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
Bob Seger Returning to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena On His ‘Ride Out’ Tour December 9
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band announced today they will hit the road in support of Seger’s first new studio album in eight years, Ride Out, with their 2014/2015 Ride Out Tour.
They will play Grand Rapids' Van Andel Arena on Dec. 9 along with special guest The J. Geils Band.
RECALL ALERT: Chrysler Recalls 349,000 Vehicles Due To Faulty Ignition Switch
Chrysler has announced a recall of 349,442 older vehicles because of problems with their ignition switch.
The recall affects some 2008 Dodge Chargers, Dodge Magnum wagons, Chrysler 300s, Jeep Commanders and Jeep Grand Cherokees.
Jimmy John’s Suffers Security Breach
Jimmy John's announced Wednesday that customers' credit card data may have been stolen from hundreds of its stores, including 18 Michigan locations, between June and September. About 216 stores were affected nationally by the breach, but it's unclear how many customers were actually impacted. None of the chain's stores in West Michigan were affected by the breach.
The sandwich chain said it learne
Proposed Bill Would Allow EpiPens In Michigan Bars And Restaurants
A bill being considered by the Michigan state legislature would allow bars and restaurants to keep EpiPens on hand.
More than 15 million Americans suffer from food allergies, and doctors say that EpiPens are the most effective way to treat an emergency food allergy reaction.
Tom Cook’s Workday Dog Break – Dogs Playing In Leaves [Video]
It's officially Fall! I know that a lot of people aren't excited about it, since it seems that we didn't get much of a Summer here in West Michigan, but there are some upsides to fall. Football starts up again, pumpkin spice lattes are available, and, of course, you get to see adorable animals frolicking in piles of dead leaves!
Coming Downtown for ArtPrize? Here’s How to Deal with Panhandlers
Coming to ArtPrize? While you're enjoying the various pieces throughout Grand Rapids (especially downtown), it's highly likely that you'll be approached by someone asking for money, food or cigarettes.
No, it's not the shiny and positive thing that most people want to talk about during ArtPrize and I understand that. But because you may not be from a larger city or a frequent downtown GR visitor
Companies Seeking 200 Workers For Holland Jobs
Ottawa County job developers are hosting a hiring event today in Holland to help folks line up new work with companies in West Michigan.
More than 200 positions are available at today's event at the Michigan Works! Holland Service Center.
Former President Jimmy Carter To Speak In Grand Rapids On Monday
Former President Jimmy Carter will be speaking in Grand Rapids at a lecture and book signing Monday night.
The 39th president and his wife, Rosalynn, will be part of Grand Rapids Community College’s Diversity Lecture Series. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the series and the college’s 100th anniversary.
This Video Of Koalas Fighting Is The Cutest Thing You’ll See Today
It's not often that we watch videos of fights and think "Wow, that's adorable!" But, this video of two koalas fighting is probably the cutest thing I've ever seen.
Indoor Football Could Return To Grand Rapids In 2015
Six years after the Grand Rapids Rampage franchise folded, there's a possibility that professional indoor football could be returning.
Middle School Math Teacher Wins $1 Million On ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ [Video]
I couldn't tell you the last time that I watched "Wheel Of Fortune", but when I saw this video making the rounds online, the title drew me in. Teachers are so often underpaid and undervalued, I was pretty happy that I was about to watch a middle school math teacher win a bunch of money. And I'm glad that I did.
False Report Of Gun On Bus Puts Fennville Schools On Lockdown
Fennville Public Schools have returned to normal activity following a lockdown situation that occurred early Friday morning.