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.
BELLEVILLE — A 60-year-old man died after being struck by a vehicle Friday evening, June 6, 2025, on Centreville Avenue, the Belleville Police Department reported. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. in the 1200 block of Centreville Avenue. Officers responding to the scene found the...
EDWARDSVILLE — Edwardsville High School celebrated its graduating class of 2025 on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at the Vadalbene Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The EHS gymnasium venue was chosen due to flooring renovations scheduled at the high school this summer. School officials...
O'FALLON/SHILOH - O'Fallon-Shiloh EMS has appointed Jeremy Sherman as its first-ever EMS chief, marking a historic milestone for the department. The announcement was made and highlights Sherman's dedication, leadership, and commitment to service. Sherman’s promotion represents a significant...
GRANITE CITY - Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich has identified Montie Eugene Ritchie, 34, of Granite City, as the man who died Thursday, June 5, 2025, following a traffic crash in Granite City. Ritchie was operating a Suzuki motorcycle and was the sole occupant when the vehicle struck ...
GRAFTON — Pere Marquette State Park will host the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair on Saturday, June 7, 2025, offering a day of free fishing and outdoor activities for families. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the park near Grafton on Illinois 100, with no admission, parking fees, fishing...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — A pedestrian was struck and killed early Friday morning, June 6, 2025, near a vehicle fire scene in Fairview Heights, authorities said. At approximately 12:05 a.m. June 6, 2025, Fairview Heights police officers were assisting the French Village Fire Department with a motor...
COLLINSVILLE - This week marks CPR & AED Awareness Week, a campaign aimed at increasing public knowledge about cardiac arrest and the lifesaving techniques that can improve survival rates. June 1-7 each year is National CPR and AED Awareness Week, spotlighting how lives can be saved if more Americans...
COLLINSVILLE — A Collinsville High graduate has made a positive name for himself in the community as a Collinsville Police officer. The Collinsville Police Department has named Officer Billy Tracy as Officer of the Month for April 2025. A 2013 graduate of Collinsville High School, Officer...
ALTON — Dr. Jenna M. Kyriazes has joined Pediatric Healthcare Unlimited in Alton as a new pediatrician, bringing with her a strong commitment to medicine and community involvement. Dr. Kathie R. Wuellner, MD, FAAP, praised Dr. Kyriazes for her active engagement in the local area and her work...
GRANITE CITY — A man with an active arrest warrant for parole violation died following a high-speed chase and crash Thursday afternoon, June 5, 2025, in Granite City, authorities said. At approximately 3:47 p.m. on June 5, 2025, a Granite City Police Department officer spotted the subject riding...
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