I consider myself lucky to have been born and raised right here in the Rock River Valley, a place that my family and my wife Amy's family have called home for generations. I was first hired at WROK in 1983, and except for a short departure, I've spent my entire career right here in Rockford. Halloween of 2019 will mark my 18th anniversary of hosting the WROK Morning Show, making me the longest-serving morning show host in the station's nearly 100-year history. Amy and I have been happily married for 28 years, with two (now grown) children, Spencer (who does voice-overs for audio books and commercial voice-over work, too), and Molly (a graduate of Rock Valley College who also dazzles with service at a popular local restaurant). I'm luckier than I ever thought possible. When I'm not here at the station, I can usually be found at one of Rockford's many great, local events, either as host/master of ceremonies, or as an attendee. If we should meet, feel free to buy me 1 to 7 drinks.
Riley O'Neil
“Valentines For Seniors” Needs Your Help To Lift Spirits
We've discussed the effect that almost a year's worth of pandemic lockdowns has had on all of us in one way or another, from restaurants and other businesses to students and their parents. Our nation's senior citizens, in particular those who are in long-term care facilities, have had…
Rockford’s BBB Warns Of Powerball, Mega Millions Scams
As I look at an email I just got from the Illinois Lottery, I see that tonight's Powerball drawing has about $730 million reasons for you to consider playing. As the Illinois Lottery's Jessica Perez explains, "This is the fourth largest Powerball prize in game history and the sixth hi…
2 Of Illinois’ Neighbors Are The Most And Least Stressed States
If you'd made "de-stressing my life in 2020" one of your new year's resolutions in late 2019, chances are you made it up until about March of last year before realizing that you picked the wrong year for that kind of thinking.
Man Lives Inside O’Hare For Months Because of Flying Fear
So, you find yourself at O'Hare International Airport in October of 2020. You suddenly realize that COVID-19 is a problem (even though the pandemic has been raging since March of 2020). What do you do?
Aaron Rodgers Says He’ll Be Guest-Hosting On “Jeopardy”
Since the passing of its legendary host, Alex Trebek, America's favorite game show, Jeopardy, has been in a sort of holding pattern while the decision is made on who will take over as permanent host.
Haven’t Received Your Stimulus Yet? You May Get It Via Debit Card
There seems to be a lot more questions about the most recent round of stimulus money being distributed across the country than there were last time the feds were handing it out.
Pritzker Says Wear Your Mask And Distance For Another 150 Days
Now that you've got masks that match up with all of your different outfits and moods, it would be a real shame to get rid of them wouldn't it? Don't worry. It's not going to happen anytime soon.
“Snow Fleas” Are Showing Up In Rockford Area Yards (Like Mine)
I often see posts on social media that begin with something like this: "TIL that..." For those who don't know, the letters T-I-L mean "Today I Learned." Well, YIL (yesterday I learned) about snow fleas. Because they're in my backyard, and probably yours, too.
Have You Heard Of The “Car Wrap” Scam?
We do our best around here to keep an eye on the latest scams that are working their way across the country, and if there's one thing to be learned, it's the fact that scams come in all shapes and sizes.
RACVB Announces “Rockford Region Restaurant Week”
I wanted to give you a heads-up on this a little ahead of time so you can make your plans accordingly to help out your favorite restaurants as they continue to battle for survival.