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
Rockford’s Discovery Center Reopens With Capacity Changes
One of my favorite Discovery Center Museum memories is asking my wife and kids if we could just stay a little longer because I was having too much fun to leave.
“Bruno” The Black Bear Now Appears To Be In Missouri
A little over a week ago, Joe Dredge posted a story on our website about a black bear from Wisconsin coming through Illinois on his way to Iowa. Instead of doubling back, the bear appears to be heading south.
MercyHealth, SwedishAmerican Change Visitor Guidelines
As anyone who has wanted to visit with, or accompany a friend or family member in the hospital knows, it's been a very difficult few months. Now, some restrictions are being eased.
Iowa Becomes The 1st State To Legalize Cocktails-To-Go
House File 2540 passed the Iowa Senate 44-4 and passed the Iowa House unanimously (96-0) over the weekend. Governor Kim Richards signed the bill into law on Monday.
Could Rockford’s Current Heatwave Break Our High Temp Record?
You've no doubt noticed that it's hot and getting hotter in and around the Rockford area, but how hot do we need to get to tie or break the record that was set in Rockford in 1936?
Gun Sales Are Booming In Illinois
In the first two weeks of June, more than 42,000 people in Illinois applied for a gun permit, the Chicago Tribune reported on Thursday, citing data from the Illinois State Police.
Illinois Tollway Says No Fines For Unpaid Tolls During Lockdown
Okay, so you've missed a few tolls recently. Take a breath, because the lllinois Tollway Authority Board is in the mood to give you a break.
Covid-19 Lockdown Has Actually Been Good For RFD
With so many of us unable to shop like we normally do (thanks to COVID-19), Amazon's e-commerce business has been booming. That's been very good for RFD's cargo business.
Illinois On Track For Phase-4 Reopening Friday
We've been in Phase-3 of the "Restore Illinois" plan since late May, and according to current metrics, the earliest phase four of the plan could begin is this Friday.
AMC Theatres Won’t Require Masks Upon Reopening
AMC's CEO and president Adam Aron told Variety Thursday that AMC Theatres has chosen not to make masks mandatory when the company reopens 600 locations next month.