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
Monarch Butterflies Might End Up on Endangered Species List in 2015
While 2015 is looking like a promising year for many, it's not looking too good for the Monarch butterfly. Experts are saying that this could be the year that they end up on the endangered species list.
RECALL ALERT: GM Recalls 83,000 SUVs and Trucks for Faulty Ignitions
General Motors closed out 2014 with one final recall on an issue that has plagued them company all year: faulty ignitions.
GM is recalling 83,572 SUVs and trucks because a faulty ignition may move out of the "start" position causing the vehicle to stall and the airbags not to deploy in the event of a crash.
Upper Peninsula Town To Ring in The New Year With ‘Pasty Drop’
New York City has the ball drop on New Year's Eve, but it has nothing on Escanaba's new New Year's tradition - the pasty drop.
The Rapid Will Not Offer Bus Services on New Year’s Day
Folks who rely on The Rapid system for transportation will need to find an alternative way to get around on Thursday.
Buses operating within Grand Rapids and the surrounding area won't be running on New Year's Day, one of several holidays during which The Rapid does not operate.
Highways Renamed for Fallen Michigan State Police Officer, Military Personnel
A stretch of M-116 in Mason County is being renamed to honor fallen Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield under legislation signed by Governor Snyder.
RECALL ALERT: Olympic Mountain Tealight Wax Warmers
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of certain tealight wax warmers due to fire and burn hazards.
Here’s an Orphaned Baby Beaver Drinking From a Bottle [Video]
Yesterday, I shared a super sad video of what your dog does when you leave the house, so I thought I would go in the complete opposite direction today and show you a video that will put a smile on your face!
Check out this baby beaver drinking out of a bottle.
Grand Rapids’ Olds Manor to be Redeveloped
Tuesday morning, developers announced that Olds Manor, one of the last major vacant buildings in downtown Grand Rapids, is being redeveloped.
CWD Real Estate plans to restore the building at the corner of Michigan and Monroe into a mixed-use building that will include 9,500 square feet of retail and restaurant space on the ground floor, 77 market-rate one- and two-bedroom apartments, and a limited
RECALL ALERT: Dodge Trucks Recalled After Crash Kills Child
An accident involving the death of a child has prompted FCA US, the new name for Chrysler Group, to recall 66,819 older pickup trucks with manual transmissionsto fix clutch ignition interlock switches.
Genius ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Contestant Solves Puzzle With Only One Letter [Video]
It's been a few years since I actually sat down and watched an episode of "Wheel of Fortune," but I used to think I was pretty good at it. When I was in the comfort of my own home, I could answer those puzzles in no time at all!
But, I'm realistic and know that I'd have a harder time if I were there in the moment. This guy didn't have a problem, though! He solved the puzzle after only on
What Does Your Dog Do When You Leave? [Video]
I've often wondered what my dog, Chester, does when I leave the house for the day. I assume he does the same thing he does while I'm there - sleep. But, after watching this video, I fear he may have the same reaction as this dog. And that makes me never want to leave the house again.
A man hooked a GoPro camera up to his friend's dog to see what the pooch was up to while the humans were away. The
Defense Logistics Agency Feeds U.S. Troops For the Holidays
U.S. military service members deployed away from home will still enjoy a hearty Christmas meal, with all the trimmings, thanks to the efforts of Defense Logistics Agency troop support subsistence efforts.
More than 31,000 pounds of beef, 21,000 pounds of ham, 29,000 pounds of turkey, 840 gallons of eggnog and 6,000 pies are already on hand to feed American service members in Afghanistan on Christm