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
What Are Your Odds Of Hitting A Deer In Illinois?
If you've lived in this area for any length of time, you're probably aware that we're in the midst of deer mating season, a time of year when car-versus-deer incidents really go up.
Another Week, Another Rockford Area Gas Price Drop
Rockford area gas prices are currently hovering around $2.19 per gallon, which is 5 cents lower than last week when gas prices only dropped about a penny.
August’s Derecho Thunderstorm Was Costliest In US History
The August 10th storm, which hit Iowa the hardest and also impacted us here in Illinois, along with Ohio, Minnesota, and Indiana, resulted in damages of around $7.5 billion.
Meijer Is Recalling Cantaloupe Over Salmonella Worries
It seems like this is a big week for recalls, especially those involving fruit.
Not To Be Trendy, But Illinois Is The World’s Pumpkin Capital
To be more precise, we should say that Morton, Illinois, in particular, is the Pumpkin Capital of the World.
Walmart Pre-Cut Fruit Recalled Because Of Listeria Concerns
Another day, another recall. This time it's pre-cut fruit shipped to Walmart distribution centers before being sent to Walmart stores in 9 states.
Winnebago County Offers Free Flu Shots
Health care professionals are really serious about getting the word out on flu shots. Between dealing with COVID-19 and the upcoming flu season, they highly recommend getting vaccinated against the flu to avoid double trouble.
Judge Denies Fall Sports Class Action Lawsuit Against IHSA
Judge Paul Fullerton denied the temporary restraining order involving the IHSA's Return to Play guidelines, filed by a group of parents on behalf of their children.
Illinois Toddler Nearly Loses Eyesight From Squirting Bath Toy
As you parents know, you're always on guard for things that could harm your child. How many of us ever put bath toys into that category?
Dentists Warn Parents About A New TikTok Challenge
It was just a few weeks back that we learned about a dangerous new challenge that TikTok users were being exposed to. That was the "Benadryl Challenge." Now, we've got another one.