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.
TROY - The Triad High School Trap Team closed its 2026 spring season Tuesday night, May 5, 2026, at the Edwardsville Gun Club High School Shoot Off, placing two squads on the podium against what the team described as top area competition. Triad’s Gold Rush team took third place i...
ALTON - Alton Police Department members took to the basketball court at the YWCA Southwestern Illinois in Alton for one of their beloved community events called “Ballin' With a Cop” on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The Alton Police Department said the main purpose of the gathering was to connect...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Fairview Heights Police Chief Steve Johnson on Monday released a message from a citizen praising an officer’s response to a reported wallet theft at a local Lowe’s store. In the release dated Monday, May 11, 2026, Johnson shared an email in which the citizen said...
CASEYVILLE - Charges were filed Friday, May 8, 2026, against a Missouri man after Caseyville Police said he fled from officers during a traffic stop tied to a reported order-of-protection violation, leading authorities on a 24-minute pursuit that ended on Interstate 270 near the Chain...
GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic High School announced that senior Zoe Oller has received the prestigious Edwardsville Neighbors Young Philanthropist Scholarship, a $2,500 award honoring graduating seniors for service and leadership. Father McGivney officials said the annual award recognizes...
COLLINSVILLE — In a tightly packed 1,600-meter race that showcased some of Illinois’ top distance runners, Gillespie’s Chaz Oberkfell won Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Collinsville Boys Track and Field Invitational, edging Normal Community’s A.J. Ince and Civic Memorial’s...
EDWARDSVILLE - Tyson Wampler had two hits, including a three-run home run over the fence in center, and three RBIs, while Tony Eberlin threw five solid innings on the mound, striking out five, as Edwardsville won its first game of the annual Tiger Classic round robin tournament over Teutopolis...
GLEN CARBON - Jack Beaber once again was the star of the show for Marquette Catholic's boys track and field team in the Gateway Conference Meet on Wednesday at Father McGivney Catholic High School, grabbing first places in both the shot put (15.90 meters) and the discus (55.59 meters). Beaber has...
GILLESPIE - Chaz Oberkfell, the legendary Gillespie distance runner, claimed three individual first places in the Macoupin County Meet on May 7, 2026. Chaz won the 800 meters (2:00.29), the 1,600 meters (4:38.28), and the 3,200 meters (9:30.44). He anchored the 4 x 400 relay for the Miners, which...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on Saturday, May 2, 2026, issued charges against Lorenzo Gaines, 23, in a sexual assault case investigators say involves multiple victims. Gaines, of the 10300 block of Oxford Hill Drive, St. Louis, Mo., 63146,...
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