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.
SHILOH - In the wake of a devastating house fire that left the Weathers family homeless, community members are rallying to support them through a fundraiser organized by Emily Heightman and Rob Ayres. The fire occurred on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Shiloh, resulting in a total loss of the family’s...
FOSTERBURG — Two crashes involving horses on Interstate 255 southbound near Fosterburg resulted in minor injuries to two individuals on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, according to the Illinois State Police. The horses involved in the crashes were fatally injured. The first incident occurred at approximatel...
ST. JACOB – Multiple fire departments responded to a significant fire on Napaloean Street in St. Jacob late Thursday evening, Jan. 16, 2025. Firefighters from St. Jacob, Highland, and Marine Fire Departments were among those who worked to control the blaze, which erupted around 8 p.m. As of...
BELLEVILLE - Dierre Hill, Jr., a standout athlete from Althoff Catholic High School, has made headlines this season not only for his remarkable performance on the football field but also for his achievements in academics and other sports. Hill, who is set to play college football at Oregon University,...
ALTON - The Alton Police Department is set to host a Teddy Bear Toss Game and a special jersey auction at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at the East Alton Ice Arena. This event aims to benefit two significant causes: children at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and the Alton Police...
EDWARDSVILLE — A 16-year-old male from East St. Louis has been detained on a charge of possession of a machine gun, according to an announcement made on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, by Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine. The charge stems from an incident that occurred on Saturday, Jan...
ALTON — The Alton community will gather to honor the life and legacy of James E. Gray, a respected leader known for his commitment to education and advocacy, during a Celebration of Life at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. The event will take place at at The Bridge Church Fellowship Hall, locate...
ALTON — Alton High School basketball player Alex Macias is experiencing a transformative season under new head coach Dylan Dudley. The Redbirds are now enjoying a successful campaign, boasting a 15-3 overall mark to meet rival Edwardsville at Edwardsville on Friday night, Jan. 17, 2025. Alex...
ALTON — Marquette High School emerged victorious at the Greater Gateway Metro Conference bowling tournament held at Bowl Haven. The Marquette boys team topped the competition with a score of 3,266, followed by Althoff Catholic in second place with 2,615. Christ Our Rock finished third with 2,156,...
BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School cross country coach Jake Peal highlighted the significant improvement of runner Calista Webb over the past year, noting her dedication and hard work. Webb, a key contributor to the team culture alongside teammate Mya Walker, showcased her commitment to the sport...
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