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
These Illinois Summer Plants Are Dangerous To Your Dog
With nice weather becoming a lot more common in Illinois, dog owners are spending more and more time outdoors with their pets. Check out this handy list of plants and flowers in Illinois that you should definitely keep your dog away from.
Brat Lovers: Here Are The Dates For Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days
It's just not summer without Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days taking the Rockford area by storm with lots of food, friends, and music---and all of it for a very good cause.
Spelling Problems: These Are The Hardest Words For Illinoisans
Everybody's got a word or two that they have some difficulty spelling correctly, and for Illinois residents, it might be more than just a couple of words.
Target Recalls 4.9 Million Candles, Some Sold In Illinois
It's been a short while since we've had to tell you about a product recall, but when a major retailer recalls nearly 5 million of anything, it's a pretty big deal.
This Toxic Illinois Plant Will Make You Feel Like You’re On Fire
Last week, we told you about an Illinois plant, blooming right now, that may be pretty but it's also deadly. Today we look at a slightly less dangerous Illinois plant that can cause you extreme misery if you touch it.
Here’s Where To Go In Illinois For The Absolute Best Stargazing
There's no shortage of really cool celestial events every year, but for Illinois residents who never really get a good look at meteor showers, planetary alignments, comets, and eclipses, here's where to go to see things in the heavens like you've never seen before.
No Overseas Travel Needed: Check Out The 7 Wonders Of Illinois
There's no need to spend a bunch of money traveling throughout the Greek Isles and Egypt if you're looking for wonders (although that would be fun). The 7 Wonders Of Illinois are all within easy driving distance.
Check Out This Grilling Hack That Will Save Illinois Summer BBQs
You can't get the grill to fire up, or even worse, the heat goes off after about 3 minutes. Instead of cursing and kicking things, try a tip from a legendary home improvement expert.
This Blooming Illinois Plant Looks Pretty, And It Can Kill You
Here in Illinois, it's springtime and we're headed for summer. Of all the various plants and flowers blooming now in our state, make sure you completely avoid this one at all costs because it can take you out.
It’s May In Illinois, So Why Are There This Many June Bugs?
Maybe it's just me, but I somehow thought that something called a "June" bug would have the decency to start showing up next month. However, we've just crossed the mid-point of May, and these things are all over Northern Illinois.