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
RECALL: Toys R Us Toasters
Mom and Dad, heads up! There's another recall to tell you about. This one applies if you've bought items from Toys R Us.
The "Just Like Home Toy Toaster Set" is being recalled by Toys R Us out of concerns that the plastic toast slices will crack, break and create a choke hazard...
Grand Rapids’ People’s Law School
Last night was the first installment of the "People's Law School" in Grand Rapids. It's something that has been done in Lansing for several years that attorneys and firms are now bringing to GR.
I signed up for it because I've always been fascinated by the legal system and the law...
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.
ArtPrize 2014: More Images in ‘ArtPrize 2014′ [Video]
ArtPrize 2014 has been a cornucopia of images in its first two weeks.
Pure Michigan is highlighting those images in a video it just published about ArtPrize.
Voting Deadline for November’s General Elections Is Today
There are a ton of things to be voted on this November and today is the last day you can register to vote.
RECALL ALERT — GM Recalls 117,000 More Vehicles
General Motors is recalling 117,000 vehicles for a problem that could in the vehicle stalling or not starting. GM said that it is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities connected to this issue.
The issue only actually affects a small number of the 117,000 cars and trucks being recalled, according to GM.
Officials Warn Michigan Drivers: ‘Don’t Veer for Deer’
With the start of bow hunting season Wednesday, deer are on the move here in West Michigan. October and November are the riskiest months for deer-related vehicle accidents in Michigan.
Because of this, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and other organizations are coming up with new ways to bring the number of deer-related accidents down.
The Traffic Safety Coalition is trying to increas
Grand Rapids’ Founders Brewing Co. Announces Another Expansion
Founders Brewing Co. announced Tuesday that they plan to expand their brewery production facility at their current site, 235 Grandville Ave SW. Pending approvals, Founders expects to break ground on this expansion in late October.
West Michigan Teen Killed In Early Morning Hit-And-Run Identified
Police are investigating a hit-and-run crash that killed a West Michigan teen Tuesday morning.
Investigators have identified the victim as 15-year-old Jonathan Bracamontes of Holland. He was hit by a car while walking around 6:15 a.m. near the intersection of U.S. 31 and Riley Street.
Bill Gates Tops Forbes 400 For 21st Year, While Meijer Brothers Doug and Hank, Richard DeVos Make Top 100
Forbes magazine today released its listing of the 400 richest Americans, with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates remaining in the top spot for the 21st straight year.
In addition, Meijer co-chairmen, brothers Hank Meijer and Doug Meijer, and Amway co-founder Richard DeVos all made the top 100.
Body Found In Macatawa River in Holland
Police are investigating after the discovery of a body Friday morning in the Macatawa River in Holland.
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