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.
EAST ALTON-WOOD RIVER - Representatives from East Alton-Wood River Community High School District 14’s Riverbend Growth Association Young Adults Committee were recognized recently at the Chamber Choice Awards, where three students also received scholarships. East Alton-Wood River...
ALTON - The Alton River Dragons lost their home opener to the Dubois County Bombers, 8-2, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in Alton, as the Dragons fell to 0-7 overall entering Wednesday’s game, June 3, 2026, against the Cape Catfish. Alton received an RBI double from designated hitter Griffin Kelly...
ALTON - The Alton Police Department announces that formal charges have been filed in connection with the Monday, June 1, 2026, shooting that occurred in the 3400 block of Milton Drive. Following a review of the investigation by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, led by State’s...
ST. LOUIS - A 6-year-old boy identified by police as Antone Little III died May 29, 2026, days after suffering a gunshot injury in what St. Louis County police said was an accidental shooting at a home on Midlothian Road in north St. Louis County. Police said the shooting happened...
VENICE - Illinois State Police special agents have arrested an 18-year-old Missouri man on two counts of first-degree murder after a fatal shooting in Venice, Illinois, authorities said on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Jason A. McCallum of Florissant, Mo., was charged in connection with the death...
JERSEYVILLE — Jersey sophomore Colby Goetten capped his pole vault season with a personal best of 13 feet, 5.75 inches on May 1, 2026, at the Jokisch-Grandone Invite and later placed 22nd at the Illinois High School Association 2A Boys Track and Field Meet this past weekend, where he cleared...
ALTON - Miles Nelson and Brandon Gour, two of the oldest players on the Alton River Dragons roster and both returners from last season, are preparing for the team’s Tuesday, June 3, 2026, season opener by leaning on past summer ball experience and helping newer teammates adjust to the demands...
WOOD RIVER - Blake Sorgea, a junior at East Alton-Wood River High, is being recognized for track and field, an honor that highlights both his athletic involvement and his growth as a student-athlete. He is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Sorgea said one of...
WOOD RIVER - Kaylee Halleman of East Alton-Wood River High is being recognized for her girls' soccer achievements, capping a high school career marked by versatility on the field, leadership as a team captain, and academic honors. Halleman is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the...
PIASA - Southwestern's Thor Springman concluded his season at the IHSA 1A Boys State Track and Field finals in the 3,200-meter run. Springman was the sectional 3,200-meter champion before state with a remarkable time of 10:05.30, then he recorded a 10:22.84 at state for 27th place. He also broke...
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