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.
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...
PIASA - Madelyn Gordon has signed a letter of intent to play soccer for Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, continuing her athletic and academic career after competing at Southwestern. For her efforts in multiple sports - girls soccer, cross country and volleyball - she is an Altonized Community Federa...
GRANITE CITY — The Granite City Police Department has welcomed Aaron Matyas to its ranks, the department announced. Matyas joins the department with four years of police experience and will enter the field training officer, or FTO, program immediately, according to the police...
ALTON — A person of interest is in custody following a fatal shooting investigation in the 3400 block of Milton Drive, where Alton police said an adult woman was killed and an adult man was critically injured early Monday morning, June 1, 2026. The Alton Police Department said on Tuesday,...
SPRINGFIELD, IL. - Illinois lawmakers have sent two measures to Gov. JB Pritzker that would create a voluntary “Blue Envelope Program” for drivers with autism and update emergency medical services licensing and disciplinary standards, with one bill already awaiting action from the...
ALTON - The Alton Police Department said it issued seat belt and other traffic citations during its Memorial Day 2026 “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign in Alton, Illinois, as part of an effort to increase seat belt use and improve roadway safety during one of the...
EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced the addition of two new employees to its Jail Division, welcoming Olivia Storey as a deputy jailer and Chandler Hulvey as a jail technician. Storey will head to the corrections academy next week, while Hulvey has started...
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