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’s girls softball catcher Grace Burton delivered a standout performance during the 2025 season, excelling both offensively and defensively for the Eagles. Burton recorded 14 hits and 12 RBIs this season, contributing significantly to the team’s...
BRIGHTON - Lillian Cambron is seeking community support for the family of Eric Ottwell, who died in a motorcycle accident on the night of his birthday. She said Ottwell, a disabled veteran and father of two, was known for his strong character and dedication to his children. Riding a motorcycle wa...
ALTON - Alton resident Gary Chronister is seeking financial assistance as he battles advanced liver cirrhosis, a condition he attributes to untreated hepatitis C contracted during his incarceration in the Missouri prison system. Now living at home and reliant on Social Security, Chronister faces...
BETHALTO — Lauren Hardy, left fielder for the Civic Memorial girls softball team, recently completed a notable four-year career with the Eagles, finishing with a .333 batting average, 34 RBIs and 68 hits. Hardy is a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete of the Month for her contributions...
GRANITE CITY - The Granite City Police Department issued a public service announcement Thursday, July 31, 2025, warning residents about a phone scam involving calls that appear to come from City Hall. According to the Granite City Police Department, numerous residents have received calls from...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced that a grand jury on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, has returned a felony indictment against St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, charging him with two counts of election law violations and a count of stealing $25,000 or more...
EDWARDSVILLE - Gillian Trover, a compassionate nursing student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, is preparing for a medical mission trip to Costa Rica aimed at providing healthcare to underserved communities. The trip, organized through her School of Nursing, is scheduled to take place...
COLLINSVILLE - Last Friday, July 25, 2025, the Collinsville Police Department concluded the 2025 session of its Youth Academy, providing cadets with an introduction to various law enforcement career paths and aspects of the profession. The program, held in Collinsville, Illinois, included physical...
SWANSEA - Swansea Police Officer Daniel Voelker received a Certificate of Recognition from Village Trustee Natalie Jablonski recently for his leadership in organizing the inaugural Swansea Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Charity Golf Tournament earlier this summer. The golf tournament event...
WOOD RIVER - Adyson Bunt of East Alton-Wood River High School is being recognized for her dedication and leadership in cheerleading as she prepares to enter her senior year. Adyson is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Bunt, who has been cheering for six...
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