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.
SWANSEA - At a Village Board meeting, the Swansea Police Department honored Sgt. Erin Huff and Officer Derek Schackmann for their lifesaving response to a stabbing victim on May 16, 2025. The incident stemmed from a domestic situation originating in another jurisdiction. Upon arrival, Sgt....
BETHALTO - Quentin Roose recently completed his senior year at Civic Memorial High School after an illustrious career from everything to athletics, and a diverse portfolio of extracurricular activities, leadership roles and community service. Roose has been involved in ice hockey for four years,...
ALTON — Charges have been filed in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on May 28, 2025, in the 3100 block of Lawn Street, Alton Police Department officials announced on Monday, June 2, 2025. The Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine’s Office charged Hosea J. Burgess...
GRAFTON — Approximately 645 Grafton area customers are currently without power due to damage at a local substation, Ameren Illinois officials said around 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025. Karly Combest, a public relations strategist with Ameren Illinois, reported that crews are actively workin...
JERSEYVILLE — A fundraiser has been launched to support Hannah, a local woman critically injured in a car accident on Reddish Road in Jerseyville. The accident left her with multiple severe injuries, including broken limbs, fractured ribs, a collapsed lung, brain bleeds, and a broken back, according...
CHARLESTON — Marquette Catholic junior Jack Beaber secured a fourth-place finish in the discus at the Class 1A IHSA State Track and Field Finals held Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. Beaber entered the competition ranked 22nd among 29 state finalists...
COLUMBIA - The Monroe County State’s Attorney, Ryan Webb, has issued charges against a Collinsville man and a Cahokia 17-year-old for a Sunday morning, June 1, 2025, after an incident with an Uber driver in the Columbia Police Department parking lot. Collinsville’s Kareem Weaver, 20, ha...
GRAFTON — A power outage affected the entire city of Grafton on Monday afternoon, June 2, 2025. Ameren Illinois officials reported to Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow that an issue with one of the power lines caused a substation outage along Illinois Route 3, disrupting service to the area. Morrow...
EAST ST. LOUIS — After 25 years of dedicated service, Larry Sorrell is retiring from East St. Louis School District 189, where he has been recognized as a passionate and inspiring teacher. Sorrell’s career, spanning a quarter-century, has been marked by his commitment to student...
BELLEVILLE - Zoe Peters came up with three hits, including a home runs, and four RBIs, while Olivia Hemmerle struck out seven in a complete game inside the circle, as Belleville East won the IHSA Class 4A Belleville West regional over the host Maroons 9-0 Saturday morning at West's home park. The...
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