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
If You Live In Illinois, Don’t Answer Calls From These Area Codes
It's always a good idea to let a call from a number you don't recognize go to voicemail, with the thought being that if the call is truly important, the caller will leave you a message explaining what they want.
Illinois’ First Snowfall? It Will Probably Be On This Date
It's around this time every year in Illinois that we remember we're going to need those shovels and scrapers whether we like it or not, and probably sooner rather than later.
Take A Look At The Fastest Speeding Tickets In Illinois History
At one time or another, most of us in Illinois have broken the speed limit to some degree, but there are a select few Illinoisans who've gotten busted for really putting the pedal to the metal.
New Record? Illinois Man Steals 5 Different Vehicles In One Day
Maybe for this Illinois man stealing vehicles is a lot like eating potato chips, and he couldn't stop with just one.
Horrifying Illinois: How Starved Rock State Park Got Its Name
When you've lived in a state for your entire life, it's sometimes jarring to find out something about its history that you had absolutely no idea about.
Illinois’ Wasps Are Everywhere-Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Kill Them
It's late Summer heading into Fall, and Illinois' population of wasps and yellow jackets are really plentiful right now. Like many of us, your first instinct is probably to kill them on sight, especially if they're around your home. As much as you may want to end them, there are some pretty good reasons not to.
These 5 Illinois Schools Make Best High Schools In The U.S. List
A major publication has just released their rankings of the 100 Best High Schools In America, and out of those 100 high schools, 5 of them are in Illinois. What's more is that these schools are not very far apart from one another.
Add These 5 Illinois Castles To Your Summer Vacation Plans
There's still some time left in the Summer of 2023 for you to get out and see some cool things here in Illinois, especially when most of them are less than a couple of hours away. If you're a castle-lover, or better yet, have some kids in your life who are, here's where to take them in Illinois.
Illinois’ Deadly Plants: This Nasty One Could Be In Your Yard
Contrary to popular theory, not everything green is good. In this case, the Illinois plant we're talking about might be very nearby wherever you are...and it can kill you.
The Largest Movie Screen In Illinois Debuts This Week In Batavia
If you're looking to enjoy movies on the absolute biggest movie theater screen in the state of Illinois, an easy road-trip to Batavia will put you front and center for an amazing viewing.