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
Scientists Say Midwestern Cow-Tipping Is Complete B.S.
A friend of mine, an east-coast city slicker type, has frequently suggested to me that I "go tip over a cow, or whatever it is you people do for fun."
Rare, Antique Illinois Tractor Goes For World Record Auction Price
I'm just going to go ahead and admit that even though I grew up in a farming community, I don't know squat about tractors. Maybe even less than squat.
Are You Kidding? Illinois Lawmakers Give Themselves Another Raise
Since I'm quite sure that there are absolutely no money issues whatsoever in your household or in the households of anyone and everyone you know, you're probably delighted at the good fortune of Illinois lawmakers down in Springfield.
Tons Of Ground Beef (Some Sold In Illinois) Recalled For E. coli
Another week, another large recall. This time, it's for something that just happens to be a staple ingredient in many people's kitchens, and right about the time a lot of folks are looking to fire up their backyard grills.
Illinois Residents Should Check Their Fridge, 155,000 Recalled
Normally, a recall notice involving a refrigerator wouldn't be all that interesting to anyone who doesn't have the brand of fridge being recalled. However, in this case, the reason for the recall might cause something like you see in the photo above to happen to you.
Walgreens In Illinois And Across The Nation Limiting Baby Formula
In a piece last week, I told you about cheese being the most stolen item from Illinois grocery stores. And while cheese is the biggest focus of grocery theft, baby formulas are not far behind, ranking third overall in pilfered items.
Meet The Illinois Billionaires On The Forbes 2022 Richest List
I know what you're thinking, and I'm sure you're right; you will probably show up on next year's list, since you've obviously been overlooked once again by those bean-counters hanging around the break room at Forbes.
A Chicago Cubs Game Is MLB’s Most Expensive Fan Experience
Maybe this news hits you as a bit of a surprise, as it did our own Joe Dredge when I told him about the Chicago Cubs' price structure. Joe, like several others I spoke with all said the same thing: "I thought it would be the Yankees."
Illinois Highway Cameras May Soon Be Scanning Your Plates
If you've ever pondered the many ways that you're being kept track of by various players on the internet (think targeted advertising based upon the websites you visit and the things you search for), you may soon have to add another, non-internet tracker.
Illinois And The Midwest Are Racking Up The UFO Sightings
Back in 1991, a Roper Poll asked 6000 or so Americans if they had ever been abducted by aliens. Of the 6000 people surveyed, about 120 answered in the affirmative.