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
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.
You Make The Call: Are These Midwestern Foods Really Gross?
Let's take a look at some foods that people outside of the Midwest (and plenty in it) find disgusting, and that they also assume that Midwesterners can't get enough of.
Illinois’ Real ID: These Are The Documents You Need To Apply
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 applications in May of next year.
These Thanksgiving Groceries May Be in Short Supply This Year
Just like last year's holiday season, get used to seeing the words "supply chain issues" attached to some grocery items that have previously been plentiful.