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/SHILOH - A Life Saving Award was presented at a Village Board meeting to O’Fallon-Shiloh firefighter and Village of Shiloh Public Works employee Jaydon York for actions on Friday, May 22, 2026, that officials said led to the safe recovery of a vulnerable child in a potentially life-threatening...
ALTON - The Wendle family set the tone Wednesday night, June 24, 2026, at the Riverbend Open Mixed Doubles Tournament. Thomas Wendle and his sister, Maria Lis-Planells, went undefeated to win the Mixed Open Division at Alton High. Peter Wendle and his sister, Jayne Wendle, finished second based...
ALTON — Auto Butler, a full-service car wash in Alton, permanently closed this past week after 20 years in business as owners Lisa Heims-Stout and Gary Stout retire and transfer the property to Club Car Wash, Heims-Stout said. Club Car Wash purchased only the property, and the Auto Butler operatio...
ALTON - The Alton Police Department is urging residents and visitors to plan ahead for Fireworks on the Mississippi on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Alton Amphitheater, where thousands are expected to gather for the finale of Alton’s three-day “250 on the Mississippi” celebration....
EDWARDSVILLE - The Montclaire Marlins have a bye week this week in SWISA action but return to the SWISA Relay Meet on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Summers-Port with action starting at 6 p.m. The Granite City Paddlers host Montclaire on July 9, 2026, at Granite City. Montclaire Marlins and Splash Cit...
TROY - Triad Trap Team Head Coach Bill Lawrence announced his retirement recently during the team’s annual banquet at the Edwardsville Gun Club, drawing a standing ovation from students, parents, coaches, alumni and supporters gathered at the clubhouse. Lawrence is retiring after eight...
COLLINSVILLE - The State Park Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a fully involved house fire in the 2900 block of Princeton Street in Collinsville on Wednesday morning, June 24, 2026. Mutual aid was requested, and crews from Fairmont City, Caseyville, and the French Village Fire Departments...
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - A 66-year-old Waterloo man died after an Illinois Route 157 crash late Wednesday morning, June 24, 2026, that also injured multiple people. The Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit assisted Cahokia Heights Police in the investigation, authorities said. Michael...
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - Members of the Cahokia Heights Fire Department joined city officials, community leaders, law enforcement officers and the Jonas family in Cahokia Heights to dedicate a stretch of Bond Avenue as “Lt. Gregory Jonas Memorial Avenue,” honoring the late lieutenant’s...
EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis School District 189 Superintendent Arthur Culver told families the district was recently notified of the arrest of Chad D. Gray Jr. of New Baden, Illinois, on charges that reportedly include traveling to meet a child, grooming, indecent solicitation of a child, and...
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