Current co-host of the “Mornings with Mark and Sam” show on 97.9 KICK-FM. Mark is a graduate of the Conservatory at The Second City in Chicago and holds a degree in Acting from Northern Illinois University. Mark is also the host of “On the Mark”, an hour of honest sports talk every Saturday morning on News Talk 1070 KHMO-Am. His love for sports followed him from Chicago never missing an opportunity to watch the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, or Hawks. In 2022, Mark received the Missouri Broadcasting Award for Best Sports Personality Small Market. Mark enjoys time with his wife and family, history, and random facts. You can connect with Mark on Twitter @MarkHespen
Mark Hespen
The Most Affordable Houses in the US are in a city in Illinois
Well surprise, surprise!!! One of the 10 most affordable cities for homebuyers in 2023 is right here in Illinois, and it is not in Chicagoland...
There is a Craft Brewery in Illinois that Must be on your Radar
Craft beer is a way of life at this craft brewery in a small town in Illinois, so much so that it was named one of the 10 Best Craft Beer Breweries in 2023. Put down the Bud Light and check out this unique, local, innovative craft brewery in Illinois!
We found the BEST Pretzel Place in Illinois
You will never want to go to Auntie Anne's again after stopping by this one-of-a-kind Pretzel Restaurant in Illinois. The menu is out of this world, and when you are there every day is Pretzel Day.
The Top 2 Most Creative Bars in the US are in Chicago
If you are looking for a drink that you literally can't find anywhere else on the planet then you need to head to Chicago, Illinois. The list of the most creative bars in the US debuted and the top 2 most creative are located in the Windy City...
New Food & Events coming to the Largest Theme Park in Illinois
The largest theme park in Illinois is getting ready to open its doors for the 2023 season, and to celebrate a new season there are plenty of new offerings at the park this year!
The Land of Lincoln’s Largest Waterpark sets it’s Opening Date
Who is ready for waterpark season?!? The largest waterpark in Illinois is almost ready for the season to begin, here are the details on when you are going to be able to hit the slides!
Why has Microsoft bought 60+ Acres of Land in Illinois this year?
With all of the talk about companies leaving the Land of Lincoln, it sure is unique to see the headline "Microsoft BUYS land in Illinois" What could the tech giant be planning here in Illinois?
The Most Iconic Restaurant in Illinois is turning 60!
This restaurant single-handedly changed the food scene in Illinois, and it is celebrating its 60th anniversary this week. If you haven't eaten at this place then can you truly say you are from Illinois?
Could the state of Illinois Ban Declawing Cats?
There is a proposed bill going through the state legislature of Illinois that would ban declawing cats in the state. Do you think this is the right thing to do, and when could this bill be passed?
Why you shouldn’t just “Flyover” this city in Illinois
A travel website compiled a list of great cities you should actually visit that are in "flyover" states, and one of the cities on this list is here in the Land of Lincoln and it deserves to be on this list!