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
Forbes Names Grand Rapids One Of America’s Smartest Cities
Forbes Magazine has bestowed yet another honor upon Grand Rapids. They've listed us on their list of the top 10 smartest cities in America.
This Panda Playing In The Snow Might Make You Hate Snow Less [Video]
Is there anything cuter than a panda playing in the snow? Probably not.
All 50 States Saw Freezing Temperatures Tuesday
We here in West Michigan were not on our own on Tuesday when it came to the freezing temps and snow. Every single state in the country had a reporting station somewhere in the state below freezing on Tuesday morning.
That even includes Hawaii, where the temperature at Mauna Kea on the Big Island dropped was only 31 degrees.
Here’s A List Of Stores That Are Closed On Thanksgiving Day
Amid the reports of stores that will be opening earlier than ever on Thanksgiving Day, our friends at WZZM-13 are reporting on stores that will be keeping their lights off and their doors locked on Turkey Day so that their employees can enjoy the holiday with their families.
Cannonsburg Ski Area Announces Earliest Opening Date Ever
All of you skiing and snowboarding fans will be happy to hear this! It's almost time to strap them on and hit the slopes!
In fact, Cannonsburg Ski Area is opening to the public this Saturday, at 10 a.m. This will be the earliest date that Cannonsburg has ever opened for a season.
How to Avoid Dreaded Second Shovel
The joy you feel after finally clearing your driveway can be dashed pretty quickly by a passing snowplow, but there are now tips to help avoid the dreaded "second shovel."
The County Road Association of Michigan released an infographic on Monday to help show where to put shoveled driveway snow so that a plow won't push it back into the end of the driveway. Hopefully making it so that you
University of Michigan Football Player Dismissed From Team After Domestic Violence Arrest
University of Michigan defensive end Frank Clark has been dismissed from the Michigan football team after being accused of domestic violence in Ohio over the weekend.
Coach Brady Hoke has called the situation "tragic".
Perfect Holiday Gift for Your Family: Your Undivided Attention
For many families and individuals across the U.S., the holidays will be spent with the ones they love.
However, a new study that looked at the impact of technology on Americans' lives suggests digital devices are impacting quality family time together.
John Balyo Sentenced For Sexually Assaulting Young Boy
The former host of a Grand Rapids Christian radio show was sentenced Monday in Calhoun County Circuit Court for sexually assaulting a young boy.
John Balyo was sentenced to 25 to 50 years behind bars for first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Expect Mother Nature to Play Some Tricks with Halloween Weather on Friday
Mother Nature may have tricks of her own to play, with high winds, rain and snow being forecast by the National Weather Service's Grand Rapids Office for Friday.
That's going to make for some possibly challenging conditions for trick-or-treating on Halloween.
Meijer Announces Dates for the 2015 Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft
After a successful inaugural tournament that generated $600,000 for Midwest food pantries, the Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft will return to Grand Rapids in 2015 for another week of community events and the best women golfers in the world.
The tournament is slated July 20-26, 2015, at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, and will again benefit the Walker-based retailer Meijer's Simply Give
RECALL ALERT: Meijer Recalls Halloween Projector Flashlights
Meijer has issued a recall for a novelty Halloween projector flashlight because it poses a burn hazard.
This recall involves a Signature Designs Halloween image projector. The projector is a flashlight with cap that holds special lenses to project messages and images onto a wall or other surfaces.