Shows / Along The Rock
Along The Rock
Along the Rock, a video podcast produced by The Radar Free Press. We speak with local people regarding nonprofits, upcoming events, awards and news for the areas of Dixon, Rock Falls and Sterling in northwest Illinois.
Episodes
- Along The Rock
Dixon Theatre Is Bringing the Magic! John Westford, Tickets, Giveaways & More
🎩 Magic is coming to the Dixon Theatre! On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Spencer Aurand, Executive Director of the Dixon…
- Along The Rock
The Guernsey Girls: The Tragic 1957 Story That Gripped Dixon and Brought a Community Together
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with local historian Tom Wadsworth to explore one of the most heartbreaking stories in Sauk…
- Along The Rock
Taste of Fiesta Returns! Celebrating Hispanic Culture, Food & Community in Sterling & Rock Falls
Join host Kierstyn Long as she sits down with Adriana Cervantes, Nora Rodriguez, and Isabella Garcia to preview the 14th Annual Taste of Fiesta in Rock Falls…
- Along The Rock
Saving Taft: The Fight to Preserve Laredo Taft Field Campus for Future Generations
Join host Kierstyn Long on this episode of Along the Rock as she sits down with Julie Bassett, founder of Together for Taft, to discuss the future of the…
- Along The Rock
Dixon YMCA Is Thriving Again: Childcare Expansion, Community Support & What’s Next
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Heather Grobe, Executive Director of the Dixon Family YMCA, and Danny Langloss, Dixon City…
- Along The Rock
The One-Hour Savings Rule: A Simple Way to Start Saving More Money
☕ Grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation! Can saving money really be as simple as setting aside one hour of your pay? In this episode of Cash and…
- Along The Rock
Breaking the Stigma: Honoring Loved Ones & Saving Lives | International Overdose Awareness Day
Substance use disorder affects families, friends, and entire communities. In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Lauren Metzler…
- Along The Rock
Sterling, Rock Falls & Dixon Leaders Talk Historic Buildings, Flock Cameras & Data Centers
Historic preservation, Flock cameras, data centers, and the future of local government are all on the table in this episode of Along the Rock. Host Nathan…
- Along The Rock
From Farm Tours to a Farm-to-Table Feast: Sauk Valley Grown Returns in 2026
🌾 Along the Rock | Sauk Valley Grown Returns in 2026 Join host Kierstyn Long as she sits down with Molly Johnson of Illinois Extension to discuss the return of…
- Along The Rock
Get Free College Tuition by Giving Back: Inside SVC’s IMPACT Program
Can volunteering help pay for college? At Sauk Valley Community College, it can. On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Sarah…
- Along The Rock
Inside Sterling’s Citizens Police Academy: Learn What It Takes to Be a Police Officer
Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes at your local police department? On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Mary…
- Along The Rock
Lifestyle Creep: Why Making More Money Doesn't Always Mean Having More Money | Cash & Coffee
In this episode: 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment, and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and…
- Along The Rock
Grand Detour Arts Festival Celebrates 77 Years of Art, Music & Community!
The Grand Detour Art Festival is celebrating 77 years of bringing artists, families, music, food, history, and community together at the John Deere Historic…
- Along The Rock
Art, Music & More! Rock Falls’ Art in the Park Returns August 29
Join host Kierstyn Long for another episode of Along the Rock, presented by the Radar Free Press, as she sits down with Rock Falls Tourism Director Melinda…
- Along The Rock
Sterling for Jesus: Bringing Faith, Worship & Community Together in Sterling
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Tony Flores to discuss the story behind his Facebook ministry, Faith, Fire, and Passion…
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From Australia to Chicago: Michael Charles’ 40-Year Journey Through the Blues
Watch this inspiring episode of Along the Rock as host Kierstyn Long sits down with internationally acclaimed Australian blues guitarist Michael Charles…
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Why Early Childhood Education Is in Crisis — And What the Sauk Valley Can Do About It
Birth to Five Illinois is shaping the future of early childhood education—one community conversation at a time. On this episode of Along the Rock, host…
- Along The Rock
From 1 Meal to 1,700 a Month: How Loaves & Fishes Feeds the Sauk Valley Community
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Susan and Paul Gould to discuss the mission behind Loaves and Fishes, how the program grew…
- Along The Rock
Are Forgotten Subscriptions Costing You Hundreds? 💸 | Cash & Coffee
How many subscriptions are quietly draining your bank account every month? In this episode of Cash and Coffee, hosts Quinn Stahr and Emlyn Zimmerman discuss…
- Along The Rock
Tomato Troubles! Common Tomato Problems, Pests & Diseases Explained | Along the Rock
What makes a tomato safe to eat—and when should you throw it away? On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long is joined by Bruce J. Black of…
- Along The Rock
Supporting Families at Home: Pediatric Nursing & Caregiver Resources in the Sauk Valley
