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
Park District May Close Riverview Ice House, Elliot Golf Course
What happens when you mix big budget shortfalls and a pandemic? You get an organization that has to make some tough calls to stay afloat.
Dekalb Man Advertises Drugs On Social Media, Gets Arrested
I'm no legal scholar, but even I was aware that law enforcement takes a pretty dim view of folks who use the internet as a way of advertising illegal drug sales.
New Survey Names Illinois’ Favorite County Fair Food
Although, given the current COVID-19 mess we're still dealing with, we might not get to eat any of these things this fair season.
Rockford Police Have A Scam Safety Reminder For You
You may be "plugged in" enough to know about all the latest scams working their way through the Rockford area, but in case you're not (or you have a friend/family member who isn't), the Rockford Police Department wants to make sure you're in the loop.
Winnebago County Clerk Lori Gummow Has Election Info For You
Each time an election comes along, voters have questions about early voting, voting by mail, polling place locations and more.
Illinois Weed Sales Bring In Over $63 Million In August
If you recall earlier this year, arguments raged back and forth over whether marijuana dispensaries should be labeled "essential" during the pandemic shutdowns across the country.
Loves Park Man Wins $1 Million Powerball Prize
And if that weren't enough (and it wasn't), he also won a $10,000 Instant Ticket prize. Oh, and did I mention that this was all in the same week?
Jelly Bean Factory Golden Ticket Takes Weird Turn
Yesterday, I told you about the "candy magnate" who's pulling a Willy Wonka and promising to give away a candy factory to someone with a golden ticket.
Jelly Bean Magnate To Give Away Factory With Golden Ticket
The founder of Jelly Belly jellybeans is about to retire, but before he does, he's launching a golden ticket treasure hunt in every state.
Rockford Area Stink Bugs Are About To Crawl Into Your House
I think that may be the first headline I've ever written that actually gave me the creeps. It's not often you can work the words stink, bugs, crawl, and your house into the same sentence unless you're the subject of a TLC series.