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
Rare Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Being Offered At $209 Per Pound
I know that we're Midwestern Americans, and that Midwestern Americans are supposed to totally love everything about cheese, especially when it's made by our neighbors in Wisconsin. But, are you enough of a cheese lover to shell out over $200 for a pound of extremely rare Wisconsin cheddar that was made about 80 miles from Rockford?
Illinois School Warns Students/Parents Of “Stranger-Danger” App
The free app pairs up users from around the world for one-on-one anonymous chats, but its lack of safeguards and monitoring have Illinois educators and parents worried.
Need A Baby Name? These Were Illinois’ Most Popular Last Year
Baby naming trends come and go over the years, but some names have real staying power and remain popular for years. Take a look a what names Illinois residents took a liking to in 2022.
Midwestern Man Accidently Given $5000 With McDonald’s Order
How do you turn a happy meal into an extremely happy meal? Having a drive-through window worker tuck five grand next to your McNuggets works nearly every time here in the Midwest.
Study: Illinois Is Most Astrology-Obsessed State In The Midwest
Do you check your daily horoscope, compare your sign with others, or blame the planets and stars for things that happen to you? If so, you're part of the reason that Illinois is among the top 15 states that are most obsessed with astrology.
Party City Files For Bankruptcy–What It Means For Illinois Stores
Party City is the country's retailer of party supplies, Halloween costumes, and other specialty items, and they've just declared bankruptcy. Illinois has 42 stores, with more than 20 of them spread across the Chicagoland region, including Rockford.
Illinois Grocery Prices: These Items Have Gone Up The Most
Walk into any grocery store in Illinois, and you'll find that nearly everything costs more than it did even a year ago. However, there are some staples that have really risen in price---and are still going.
Illinois May Soon Get A Look At A Once-In-A-Lifetime Comet Fly-By
Maybe "once in a lifetime" is an overstatement. This comet may come back through our solar-system's neighborhood again...but it won't be for about 50,000 years. I guess if you eat healthy and exercise you might...never mind. Not going to happen.
So, What Exactly Is Jaywalking, And Is It Illegal In Illinois?
We've all heard the word lots of times, but can you define what jaywalking is, and better yet, will you find yourself in trouble in Illinois for doing it?
Wisconsin Man Slams 10 Beers, Burglarizes Brewers’ Clubhouse
Not sure why you'd break in and steal things when you're obviously fairly wealthy. You'd have to have money if you can afford 10 beers at an MLB game.