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
Recall Alert: Strawberries Sold In Illinois And 31 Other States
If you're a fruit lover who keeps a supply of strawberries around, you'll definitely want to check to see if you have any of these recalled products, because this problem is a serious one.
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.
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?
Some Illinois School Districts Pay Teachers Up To And Over 100K
Data compilation site Niche says that Illinois is one best states in the country for teacher salaries, with one Illinois school district being highlighted as the best place to teach, another Illinois school district grabbing the #2 spot, and yet a third district being named the 3rd best place to teach in America.
Illinois State Rep Pushes To Legalize Magic Mushrooms
Illinois State Rep La Shawn Ford says it's not a move to give Illinoisans another item to add to their parties after marijuana was legalized back in 2020. It's to help those who, Ford says, deserve more tools to deal with mental health issues.
Seriously? Governor Pritzker Just Gave Lawmakers A $12K Raise
You may have a problem or two making ends meet, but now Illinois lawmakers, technically a part-time position, are the fourth-highest paid in the nation behind California, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Grab The Money: Multiple Unclaimed $100K Illinois Lottery Prizes
$2.4 million in unclaimed Illinois Lottery jackpot winnings is just sitting around gathering dust while waiting to be claimed by the rightful winners, but the clock is definitely ticking.
Horrifying Illinois: How Starved Rock State Park Got Its Name
When you've lived in a state for your entire life, it's sometimes jarring to find out something about its history that you had absolutely no idea about.
Mc-Sued! Illinois Man Lawyers Up Over McDonald’s Technology
Nearly everyone welcomes the chance to get things that we want faster...well, nearly everyone. I guess it depends on what's being done to get you your food faster.
Wisconsin Idiot Kills Bald Eagle, Faces $100K Fine And Jail
When someone decides to do what an unknown person (at least for right now) in Wisconsin did earlier this month, shoot and mortally wound a bald eagle, my inability to comprehend why gets shoved aside and is replaced with good, old-fashioned anger.