton High boys cross country team had a bundle of outstanding performances in the Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, Belleville West Invite. Senior Hank McClaine led the Alton boys' cross country team with a personal record at the Belleville West Cross Country Invite, helping the team secure...
ALTON - Marquette Catholic's girls golf team claimed first place Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, in a home match at the Woodlands, competing against Roxana, Civic Memorial, and Waterloo Gibault. The team posted a combined score of 178 to secure the victory. Senior Reese Livingstone was the low scorer and...
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