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.
BELLEVILLE — A black bear has been sighted roaming in St. Clair County, according to the Illinois Conservation Police. The bear was first spotted off Illinois Route 157 in the former Centreville area and later near the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville. The bear, believed...
EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville Police Department welcomed a new member to its team as Officer Jessica Flores was sworn in Tuesday night before the City Council. Officer Flores officially began her duties on July 23, 2024. Having completed her training at the police academy, Officer Flores i...
EDWARDSVILLE - Logan Barnes, who swims for the Paddlers Swim Club in Granite City, enjoyed an excellent 62nd Southwestern Illinois Swimming Association championship meet at Edwardsville High School's Chuck Fruit Aquatic Center on July 21, 2024. Barnes came in fourth in the boys 13-14 100-yard freestyle...
ALTON — At Duke Bakery, the term "family business" takes on a literal meaning. This summer, the bakery employed three sisters, Paige, Brooke, and Morgan Rister, continuing a long-standing tradition of hiring family members. Ben Hollis of Duke Bakery remarked on the bakery's generational workforce,...
EAST ALTON – The Pratt and Tobin Law Firm in East Alton has recently sponsored two students through the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division (BMWED-IBT) Affiliate Sponsored Scholarship Program. Isabella Ochoa, a recipient affiliated with AT&SFF, plans to major in Criminology...
EDWARDSVILLE – Deundrea S. Holloway of Litchfield has received approval to represent himself in his upcoming trial, following an evaluation to determine his fitness to stand trial. Holloway faces multiple charges in connection with the June 2022 death of 22-year-old pregnant woman Liese Dodd...
GRANITE CITY — During the late hours of August 3, 2024, to the early hours of August 4, 2024, the lives of many were irrevocably altered after a tragic motorcycle crash near Pontoon Beach. Meghan Lance, along with Nicko Lance, is spearheading a fundraiser to support the immediate expenses following...
PONTOON BEACH — The Pontoon Beach community was struck by tragedy on August 3, 2024, as two separate fatal accidents on Highway 111 resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The first accident occurred at approximately 8:49 p.m. Barry McGrew, 69, of Granite City, Illinois, was pushing a bicycl...
ALTON – Country music enthusiasts are in for a memorable evening on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, when star Scotty McCreery takes the stage at the Alton Amphitheater at 8 p.m. McCreery expressed his excitement about the upcoming performance in a statement released on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. "There...
COLUMBIA – A bear sighting in rural Columbia, Illinois, has captured the attention of Metro East residents and authorities alike. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department shared footage of the sighting Columbia on its Facebook page on Sunday, advising the community on how to handle potential...
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