Tom Cook

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!

Serving Thanksgiving For 10 People Should Cost Just Over $50?

Every year, the American Farm Bureau Federation releases a study on how much it should cost the average family to serve Thanksgiving dinner for the year. And every year, I'm like, "Which grocery stores are these people shopping at?" So how much should it cost to serve 10 people a full Thanksgiving dinner in 2015 according to the experts? Only $50.11, or just over than $5 per person. That

Police Searching for Suspect Following Wyoming Credit Union Robbery

Wyoming police are searching for a man who they say robbed the ATL Credit Union, 841 36th St. SW in Wyoming, at gunpoint late Friday morning. The robbery was reported around 11:45 a.m. EST. In a news release, police said the man entered the credit union with a handgun and then fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

Michigan Named Most Romantic State in the U.S.

This isn't shocking to any of us that live here: Michigan is the most romantic state in the United States. That's the reality, at least according to Redbox. Its research shows that Michiganders watched more romantic movies in 2014 than any other state.

It’s National Chocolate Day! Yum! [Video]

Americans typically purchase more than 58 million pounds of chocolate just for Valentine's Day. It's National Chocolate Day today! Let's celebrate with some chocolatey ideas, suggestions and factoids.

Consumers Energy Sending Workers to Help Out with Snowstorm in Northeastern U.S.

Consumers Energy is sending more than 50 employees to the northeastern U.S. to assist in snowstorm relief. "We are ready and willing to assist East Coast communities as they prepare for a storm that could cause significant damage," said Michele Kirkland, Consumers Energy vice president of energy operations. "We have been fortunate in the past to be helped by out-of-state crews, and

Paul Medawar Jewelry on Plainfield Ave. Robbed

UPDATE (12:35 p.m.): WZZM-13's investigative reporter John Hogan is reporting that as of 12:35 p.m. the Kent County Sheriff's Department has three suspects in custody following a traffic stop on eastbound I-96 near M-6. (12:30 p.m.) Kent County Sheriff’s deputies are on the scene of a robbery at Paul Medawar Fine Jewelry. The robbery happened just after noon at the jewelry store, which is located

Husband Wanted in Allegan County Slaying Seen in Maine

The husband of Sara Lee Knight, the woman whose body was found Jan. 13, is wanted for her alleged slaying and has been spotted in Maine, according to WZZM-13. Allegan County sheriff's deputies are investigating the case as an apparent homicide.

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.

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.

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.

President Barack Obama Visiting Michigan Wednesday

The White House announced that President Barack Obama will be visiting Michigan this week. Obama will be visiting the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne when he visits Wednesday.

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.