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.
MADISON COUNTY — Hayley A. Ditzler, 18, and Olivia J. Brown, 18, have been charged with a Mob Action Class 4 felony for allegedly participating in an incident on April 18, 2025. According to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, both defendants are accused of forcibly dragging...
COLLINSVILLE — Webster Elementary’s third-grade students recently delivered a captivating performance of The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth, showcasing their musical and theatrical talents. The production, based on the book by Chris Burkard and David McClellen, tells the story of a boy who...
JERSEY - Triad's girls softball team won its 10th game on Monday, April 21, 2025, with a 5-4 win over Jersey in nine innings. The Knights lost their previous contest on April 18, 2025, to Edwardsville 4-1. Hess was the winning pitcher against Jersey. She was hitting .457 for the season after the...
EDWARDSVILLE - Senior Auggie Johnes hit a grand slam home run over the center field fence in the bottom of the second inning, a part of a seven-run frame by Edwardsville, as Joe Chiarodo only allowed a run on two hits in a 13-1 win over Collinsville at Tom Pile Field on Tuesday afternoon. Th...
COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville, Granite City and Mascoutah communities will unite Sunday afternoon, April 27, 2025, to hold a rally aimed at preserving their high schools’ mascots, which organizers say represent the heart, spirit and traditions of their schools. The Save Our Mascots Rally is scheduled...
ALTON - Nathan Joehl, head coach of the Marquette Boys Tennis team, praised seniors Adam Richards and Luke Steyer for their contributions during the 2025 spring season. Richards, the lone senior in the varsity lineup, has provided valuable experience and leadership to the young team, helping t...
SWANSEA — The Swansea Police Department welcomed two new officers, George Atanasov and Jackson Belt, during a swearing-in ceremony held Monday evening, April 21, 2025, at the Village Board meeting. Swansea Mayor Michael Leopold officiated the event, marking the official start of their...
GLEN CARBON — Father McGivney Catholic’s girls and boys track and field teams opened their season on a new home track Monday night, April 21, 2025, hosting Metro East Lutheran, Maryville Christian and O’Fallon First Baptist. The event marked the first official meet on the school’s...
ALTON — St. Mary’s Catholic eighth-grade girls volleyball team has named Olivia Smith and Elaina Cowan as Co-Best Team Players for 2025, recognizing their embodiment of team spirit and putting the team above self, as selected by their teammates. The announcement comes after the team’s...
GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic's boys track and field squad dominated a quad meet with Maryville Christian, Metro East Lutheran and O'Fallon First Baptist Academy on Monday night, April 21, 2025, at McGivney. Cade King of Maryville Christian (hurdles) and Brice Stewart (long jump and triple...
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