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
Illinois Home Improvement Store Now Offers Kids Birthday Parties
A national home improvement warehouse store apparently got to thinking, and they decided that maybe some kids would be more interested in learning how to build a house, rather than just bouncing around in an inflatable one.
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.
!@&%!#: Here Are Illinois’ And The Midwest’s Favorite Swear Words
Let's get this whole sh***y post going with a question for you. Are you a swearer? Before you answer, I should tell you that the average American swears or curses between 80 and 90 times per day, which averages out to about 5 cusses per hour
Rockford BBB: Beware Of “DeepFake” Scams Using Phony Video
The bad actors who are behind the DeepFake scams don't care where you live, because they can reach out to you anywhere, including right here in Northern Illinois and the Rockford area.
Some Illinois School Districts Pay Teachers Up To And Over 100K
Data compilation site Niche says that Illinois is one best states in the country for teacher salaries, with one Illinois school district being highlighted as the best place to teach, another Illinois school district grabbing the #2 spot, and yet a third district being named the 3rd best place to teach in America.
Illinois’ Favorite Way To Get Caffeine Will Surprise You (Not Coffee)
A new study says that 85% of us are daily caffeine consumers, but here in Illinois, we satisfy our caffeine cravings differently than any other state in the Midwest...and it's not with coffee.
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.
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.
Illinois Netflix Users: Free Password Sharing Is Coming To An End
Those changes will start with charging accounts for password sharing, and instituting a system that adds fees for "extra member" sub-accounts when people who live outside the subscribing house use the membership.
Illinois Culver’s Fans: Get Ready For This Big Change To The Menu
Changing even the slightest thing about your processes can really annoy your fan base...as Culver's is now learning after an announcement the other day about a change the beloved Midwestern franchise is making.