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
Flu Shots Are Only 23 Percent Effective This Season, CDC Reports
On Thursday, health officials announced that flu shots are only 23 percent effective against this season's strain. This is not a good sign in a season where it seems more and more people are being stricken down with the flu.
Grand Rapids Reminds Residents to Shovel Their Sidewalks
The City of Grand Rapids is reminding residents to be sure to clear their sidewalks.
New Hampshire Considers Changing Law to Allow Founders Beer Label
A lot of states have weird laws, and New Hampshire, it turns out, is no exception.
Currently, bottles of Breakfast Stout by Founders Brewery Co. in Grand Rapids is illegal to be sold in the state of New Hampshire.
RECALL ALERT: IKEA Crib Mattresses Recalled Due to Entrapment Hazard
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of a certain brand of crib mattresses (sold exclusively at IKEA), due to a possible entrapment hazard.
Republican National Committee Votes to Censure West Michigan’s Dave Agema
The Republican National Committee's has formally censured West Michigan's Dave Agema for what they called "harmful rhetoric" and demanded his resignation.
Grand Rapids Big Game Squares Promotion Official Rules
GRAND RAPIDS BIG GAME SQUARES PROMOTION OFFICIAL RULES
“Grand Rapids Big Game Squares Promotion”
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. PROMOTION BEGINS ON JANUARY 15, 2015, AND ENDS ON JANUARY 30, 2015, at 12 P...
Mourning Dog Stands Guard Over Puppy’s Grave [Video]
A heartbroken stray dog in Georgia is refusing to leave Savannah’s Laurel Grove North Cemetery after burying her puppy amongst the headstones.
According to The New York Daily News, aspiring photographer Hunter Cone, 15, spotted the dog sitting beside her deceased puppy while he was taking photos in the cemetery on Jan. 6. He returned later with his mother and attempted to feed to dog, but she ran
Calvin College Building Closed While Threat is Investigated
Police are investigating suspicious letter containing a powdery substance that was delivered to Calvin College.
According to an alert that was sent out to students, the school received a threatening letter in the mail print services building containing a powdery substance.
Backyard Chickens Ordinance Proposed For Grand Rapids
Do you think backyard chickens be allowed in the City of Grand Rapids? That very issue was discussed in front of city leaders during Tuesday's City Commission meeting.
A proposed ordinance allowing chickens within the city will come with some guidelines.
Husband Named Person of Interest in Allegan County Homicide
Allegan County Sheriff's deputies are investigating a homicide after a woman's body was found in a home Tuesday morning.
Authorities were called to the home near Fennville, following an 8:00 a.m. 911 call about a dead person there.
Kitten Really Doesn’t Want Policeman to Give a Ticket [Video]
Here is the best video you will see all day - an adorable kitten was recorded climbing all over a police officer in Texas who was just trying to do his job (by issuing someone a tickets.
I've heard that cats like to make things all about themselves, but this is going above and beyond.
Tom Cook’s Workday Dog Break: Dog Realizes It’s Made a Huge Mistake Just Before Landing on Kid [Video]
You know that moment right when you realize that something you're doing is a really really bad idea? This dog is having one of those moments. And you can see it in his face.