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 Stink Bugs: Here’s What You Didn’t Know About Them
Here in Illinois, we deal with these bugs mainly in the Spring and again in the Fall...but sometimes in the winter when they've broken into our homes. Here are some things you may not know about Illinois stink bugs, like for example, how many different types we have in this state.
Ice Cream Sold In Illinois And 19 States Recalled Due To Listeria
It's been awhile since we've had a multi-state food recall, but we've certainly got one now. Residents of Illinois and 19 other states need to check those freezers because listeria is not something to mess with.
Scam: Illinois Residents Getting Phony Letters From “The IRS”
You've probably heard that when the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) decides to make contact with you, they'll never call, email, or text. They'll reach out only via a letter, which is how you know they're legit. Now, it seems scammers know that you know that, so they're switching tactics.
Northern Lights: Illinois May See The Aurora Borealis This Week
Living in Illinois and seeing the Aurora Borealis don't usually go hand in hand, but later this week the atmospherics might work out perfectly for us to get a good look at the Northern Lights.
Best Places To Raise A Family List Only Includes 2 Illinois Spots
Having been born and raised here in Illinois, and having repeated the pattern with my own children, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I tend to think that there might be more than two cities in this entire state that are great places to raise a family.
Stay Alert: Illinois’ Bobcat Population Numbers Are Growing
Once a protected species, bobcats have decided that not only do they like to eat rabbits, they like to procreate like them, too. That means better chances for Illinoisans to see them--and stay away from them.
Best Frozen Pizza? Website Says It’s This Illinois-Made Favorite
It seems like there are about half a million different frozen pizzas to choose from, but there's a certain frozen pizza that's made right here in Illinois that really gets people passionate.
Blue Green Algae, Which Can Kill Dogs, Is Back In Illinois
This stuff comes back to Illinois year after year when the weather starts to get warm and stay warm, and it's definitely something to keep your pets away from at all times.
These Illinois Summer Plants Are Dangerous To Your Dog
With nice weather becoming a lot more common in Illinois, dog owners are spending more and more time outdoors with their pets. Check out this handy list of plants and flowers in Illinois that you should definitely keep your dog away from.
Target Recalls 4.9 Million Candles, Some Sold In Illinois
It's been a short while since we've had to tell you about a product recall, but when a major retailer recalls nearly 5 million of anything, it's a pretty big deal.