Dan Brannan

Glen Carbon, Illinois

Editor at River Bender

I am an editor/writer/public relations/social media specialist

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Articles

Tiger Talk Podcast Network Visits Illinois Capitol For Hands-On Learning

1 week ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville High School Tiger Talk Podcast Network visited Springfield recently to meet with Illinois State Representative Katie Stuart and veteran journalist Jak Tichenor, gaining firsthand experience in media production and state government. Sponsored by Dave Lipe and Nicole Pontious, the student podcast network includes two shows: The Jungle, the official EHS sports podcast, and Tiger Spotlight, which highlights the local community.
Jayden Bierman Recognized for Leadership and Kindness

1 week ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

ALTON - Jayden Bierman of Alton High School is truly honored and grateful to receive the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club Student of the Month Award for April 2025, which means more to him than he can truly express. Jayden's goal has never been to seek awards or recognition for the things he’s done; it has simply been to put a smile on the face of everyone he meets, because he knows how much even a small gesture can change a person’s day.
Bethalto Man Faces 10 Child Pornography Charges

1 week ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

BETHALTO - On April 17, 2025, the Bethalto Police Department presented charges to the Madison County State’s Attorney's Office for Justin S. Banks, 35, of Bethalto. The following charges were filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney's Office:Justin S.
Sparklight Male Athlete of the Month: Jersey's Jack Deist Excels in 400 Meter and Long Jump Events

1 week ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

JERSEY - Jersey Community High School’s freshman and sophomore boys track team competed against 16 teams at the Highland Invite on April 15, 2025, delivering strong performances highlighted by standout athlete Jack Deist. Deist secured second place in the 400-meter race with a time of 53.08 seconds and finished fifth in the long jump, recording a season-best leap of 17 feet, 8.25 inches. Athlete of the Month is sponsored by He also contributed as a member of the 4x400 relay team.
Collinsville Seeks Support to Preserve Kahok Mascot Tradition

1 week ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville School District superintendent and the Kahok Athletics Department are urging community members to contact state Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton to oppose House Bill 1237, which is under consideration in the Illinois Senate and would restrict the use of Native American names, mascots, and imagery by about 100 school districts statewide, including Collinsville Community Unit School District 10.
Joey Seefeldt Breaks Triple Jump Record With 11.15-Meter Leap

1 week ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

GLEN CARBON — The Father McGivney Griffins boys track team competed at the freshman/sophomore meet in Highland on April 15, 2025, showcasing several strong individual performances amid growing competition. Joey Seefeldt opened the meet by setting a personal best and school record in the triple jump with a distance of 11.15 meters, earning fifth place. Will Rakers secured first place in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:02.69, also breaking the school record.
Free Easter Hams and Sides Will Be Distributed to Alton Families In Need

1 week ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

ALTON — Crisis Food Center and Midwest Members Credit Union will distribute free Easter hams and side items to families from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 21 East 6th Street in Alton. This marks the sixth year the two organizations have partnered for the Easter Ham Giveaway, with each contributing equally to the purchase of hams and side dishes. Derrick D.
Alton Police Chief Praises Captain McCray’s Role in Community Safety

1 week ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

ALTON - The Alton Police Department has named Captain Kurtis McCray its Officer of the Month for February 2025 in recognition of his efforts to reduce gun violence in two troubled neighborhoods. Capt. McCray's efforts have made a huge difference in Alton. For more than a year, the 800 block of Pearl Street and the 1200 block of Central Avenue in Alton experienced persistent gun violence that disrupted the lives of residents.
Ameren Illinois Launches Carbon-Free Energy Program: 80 School Districts Assessed, Including Alton and East St. Louis Schools

1 week ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

ALTON - Ameren Illinois' new carbon-free assessment program aimed at helping public schools in the state reduce energy costs and improve sustainability has been very successful, Michael Pittman, manager of new clean energy programs, said. The program, which began in the first quarter of 2024, offers comprehensive energy assessments to public school districts within Ameren Illinois’ service territory.
Charges Issued for Stealing $25,000 or More

1 week ago | riverbender.com | Dan Brannan

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Patrick Steinway, 41, of the 4800 block of Southridge Park Drive in St. Louis, was charged Tuesday, April 15, 2025, with stealing more than $25,000 from St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Church, authorities said. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed the charges on April 15, 2025. Steinway is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond with no option for 10% bond. The investigation began on Jan.