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
Illinois’ Real ID: Here’s What You’ll Need For Your Application
Illinois State officials (knowing how people can be when it comes to deadlines) are urging Illinois residents to get busy now so that there won't be a giant logjam of Real ID applications this coming May.
Midwestern Family’s 6 Year Old Orders $1000 In Food From Grubhub
My first thought after finding out about this was "What? Did he order a couple dozen eggs?" But, it turns out that eggs might be the only thing this kid didn't order on Dad's smartphone.
Here’s How Much Illinoisans Drink Compared To Other States
Every single state has a portion of the overall population that elbow-bends a bit more than the rest, which leaves us wondering how big the drinking population of Illinois is, and how do we stack up against other states--especially here in the Midwest.
Illinois Has Lots Of Geese, But Can You Eat Their Eggs?
With egg prices skyrocketing off the charts, it's understandable that some of us might be looking for an alternative to the beloved chicken egg. I don't see many ducks, quail, ostriches, or emus around here, but we do have plenty of geese in Illinois who, besides pooping literally everywhere, do lay eggs.
Illinois Secretary Of State: Some Vanity Plates “Too Offensive”
The Illinois Secretary of State's Office gave the official "thumbs down" on about 400 different requests for vanity plates last year because the requests were deemed to be offensive... or too hard to read.
Bed Bath & Beyond Is Closing 87 More Stores, 5 More In Illinois
It's really looking like the wheels are coming off for Bed Bath & Beyond, with reports of a missed loan payment, unpaid bills, and the very real potential for a bankruptcy declaration before next week.
Rare Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Being Offered At $209 Per Pound
I know that we're Midwestern Americans, and that Midwestern Americans are supposed to totally love everything about cheese, especially when it's made by our neighbors in Wisconsin. But, are you enough of a cheese lover to shell out over $200 for a pound of extremely rare Wisconsin cheddar that was made about 80 miles from Rockford?
Illinois Drivers: Car Insurance Companies Are Dropping These Cars
Two car companies have been reeling over how many of their cars have been stolen over the last year due to the lack of a theft-prevention device. Now, two major insurance companies say they've had enough of the thefts, too---and they're doing something about it that could cause you a problem.
Illinois Home Improvement Store Now Offers Kids Birthday Parties
A national home improvement warehouse store apparently got to thinking, and they decided that maybe some kids would be more interested in learning how to build a house, rather than just bouncing around in an inflatable one.
Illinois School Warns Students/Parents Of “Stranger-Danger” App
The free app pairs up users from around the world for one-on-one anonymous chats, but its lack of safeguards and monitoring have Illinois educators and parents worried.