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.
O'FALLON — The O'Fallon Police Department celebrated the 103rd birthday of Marine Corps veteran Bob Schultz on April 1, 2025, honoring his service and contributions to the community. Schultz, who served aboard the USS California during significant battles in the South Pacific, experienced...
ST. LOUIS - Rainfall totals from April 2 to April 6, 2025, revealed significant precipitation across parts of southeast Missouri and southwest Illinois, according to the U.S. National Weather Service in St. Louis. Centralia recorded the highest area total with 8.50 inches of rain. In the area, Lebanon...
ALTON — Alton firefighters successfully rescued an injured 35-year-old male from Bing Paintball Field on Sunday afternoon, April 6, 2025, utilizing a utility task vehicle (UTV) to navigate challenging terrain. The incident occurred when firefighters responded to a call regarding the injure...
TROY — A gasoline spill occurred at the 4-0 Quick Shop on South Main Street on Saturday, April 5, 2025, prompting a swift response from multiple agencies to contain the incident and monitor environmental impacts. Rob Hancock, the Director of Public Works for the City of Troy, confirmed that...
EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis School District 189 is seeking an extension for its ESSER III funding, which the school district says is critical for ongoing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) renovations across its facilities. The district, which serves a predominantly low-income...
PIASA - Maddy Fensterman, a senior center fielder and lead-off hitter for the Southwestern High School softball team, has garnered recognition for her impressive performance on the field and at the plate in the 2025 spring season. She is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete...
ALTON — Two Alton Police Department lieutenants have been recognized by Sacred Spaces for their initiatives aimed at promoting well-being with first responders and department employees. Lieutenant Dustin Christner was acknowledged for establishing a first responder Bible study that is open...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Officers responded to a traffic collision involving a silver Hyundai Elantra and a blue BMW X3 at approximately 11 a.m. on March 20, 2025, at the intersection of North Illinois Street and Market Place in Fairview Heights. The incident escalated into a physical altercation between...
ALTON — The Boys and Girls Club of Alton reported a break-in early Thursday morning, April 3, 2025, prompting an investigation by local authorities. The incident occurred at the club, located at 2512 Amelia St., where an intruder allegedly caused significant damage. Sgt. Andrew Pierson, General...
BLOOMINGTON — The Edwardsville girls' track and field team showcased remarkable talent at the recent Top Times Indoor Championships Meet in Bloomington this past weekend, highlighted by the performances of hurdlers Sophia Shapiro and Adara Martin, who both qualified for the finals in their hurdle...
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