Home nursing can make a life-changing difference for families caring for medically complex loved ones, but many people don't realize these services are…
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The 9 PM Routine: 3 Simple Steps to Help Prevent Crime
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Sterling Police Department Officer Shane Bland to discuss the 9:00 P.M. Routine, a simple…
- Along The Rock
155 Years of Fun! What’s Happening at the 2026 Whiteside County Fair
The 155th Whiteside County Fair is bringing five days of agriculture, entertainment, food, and family fun to Morrison, Illinois! On this episode of Along the…
- Along The Rock
Renting vs. Buying a Home: The Hidden Costs Every First-Time Buyer Should Know | Cash & Coffee
Thinking about buying a home because the mortgage payment is the same as your rent? There may be a lot more to consider. On this episode of Cash & Coffee…
- Along The Rock
Rock Falls River Chase & Aqua Palooza Return! Boat Racing, Cardboard Regatta & Family Fun
Join host Kierstyn Long on this episode of Along the Rock as she sits down with Terry Hicks and Melinda Jones to preview one of the Sauk Valley's biggest…
- Along The Rock
Stop Guessing, Start Digging! | AgroVantage Field Day Helps Farmers Boost Yields & Cut Costs
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Curt Jacobs to discuss the upcoming AgroVantage Field Day, a free, hands-on event designed…
- Along The Rock
Helping Kids Beat Back-to-School Anxiety | Free Counseling Event with Strategic Steps Counseling
Strategic Steps Counseling is helping kids start the school year with confidence. On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Matthew…
- Along The Rock
Sterling Public Library Receives $75,000+ in Grants | New Book Van, Upgrades & Community Outreach
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Jennifer Slaney, director of the Sterling Public Library, to discuss more than $75,000 in…
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Job Offer Tips: Why the Highest Salary Isn't Always the Best Choice | Cash & Coffee
Is a higher salary always the better job offer? Not necessarily. On this episode of Cash and Coffee, hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman discuss why your…
- Along The Rock
Sterling Hot Dog Day: $1 Lunch, 7,000 Hot Dogs & Family Fun! 🌭
Get ready for one of Sterling's favorite summer traditions! On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long welcomes Janna Groharing, executive director…
- Along The Rock
Tools for School: Helping Dixon Students Start the School Year Strong | Along the Rock
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Mandy Dallas, Carie Ramirez, and Hele Rowley to discuss the annual Tools for School…
- Along The Rock
From Tragedy to Hope: How the Make a Farmer Foundation Is Changing Lives | 2026 Festival Preview
Learn how one local family turned tragedy into a mission that's changing lives across the region. On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits…
- Along The Rock
Credit Card vs. Debit Card: What's the Difference? | Smart Money Tips for Beginners
Should you use a credit card or a debit card? While they may look the same in your wallet, they work very differently—and choosing the right one can have a big…
- Along The Rock
National Night Out: Rock Falls & Dixon Police Invite the Community to Connect! 🚔👮 | Along the Rock
National Night Out is back, and both the Rock Falls and Dixon Police Departments are inviting the community to come out for an evening of family fun…
- Along The Rock
George Fest 2026: FREE Family Fun, Live Music & Community Celebration! 🎉 | Along the Rock
George Fest is back, and it's bigger than ever! On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Matt Prescott to talk about the second…
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Best Ice Cream in the Sauk Valley? 🍦 Sundae Funday Shares Their Flavors & Story | Along the Rock
🍦 Voted the Sauk Valley's Best Ice Cream! 🍦 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Jorge Brito, owner of Sundae Funday in…
- Along The Rock
Meet the World's Youngest Museum Curator! Inside Anderson Taylor's Collection 🦖🏛️ | Along the Rock
Discover the incredible story of Anderson Taylor, the Guinness World Records' youngest male museum curator, on this episode of Along the Rock! Host Kierstyn…
- Along The Rock
Needs vs. Wants: The Money Habit That Can Change Your Financial Future
Needs vs. Wants: Are You Spending Wisely? | Cash and Coffee How do you tell the difference between a need and a want? It sounds simple, but today's spending…
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From Military Service to Full-Time Artist: Riley Wescott's Inspiring Journey
Discover the inspiring journey of artist Riley Wescott on this episode of Along the Rock! Host Kierstyn Long sits down with the former Rock Falls resident to…
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Sterling Street Fest Debuts! Music, Food, Family Fun & More in Downtown Sterling
🎉 Sterling Street Fest Debuts in Downtown Sterling | Along the Rock Podcast Downtown Sterling is getting ready for an exciting new tradition! On this episode…
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Meet the Artist Behind Rock Falls' New Veterans Park Mural | Ozil Taylor
🎨 A lifelong dream becomes a lasting tribute. On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with local artist Ozell Taylor, the creator of…
- Along The Rock
Golf, Giving & Vegas? Inside Heroes of Hope's Charity Golf Outing!
