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
Illinois Grabs $62 Million For Neighborhoods From Weed Tax Money
I've heard lots of people ask where the tax money from the sales of recreational marijuana products here in Illinois is going. With sales of nearly a billion dollars in 2020, we've got to have a pretty decent pile of cash to spread around, wouldn't you think?
Illinois Restaurant Association Implores Gov For Return Of Indoor Dining
In a press release yesterday, the Illinois Restaurant Association along with 1500 members pleaded with Governor Pritzker to reopen indoor dining in our state.
A Look At Illinois’ Most Popular Fast Food Joints By The Numbers
I just did a quick survey around the offices here at the radio ranch about Illinois fast food restaurants. There was just one question: Which fast food joint has the most Illinois locations?
Pritzker Says Wear Your Mask And Distance For Another 150 Days
Now that you've got masks that match up with all of your different outfits and moods, it would be a real shame to get rid of them wouldn't it? Don't worry. It's not going to happen anytime soon.
“Snow Fleas” Are Showing Up In Rockford Area Yards (Like Mine)
I often see posts on social media that begin with something like this: "TIL that..." For those who don't know, the letters T-I-L mean "Today I Learned." Well, YIL (yesterday I learned) about snow fleas. Because they're in my backyard, and probably yours, too.
Illinois Is #3 On The List Of Most Moved From States
We've been hearing about and seeing Illinois' "outbound migration" troubles for at least a decade now, and a new study shows the problem is on the increase.
Here’s The Reason Rockford Looks Like This Right Now
I know that I'm not alone in thinking that the Rockford area has looked absolutely stunning over the last couple of days.
Illinois Weed Sales Top $1 Billion For 2020
I guess all those people you see every day standing in line outside the Sunnyside Cannabis Dispensary on McFarland Road showed up to spend some money last year.
2020’s Festival Of Lights Is A Record Breaker In Attendance
If you found yourself with a little bit of cabin fever around the holidays and decided to head out and look at the light show known as the Festival of Lights going on at Sinnissippi Park, you probably noticed that you were not alone.
Illinois Woman Finds COVID-19 Test Kit In Department Store Order
Remember a few months back when we were warned about packages containing "mystery seeds" showing up at U.S. homes? Given the choice, I think I might prefer to deal with a box of mystery seeds.