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
Sears Is Closing Up, And Taking Illinois History With It
As Joe Dredge pointed out in his post yesterday, the last remaining Sears store in Illinois is closing. Their Schaumberg store, Illinois' last open Sears, is done in November.
Illinois Family: The Unvaccinated Caused Vaccinated Woman’s Death
Unlike many things you'll read today, I'm not going to even attempt to tell you what to think about this particular story. I know that adherents to the call for everyone to get the vaccine will take this one way, and the vaccine-hesitant will look at it entirely differently.
Illinois To Offer Up $4,000 Rebates For Buying An Electric Car
I was surprised to learn that there are over 10 million electric vehicles (EVs) currently on the roads across the United States. Illinois governor JB Pritzker has a goal of adding one million EVs to Illinois' highways by 2030.
Rockford BBB Warns Of Flood Damaged Cars Being Sold In Illinois
You're probably well aware that the demand for used cars has skyrocketed in the wake of the pandemic because of the sparse availability of certain new car parts. That demand has opened the door for unscrupulous sellers.
Rockford Gets Very Poor Grades On Illinois Safe Cities List
When you look at headlines like "Rockford’s violent crime, shootings, assaults continue to climb," it really shouldn't come as a surprise that Rockford's position on the Illinois' Safest Cities list is pretty far down.
Have You Bought Chicken In Rockford? You May Get A Payout For It
I know. The headline would leave the average reader with the impression that they might get some cash simply because they bought chicken in Rockford. That would be laughable...if it weren't absolutely true.
The Story Behind Route 43’s Truck In A Tree Outside Beloit
If you've ever found yourself traveling on Route 43 about eight miles outside of Beloit near mile marker 6 and the Clinton exit, you've seen the Truck In The Tree.
Mundelein Is Opening The Suburbs’ First Cannabis Lounge
Bring-your-own cannabis smoking lounges in Illinois are opening at a snail's pace, but there are a few. Now, Mundelein has given the greenlight to the first smoke-on-site business in the Chicago burbs.
Study Shows Why Some Illinoisans Are Refusing COVID Shot
If you're someone who's been experiencing "vaccine hesitancy," it may seem like you're the lone hold-out among people you know, or the public in general. However, that's just not the case at all.
Illinois Considers Ronald Reagan Statue For Springfield
If you've been wondering what it would take to get a statue of yourself put on display in our state's capital city of Springfield, you might want to get started by saving 77 people from drowning in the Rock River. Oh, and then get elected president.