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
Man Claims To Have Photos Of Bigfoot Running Around Iowa
It seems as though we just can't get away from Bigfoot. It wasn't all that long ago that I read of a Bigfoot and Bigfoot baby possibly being filmed in Michigan. Another piece had Bigfoot indulging a love for cheese in Wisconsin.
Man Biking All 50 States Gets His Butt Chomped By Illinois Dog
Throughout the state of Illinois today, several people are going to call their dog a "big pain in the ass," but only one of those people is going to be literally and provably correct.
Scientists Say Midwestern Cow-Tipping Is Complete B.S.
A friend of mine, an east-coast city slicker type, has frequently suggested to me that I "go tip over a cow, or whatever it is you people do for fun."
Tons Of Ground Beef (Some Sold In Illinois) Recalled For E. coli
Another week, another large recall. This time, it's for something that just happens to be a staple ingredient in many people's kitchens, and right about the time a lot of folks are looking to fire up their backyard grills.
How Many Dogs Can Someone Legally Have In Illinois?
The reason I'm asking this question is because I recently read an article about a man in India who just happens to share his food and living space with 730-plus dogs. It's okay, he lives on a farm (because that many hounds in an apartment would just be weird).
Walgreens In Illinois And Across The Nation Limiting Baby Formula
In a piece last week, I told you about cheese being the most stolen item from Illinois grocery stores. And while cheese is the biggest focus of grocery theft, baby formulas are not far behind, ranking third overall in pilfered items.
A Chicago Cubs Game Is MLB’s Most Expensive Fan Experience
Maybe this news hits you as a bit of a surprise, as it did our own Joe Dredge when I told him about the Chicago Cubs' price structure. Joe, like several others I spoke with all said the same thing: "I thought it would be the Yankees."
Illinois Highway Cameras May Soon Be Scanning Your Plates
If you've ever pondered the many ways that you're being kept track of by various players on the internet (think targeted advertising based upon the websites you visit and the things you search for), you may soon have to add another, non-internet tracker.
Suburban Chicago Couple Deliver Their Own Baby On Roadside
Being a father of two, I was present and a "participant" in the births of both kids, all with the clear understanding that the delivery part of the equation would be handled by medical professionals.
Illinois And The Midwest Are Racking Up The UFO Sightings
Back in 1991, a Roper Poll asked 6000 or so Americans if they had ever been abducted by aliens. Of the 6000 people surveyed, about 120 answered in the affirmative.
Recall Alert: Skippy Peanut Butter Sold In Illinois, 17 Other States
Sometimes when you see a notice of a product or products being recalled, there's that sense of relief when you realize that you don't have or don't use those products.
Northern Illinois May Get A Look At The Aurora Borealis Tonight
Assuming the clouds give way and give us some clear skies, we should not only get a look at the Aurora Borealis tonight (Thursday) in the Rockford area, but also Friday night, too.