Mark Hespen

Current co-host of the “Mornings with Mark and Sam” show on 97.9 KICK-FM. Mark is a graduate of the Conservatory at The Second City in Chicago and holds a degree in Acting from Northern Illinois University. Mark is also the host of “On the Mark”, an hour of honest sports talk every Saturday morning on News Talk 1070 KHMO-Am. His love for sports followed him from Chicago never missing an opportunity to watch the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, or Hawks. In 2022, Mark received the Missouri Broadcasting Award for Best Sports Personality Small Market. Mark enjoys time with his wife and family, history, and random facts. You can connect with Mark on Twitter @MarkHespen

2 Small Towns in Central Illinois are where you should Retire

If you HAVE to retire in the Land of Lincoln instead of Florida, Arizona, South Carolina, or Texas, ( and that's a big IF...) experts say you should check out these two small towns in West Central Illinois as retirement options. Here are the details...

Yelp claims Illinois has one of the Top 10 Tattoo Shops in the US

IF (and that is a big if) you are going to get a tattoo, why not have one of the best of the best in the US do the tattoo for you? Here is the place Yelp claims is not only the best tattoo shop in Illinois, but one of the ten best in the entire US...

There are 40 Athletes from Illinois on the USA Olympic Team

The 2024 Paris Olympics begins later this month, and the Land of Lincoln will be WELL represented on Team USA, here are the details on which athletes from Illinois to keep an eye out for during the Olympics.

Experts claim Illinois is home to 2 “New Ivy League” Universities

The old Ivy League consists of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and others but what schools are in the "new" Ivy League? Two of them are located here in the Land of Lincoln!

Shaboozey will Headline at the Illinois State Fair

"One, here comes the 2 to the 3 to the 4" Shaboozey is bringing A Bar Song (Tipsy) to the Illinois State Fair! Here are the details on the show and how to get tickets...

Illinois is home to 2 of the Dirtiest Cities in America

A list of the dirtiest cities in the US has been released and 2 of the dirtiest cities in the US this year are here in the Land of Lincoln, which two cities made the list? Here are the details...

Frito-Lay is building a Massive new facility in Central Illinois

Jobs, jobs, jobs, and more jobs, will be coming to a town in central Illinois thanks to a massive new investment from one of America's largest snack brands Frito-Lay, here are the details you need to know...

A County will Vote on Leaving Illinois for a “New Illinois”

This election year certain voters will be able to cast a ballot on whether or not they want their county to LEAVE Illinois and create a "New Illinois" Here are the details you need to know...

Is this REALLY the Best Pie in all of Illinois?

Illinois grows more pumpkins than any other state and yet the "best" pie in the state according to Yelp, is a hand-held spicy pie...Here are the details on the "Best" pie in the Land of Lincoln...

Illinois is home to one of the 10 Scariest Places in the US

If you believe in spirits, ghosts, and everything haunted, then you need to make a trip to this specific building in Illinois that is almost 100 years old, here are the spooky details...

Would you pay $187 for a Hot Dog in Illinois?

Would you pay $187 for a hot dog? A place in Illinois is offering you the chance to buy one of these unique luxury dogs, here are the details on this pricey dog...

Leaders in Illinois want to make your Driver’s License Digital

Would you ditch the hard plastic Driver's License you keep in your wallet for one that is digital and kept on your phone? Lawmakers in Illinois think this is the way to go, here are the details of their new proposal...