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 — Illinois Senator Harris and Representative Amy Elik issued a joint statement Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, addressing ongoing concerns about brown and discolored water in the Bethalto area, signaling increased involvement from state officials and the Illinois Environmental Protection...
HIGHLAND - Lola Schlarmann is organizing a fundraiser to support her family following the death of her brother, Gavin Schlarmann, who died recently in a motorcycle accident. The family is seeking assistance to cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and ongoing support for Gavin’s two siblings...
MASCOUTAH, Ill. — Residents of Mascoutah and the surrounding areas are being called upon to support the inaugural season of the Girls' Varsity Flag Football team at Mascoutah High School, which is currently holding a fundraiser through Sept. 22, 2025. The Mascoutah flag football girls demonstrated...
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL ROXANA INVITATIONAL --- GROUP STAGE GROUP A This is a roundup from the Roxana Invitational play on Tuesday night, Aug. 26, 2025. In the results from Group A at the Roxana Invitational, Dupo and Carrollton split their match, the Tigers winning the first set 27-25,...
HIGHLAND — Ralph Korte, founder of The Korte Company and a pivotal figure in the construction industry, died on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in 1934 in rural Highland, Illinois, Korte built a legacy that influenced both his community and the nation’s approach to...
ALHAMBRA, Ill. — The Legendary Mustang Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating wild mustangs and burros, is seeking urgent assistance after a fire damaged their home and essential supplies on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. The fire occurred on Monday, destroying...
SWANSEA/O'FALLON — Authorities continue to search for Bill Crispin, who went missing after walking eastbound on Frank Scott Parkway East on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. The last confirmed sighting of Crispin was near Old Collinsville Road, but his whereabouts remain unknown. The Swansea Police...
VALMEYER, Ill. — The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department has completed its investigation into a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred early Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, near the intersection of Fountain Road and Levee Road, resulting in the death of a Valmeyer man. At approximately 6:18...
COLUMBIA, IL. — A barricaded subject was taken into custody without injury Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 27, 2025, following an hours-long standoff at a residence on Meadow Court, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department reported. The incident began around 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug....
EDWARDSVILLE - If the Tuesday evening, Aug. 26, 2025, premiere game of the Edwardsville girls' flag football team is any indication, the new IHSA sport will no doubt become a major hit. The Tigers were dominant in all phases of the game, taking a 40-0 win over Mascoutah Tuesday evening in the program's...
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