Due to the full name of the YSJ golf tournament discussed in this episode, this video contains mild profanity. Viewer discretion is advised. Two local golf…
- Along The Rock
Fall Gardening Tips: How to Grow Sweeter Vegetables & Protect Your Harvest
Can you really plant a second garden in July? 🌱 Bruce Black from the University of Illinois Extension joins Kierstyn Long on this episode of Along the Rock to…
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Optimism in Action: How the Sterling Optimist Club Supports Local Youth
Join host Kierstyn Long on this episode of Along the Rock as she talks with Sam Meier of the Optimist Club of Sterling about the organization's mission to…
- Along The Rock
Growing the Next Generation: Youth Agriculture Takes Center Stage at Twin City Farmers Market
Discover how the next generation of farmers and entrepreneurs is growing right here in the Sauk Valley! On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long…
- Along The Rock
Beyond Farm Animals: Inside the Lee County 4-H Fair Experience
Get an inside look at everything that goes into the Lee County 4-H Fair! 🌽🐄🎨 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Katie Baker…
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Credit Scores Explained: How to Build Good Credit & Save Money
How important is your credit score? It could impact everything from buying a home or car to renting an apartment—and even qualifying for certain jobs. In this…
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Protect Your Property: How Whiteside County’s Free Fraud Alert System Works
Learn how the Whiteside County Property Fraud Alert program can help protect you. On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with…
- Along The Rock
The Valley’s Best Burger: Inside the Shamrock Pub Community & Secret Recipes | Along the Rock
Hungry for one of the best burgers in the Sauk Valley? 🍔 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Stew and Elaine Bruns, owners of…
- Along The Rock
How Girl Scouts Troop 935 Created “Adopt a Box” to Support Local Families | Along the Rock
How can a box of Girl Scout cookies help families in need? 🍪💙 In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Melissa Morel of Girl Scout…
- Along The Rock
Growing the Future of Agriculture with Whiteside County Farm Bureau | Along the Rock
What does the Whiteside County Farm Bureau actually do? It's much more than farming. On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Matt…
- Along The Rock
Inside The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee | Along the Rock
Get ready to laugh, cheer, and maybe even spell your way onto the stage! On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long is joined by Ellen Bentley…
- Along The Rock
Meet the Yak Yak Sisters! Free Weekly Kayaking Adventures on the Hennepin Canal | Along the Rock
Discover why the Yak Yak Sisters have become one of the Sauk Valley's most welcoming outdoor groups! On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long is…
- Along The Rock
Sterling's FREE Chalk the Walk 2026! Family Fun, Food Trucks & Summer Events | Along the Rock
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Sterling City Clerk Teri Sathoff to talk about the return of Chalk the Walk, a free family…
- Along The Rock
Cash & Coffee | Why an Emergency Fund Could Be the Most Important Money You Ever Save
How much money should you have saved for an emergency? On this episode of Cash and Coffee, hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman discuss why an emergency fund…
- Along The Rock
Reagan Run 2026: New Course, 1,000+ Runners & How Your Race Gives Back | Along the Rock
Join host Kierstyn Long as she sits down with Nancy Varga, director of the Reagan Run, to discuss one of Dixon's favorite Fourth of July traditions. Now…
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How Shining Star Advocacy Center Helps Child Abuse Survivors Heal | Along the Rock
How does a community help children heal after abuse?In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Jessica Cash, Executive Director and…
- Along The Rock
Guys & Dolls, SIX: Teen Edition & the Future of Local Theater | Along the Rock
Get ready for two incredible summer theater productions coming to the Dixon Historic Theatre! On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down…
- Along The Rock
Eats & Beats 🎶 Food Trucks, Live Music & America 250 Fireworks | Along the Rock
Spend your summer along the Rock River with Visit Rock Falls Tourism! 🌞🎶 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Melinda Jones…
- Along The Rock
Inside Wellspring Medical Spa: Innovative Treatments for Mental Health, Weight Loss & Wellness
Discover how Wellspring Medical Spa in Dixon is redefining wellness in the Sauk Valley. On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with…