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.
EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville girls tennis team opened the Heather Bradshaw Invitational with a commanding 8-1 victory over Lindbergh High School on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at the Edwardsville High tennis courts. Dia Kannan, Sophie Byron, Gabi Hill, Bina Selimi, and Amelia Hill each secured...
ALTON – In the early hours of Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, the Alton Police Department responded to a hit-and-run incident on the 1200 block of Milton Road. At approximately 1:03 a.m., officers were notified of the crash, which involved a vehicle striking a utility pole. Upon arrival, officers determine...
O’FALLON — The Edwardsville Marching Tigers showcased their talent at the Metro East Marching Classic on Saturday night, Sept. 7, 2024, at O’Fallon Township High School, premiering their show, "Origins of E’vil." The performance earned them sweeping victories in multiple categories....
ROSEWOOD HEIGHTS — Marlee Cope, an 11-year-old student at Meadowbrook Intermediate School in the Bethalto School District, is recovering at home after a severe accident that occurred on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. A GoFundMe campaign has been organized to help Marlee, who was struck near Kutter...
WOOD RIVER — In a poignant tribute, Deputy Chief Nate Kamp and Engineer/Paramedic Tyler Staicoff of the Wood River Fire Department spent their Sunday morning, Sept. 8, 2024, participating in the Clayton 911 Memorial Stair Climb. The event in Clayton, Mo., was held to honor the 343 FDNY firefighters...
GRAFTON — Families and nature enthusiasts are invited to a unique blend of outdoor activities and wildlife education on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at Pere Marquette State Park. The event, organized by IDNR urban fishing coordinator Scott Isringhausen, will feature an annual fishing and owl program...
BELLEVILLE — The St. Clair County Sheriff's Department took part in a successful fundraising event on Saturday at Eckert's in Belleville to support BackStoppers, an organization that aids families of fallen first responders. Deputies participated in the "Dunk a Deputy" activity, drawing...
EAST ST. LOUIS – A motorcyclist was killed in a collision with a tractor-trailer on Interstate 55 in East St. Louis on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, according to St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye. The victim, identified as Sasa Kartalija of St. Louis, was pronounced dead at the scene by the...
ALTON – Sparks Junk Removal owner Denise Sparks on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, expressed shock at the extent of damage after a crash on the east side of her building in the 2200 block of East Broadway. The accident occurred at 9:38 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. Sparks said there was significant...
EDWARDSVILLE - A blocked punt that went out of the end zone resulted in a safety with approximately five minutes left in regulation, and Hunter Lading missed a 26-yard field goal with 2:11 left, as Indianapolis Lawrence Central came away with a 22-21 win over Edwardsville in the Tigers' home...
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