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
Calvin College Makes Most Sober List
While a few different Michigan schools made a list of Top 100 Party Schools this week, one school in West Michigan has landed on the opposite side of that coin.
Calvin College has been named the No. 4 Most Sober college in the United States by The Princeton Review.
Russian Criminals Steal 1.2 Billion Online Passwords
Russian criminals have stolen 1.2 billion Internet usernames and passwords, according to a respected security firm. Officials say this could be the largest collection of stolen digital credentials in history.
9-Year-Old Boy Stabbed By 12-Year-Old In Kentwood Dies
Police are investigating after a 12-year-old boy is accused of stabbing another child Monday evening. The victim, 9-year-old Michael Conner Verkerke, died Tuesday morning.
Police Searching For Missing Muskegon Man
Muskegon Police are asking for the public's help in finding a missing man.
Mark Davey, 49, was last seen around 3:00am on Saturday, July 26 in the 900 block of Williams Street in Muskegon. He was reported missing by his caregiver later Saturday afternoon.
Fulton Street Bridge Closed For Construction in Downtown Grand Rapids Until Late August
It seems you can't get anywhere in Grand Rapids these days without running into some kind of construction. On Monday afternoon, things got even more complicated at MDOT shut down the Fulton Street bridge for construction. It will remained closed until Aug. 25.
Elderly Jenison Woman Missing
The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office is asking for help in finding a missing Jenison woman.
RECALL: BMW Recalls 1.6 Million Cars Due To Airbag Issue
BMW is expanding a recall of its most popular car models to fix an air bag problem.
BMW is recalling 1.6 million 3-Series cars from model years 2000 to 2006 across the world, including 574,000 in the United States.
Aretha Franklin to Perform In Muskegon For First Time In Almost 20 Years
The "Queen of Soul", Aretha Franklin, will perform in Muskegon for the first time almost 20 years this summer.
RECALL – GM Recalls 7.6 Million More Vehicles
Monday afternoon, General Motors announced more recalls. These new recalls combined with previous recalls from this year affect 8.4 million vehicles worldwide, most of those have been recalled for faulty ignition switches.
P.F. Chang’s Investigating Potential Nationwide Data Breach
The popular chain restaurant P.F. Chang’s China Bistro (with one location here in Grand Rapids on the East Beltline) is investigating a possible data breach that may have impacted customers across the nation.
USA Today reports that the first report of this breach came from a cyber security blogger named Brian Krebs. Krebs is also the man who uncovered the data breach at Target stores.
Summer Water Safety: Do You Know Signs of a Person Who Is Drowning?
As "summer vacation season" heats up in Michigan, many people will head to the beach, soak up some sun and spend time in the water. But, what if someone - maybe a family member - was drowning? Would you realize it? Do you think it would be like what you see on TV or in the movies...
Grand Rapids Market On First Fridays
This Friday, Grand Rapids' "Avenue For the Arts" becomes home to art, music, culture - and The Market On First Fridays!
Running from 5pm to 9pm this Friday, the sidewalks of South Division between Fulton and Cherry Street will be packed with local artists, entertainment and businesses, showcasing some of Grand Rapids’ most talented "doers...