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 Snow Sculpting Begins Today In Sinnissippi Park
Over the years, Mother Nature has caused a problem or two for the annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition because it's been too warm, or we haven't gotten enough snow. That is certainly not the problem for this year's get-together at Sinnissippi Park.
Oak Park Family’s Awesome Colored Ice Igloo Is Worth Checking Out
Having made the attempt at building an igloo a couple of different times in my life, I can tell you that putting together even a simple igloo was beyond my skill set. There's no way I could have ever pulled this off.
Illinois Company Apologizes For Really Bad Timing On Meatloaf Recipe
Last Friday, we got the bad news that long-time rock superstar Meat Loaf (real name: Marvin Lee Aday) had passed away the day before at the age of 74.
3 Illinois Cities Lead The Nation In Break-Ins And Burglaries
The FBI says that in 2020, there were 314 burglaries for every 100,000 people nationwide. However, in three Illinois cities, that number was a whole lot higher.
Illinois Flashback: 40 Years Ago, The Bears Hired Mike Ditka
Right now, in January of 2022, Chicago Bears fans are wondering who will be given the job as the team's next head coach. 40 years ago this week, the same sort of wondering was going on.
Two Of America’s Best Bars Are Within Easy Driving Distance From Rockford
Putting together a list of the "best" anything guarantees one thing: an argument. Whether it's movies, music, sports teams, foods, or even drinking establishments, people have their own ideas about what's "the best."
Why Illinois Residents Should Think Twice Before Ordering Free COVID Tests
It's not that there's anything wrong with the free COVID-19 tests being offered up by Uncle Sam for the low, low price of...well, free. The problem lies with how you order those tests.
Rockford Area Residents Are Being Taken By Car Warranty Scams
Hey, thanks for clicking here. Before we get started, I should let you know that I've been trying to reach you regarding your car's warranty, and how I can help protect you from costly repair bills...
New Study Says These Are Illinois’ Top 5 Favorite Cheap Beers
We can't all be in the financial stratosphere that only drinks the rarest and most expensive beers on the market. Sometimes/all the time/once in a while, you want to save a couple of bucks and still have something good.
Illinois Felt The Shockwave From Tonga Volcano Eruption
In 1883, a volcano on the island of Krakatoa, which sits between Java and Sumatra in Indonesia, exploded. That explosion was heard by people in over 50 different geographical locations, spanning an area covering a thirteenth of the planet.