Hey, I’m the “new guy” here at 100.5 The River. We’ll get to hang out for part of your workday and the drive home while you’re listening to Today’s Best Mix without the rap. Some people asked “why would you move HERE?” when I started. I answer that question with disbelief and realize that people in GR simply don’t realize what a great city they have. Grand Rapids is just a fantastic city. The people, the downtown, the festivals, the philanthropy of our ‘famous families’ … the list goes on and on. The VIBE of this city is just incredible. Those who say “why would you move HERE?” clearly don’t realize how crappy most other similar sized cities are compared to GR. We moved here from the vibrant and clean city (#sarcasm) of Toledo, OH where I was the Operations Manager for six radio stations. Before that, I was on-air or programming stations in Philadelphia, New York City, Milwaukee, Madison, Cedar Rapids (Iowa) and Waterloo (Iowa). My wife and I met in Madison and were married four days after 9/11. We have two “furry kids” named Ollie (yellow lab/bassett/corgi) and Chester (bassett). I’m also the Program Director for Channel 95-7 and 100.5 The River, so if you have any comments, suggestions or complaints (I welcome compliments, too), just email or call me!
Tom Cook
Michigan Redesigns License Plates After Complaints From Law Enforcement
Michigan officials recently released a redesigned version of the license plate that was once voted the world's best. Why? Police complained it wasn't easy enough to read.
2015 River Bank Run Registration Now Open
For those who like to plan ahead and start training early, online registration for the 2015 Fifth Third River Bank Run is underway.
The 25k race, along with 10k, 5k, races, combos and walks, is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2015 in downtown Grand Rapids. Registration opened Tuesday on the race's official website.
Squirrel Wakes Panda – And It’s Hilarious [Video]
Pandas are notorious for their napping skills. I mean, they generally sleep anywhere from 10-16 hours a day. That must be how the manage to stay so cute, right? Anyway, it's probably best if you don't startle a panda awake when it's in the middle of another one of its marathon naps, but that's precisely what this squirrel did.
John Ball Zoo Saw Record Attendance In 2014
2014 was a record-breaking year for John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids.
The zoo has seen over 494,000 visitors this season, which is the most they've ever seen in one season. By the official end of the 2014 season, the zoo expects to have welcomed over 500,000 visitors.
Grand Rapids Will Host 2017 State Games of America
Grand Rapids has been chosen to host the 2017 State Games of America.
Officials with the National Congress of State Games on Tuesday that Grand Rapids will be hosting the event which is scheduled for Aug. 3-6, 2017.
RECALL ALERT: Baby Wipes Sold At Sam’s Club
Sam's Club has issued an advisory on baby wipes that have been sold at their stores.
They say that some Simply Right Baby Wipes sold since June of this year may be contaminated with b-cepacia bacteria.
Tom Cook’s Workday Dog Break – Baby Husky Trapped In A Bowl [Video]
I once had someone tell me that everything is cuter if you put it in a bucket. After seeing this, I would like to suggest that everything is cuter if you put it in a bowl.
I mean, Husky puppies are pretty cute on their own, but this one inside of a bowl is one of the cutest things I've ever seen.
Cheapest Gas In The Country Is In West Michigan
If you're looking for cheap gas, look no further than Greenville!
GasBuddy.com says that the cheapest fuel prices in the nation are in Greenville, where gas was only $2.55 per gallon for regular unleaded Monday morning.
Portion Of Northeast Grand Rapids Under Boil Water Advisory
Residents of a northeast Grand Rapids neighborhood are under a boil water advisory.
According to the city, a water main broke Thursday night, affecting roughly 90 home within an area surrounded by Boltwood Dr. NE, Riverside and Cheshire drives NE, Katherine Dr. NE, and Monroe Ave. NE.
GRPD To Start Ticketing Cars Parked In Bike Lanes
Starting next month, the city of Grand Rapids will be ticketing drivers who park in bike lanes. Bike lanes have been here in Grand Rapids since 2010, and as of today, there are 55 miles of bike lanes around the city. That number is increasing all the time.
City commissioners approved an amendment to the General Traffic Regulations Ordinance at a meeting in September. That amendment will allow the
Dairy Queen Latest to Suffer Customer Card Breach
Dairy Queen is the latest national retailer to reveal a hack of its customer data.
The company said on Thursday that hackers may have gained access to customer names, credit and debit card numbers and expiration dates at 395 stores nationwide between August and October, including one in Muskegon and one in the Woodland Mall in Kentwood. The company says that they have fixed the problem.
‘Price Is Right’ Contestant Thinks Hammocks Cost $7000
How much do you think hammocks cost these days? Seriously, just a regular, old, runo of the mill hammock. I figure maybe like $500. Not this guy, though. This guy thinks it's going to run you $7,000.