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
Study Shows Why Some Illinoisans Are Refusing COVID Shot
If you're someone who's been experiencing "vaccine hesitancy," it may seem like you're the lone hold-out among people you know, or the public in general. However, that's just not the case at all.
Illinois Considers Ronald Reagan Statue For Springfield
If you've been wondering what it would take to get a statue of yourself put on display in our state's capital city of Springfield, you might want to get started by saving 77 people from drowning in the Rock River. Oh, and then get elected president.
Illinois Residents Are Being Heavily Targeted By Job Scams
With some of the added pandemic unemployment benefits expiring, more and more Illinois residents are looking to get back into the workforce. Seeing a big opportunity to enrich themselves at the expense of others has brought out the scammers.
Amazon Rockford Facility Is Looking To Hire 800
This has been quite the week for jobseekers in the Rockford area. Hot on the heels of the news that Rockford's Hard Rock Casino is doing some serious hiring comes the news that Amazon wants Rockford people, too.
Rockford’s Hard Rock Casino Is Looking To Hire Hundreds
For all of those who said that it wasn't going to happen, take a look. The Rockford Casino sign is up, and they're ready to do some hiring. A lot of hiring, as a matter of fact.
2,700 Illinois Drivers Suspended By New Insurance Verification System
Back in June, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that automobile insurance verification would be conducted by a new system that checks auto insurance electronically twice a year.
Here Are The Old Farmer’s Almanac Predictions For Rockford’s Winter
Not to be confused with the Farmer's Almanac, which is the new kid on the block compared to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the Old Farmer's Almanac has, according to their website, been at this weather prediction game since 1792 (229 years). The Farmer's Almanac is the relative newcom…
Migrating Monarchs May Be Hitting Rockford Next Week
Monarch butterflies, one of the few insects that migrate, are on the move from their summer-season homes in southern Canada toward their wintering homes in Mexico, and many are coming right through our area.
Illinois Considers Law Limiting Amount Of Balloons You Can Release
Divers finding balloons in Lake Michigan and Girl Scouts spending their time picking up balloon debris in the Chicago suburbs led to Illinois State Representative Sam Yingling putting forth Illinois House Bill 418 (HB-418).
Rockford’s Only Hours Away From The World’s Largest Front Porch
There's a lot to be said for time spent sitting on the front porch. Fresh air, good conversation, and watching life as it goes by is a perfect way to spend a summer's day or evening.