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.
JERSEY COUNTY — A one-car crash on McCluskey Road on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, resulted in injuries to two occupants, according to Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns. Manns reported that the vehicle was carrying a 30-year-old male and a 34-year-old female at the time of the accident. Both individuals...
ALTON — The Alton Police Department responded to a report of a dog fight involving stray dogs at a residence on Liberty Street on Feb. 17, 2025. Officers also were called to the scene after a resident was bitten by one of the stray dogs. Upon arrival, officers encountered an active altercation...
VIRDEN — A 10-year-old boy has died following a residential structure fire in Virden on Saturday morning. Feb. 15, 2025. Jacob James was pronounced dead at the scene of the fire at 10:06 a.m., according to Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya. An autopsy performed on Monday, Feb.17, 2025,...
MARYVILLE – Chase Jansen led the way with 17 points as Father McGivney Catholic rallied from a cold first half to take a 38-35 win over Maryville Christian in a Gateway Metro Conference boys basketball game Friday night at the Maryville gym, The Griffins trailed at halftime 14-9, but...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Four individuals were recently honored for their significant contributions to the Fairview Heights community, showcasing the impact of dedicated service and neighborly support. Retired Fire Chief Bryan Doyle was recognized for his 41 years of service to the Fairview Fire...
CLINTON COUNTY — A 59-year-old woman from Breese died after her vehicle crashed into a pond in rural Clinton County. The incident occurred early Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, near the 15000 block of Rod and Gun Road, just north of Breese. The victim - Susan K. Hilmes - was later pronounced deceased...
VIRDEN - Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya was called to the scene of a residential structure fire in Virden on Saturday morning, Feb. 15, 2025. The incident occurred in the 200 block of West Dean Street in Virden, where a male was pronounced deceased at 10:06 a.m. Saturday. The coroner...
ALTON - K9 Jax, a dedicated member of the Alton Police Department, officially retired on Jan. 28, 2025, marking a decade of service. The date coincides with the 10-year anniversary of his working career alongside his handler, Sergeant Mike Morelli. Throughout his tenure, K9 Jax participated in...
GLEN CARBON — Father McGivney Catholic capped its regular season with a 35-28 victory over Rochester on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, marking the Griffins' 20th win. The game was held at Rochester, where the Griffins showcased a strong performance under head coach Jeff Oller. Despite a late-game...
ALTON - A traffic crash occurred around 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, on West Third Street and Piasa in Alton. There was an initial report of injuries in the accident with two vehicles. Traffic was disrupted because of the crash and motorists are encouraged to avoid the area during the accident...
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