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
Starting Today, Illinoisans 16 And Older Are Eligible For Vaccine
If you've been patiently (or otherwise) waiting for your turn to get the COVID-19 vaccinations taken care of, your chance to roll up a sleeve is here.
Can You Drink Alcohol After Getting The COVID Vaccine?
Let's say you've done everything that's been asked of you. You paid attention to the information regarding availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, made your appointment, and got the shots. Can you celebrate with a beer, cocktail, or glass of wine?
Illinois And Wisconsin Disagree On The Most Hated Bug
It's not that our two states don't agree that there are insects that should be hated, it's just that we disagree on which creep-crawly should draw the most disdain.
IceHogs Get New Owners, Team To Stay, BMO Gets Upgrades
As hard as we tried this morning, we just couldn't find many (if any) negatives to yesterday's announcement that the Chicago Blackhawks are going to purchase the Rockford IceHogs for $11.8 million from the City of Rockford.
Ketchup Shortage Has Restaurants Scrambling Across The Country
A friend of mine once called ketchup (or, catsup) a "profoundly evil and vile concoction that should be banned from Planet Earth."
Health Officials Join Warning Against Laminating Vaccine Cards
Last week, we told you that Staples and Office Depot are offering free lamination for your COVID-19 vaccination card. Right after that, news began to spread that the phony vaccination card business is booming. There's a connection, and medical professionals are not happy about it.
Salmonella Outbreak Not Linked To Food, But To Songbirds
Was it just mine, or did everyone's mom tell them to never touch a wild bird, living or dead, because they're crawling with germs, bugs, and assorted yucky-ness? Well, it turns out my mom (and maybe yours) had this one right (not that I listened).
Illinois Car Thief Arrested After Asking Cops For Directions
You'd think that after stealing a car, you'd know better than to stop for a minute to chat with the police about the best way to get where you're going. You'd think that, and you'd be quite wrong.
It’s Opening Day At Wrigley Field, Here’s What’s Different
Last season's "lost season" is behind us, and today is Opening Day for Major League Baseball. The sun will be shining, but operations at Wrigley Field in Chicago are going to look and feel a little different than in previous home openers.
Illinois Supermarket Clerk Saves Baby In Runaway Cart
Before this job, I spent around three years working at the Pineway supermarket in my hometown of Oregon, Illinois. I've been trying to recall if I did anything even borderline heroic during my tenure as a stockboy.