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
Cash and Coffee | Low Cost Valentine's Day Ideas
In this episode, we dive into creative and affordable Valentine’s Day ideas that help you celebrate without overspending. Hosts Emma Watts and Kayla…
- Along The Rock
Paws and Claws Bowl Special Episode
The rules were loose, the cuddles were frequent, and the football was mostly ignored in this special edition of Along the Rock. The Paws and Claws Bowl brought…
- Along The Rock
Say Yes to SIU! | Learn More About Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Season 3 Episode 20 In this episode of Along the Rock, Nathan Stahr sits down with Agnes Szemborski and Sergio Vlahovich from Southern Illinois University…
- Along The Rock
A Valentine’s Surprise Like No Other | Rock River Valley Barbershop Chorus
🎙️S3 E18: A Valentine’s Surprise Like No Other Host Nathan Stahr sits down with John Davis and Jason Brown of the Rock River Valley Barbershop Chorus/North 40…
- Along The Rock
Bringing Life Back to the Stage at Sauk Valley Community College!
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Falan Schwarz, Rowan Geske, and Sam Mauch to discuss the exciting revival of the theater…
- Along The Rock
Distinctive Dixon: The Surprising History of One Illinois River Town
Explore Dixon’s rich and fascinating past on this episode of Along the Rock, brought to you by the Radar Free Press. Host Nathan Stahr sits down with local…
- Along The Rock
Cash and Coffee | Tips for Buying a Car
🚗 Cash and Coffee | Tips for Buying a Car Facing your first car purchase? Or did your vehicle suddenly go out of commission? Hosts Emma Watts and Kayla…
- Along The Rock
Holes in One, Snow Angels, and Frozen Feet | Frozen Chains Disc Golf Tournament
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts is joined by Maverick Scott to discuss the Frozen Chains Disc Golf Tournament, a winter fundraiser…
- Along The Rock
Step Into the 1920's with Sauk Valley Diversity Alliance
Step back in time on this episode of Along the Rock as host Emma Watts welcomes Rashaad Lane from the Sauk Valley Diversity Alliance back to the show. 🎷✨…
- Along The Rock
America the Beautiful Art Exhibit at the Coliseum Museum in Oregon, IL!
Discover how art, history, and community come together in this episode of Along the Rock, brought to you by the Radar Free Press. Host Nathan Stahr sits down…
- Along The Rock
Flock to the Rock 2026! Live Eagles, Presentations... and MORE!
🎙️ In this episode of Along the Rock, Emma Watts chats with Melinda Jones from Visit Rock Falls about Flock to the Rock 2026 — a winter celebration of bald…
- Along The Rock
Travel Back in Time and Across the Globe with WACC CEO Student's Class Businesses!
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Micki Worrel and Emmy Burger from the Whiteside Area Career Center CEO classes to talk about…
- Along The Rock
Cash and Coffee | Sunk Cost Fallacy
Ever found yourself sticking with something just because you already invested in it? From money and investments to relationships and everyday choices like…
- Along The Rock
Shakespeare, Memories and Mischief is in store for Dixon Stage Left's 2026 Season!
Get ready for an exciting preview of what’s coming to Dixon Stage Left in 2026 🎭 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Ben Lightner…
- Along The Rock
Teaching Leadership Skills One Paw at a Time | 4H Pawsitive Leaders
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts is joined by Katie Baker from Lee County 4-H to talk about youth development, leadership, and the Pawsitive…
- Along The Rock
Cover Bands, Children's Shows and More at The Dixon: Historic Theatre in 2026!
Get an inside look at what’s coming to the Dixon Historic Theatre in 2026 on this episode of Along the Rock. Host Emma Watts sits down with Spencer Aurand to…
- Along The Rock
Rock Falls VFW Post 5418: Adapting to Change & Supporting Veterans
Season 3 Episode 8In this episode, Nathan Stahr talks with Jim Wise, Commander of VFW Post 5418 in Rock Falls, about challenges facing the post, why they’re…
- Along The Rock
Cash and Coffee | Moving Tips and Tricks
In this episode of Cash and Coffee, hosts Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes break down smart strategies for moving without breaking your budget. Learn why…
- Along The Rock
From local Piano Lessons.. to a Grammy Nominated Album.. Meet Mitch Furr!
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Rock Falls native and Grammy-nominated recording engineer Mitch Furr for an in-depth…
- Along The Rock
13 Years of Service, and a Lifetime of Memories | A Conversation with Deb Mortonson
Welcome back to another episode of Along the Rock, brought to you by the Radar Free Press. Host Emma Watts sits down with Deb Mortonson of the Sterling Rock…
- Along The Rock
CPR, Choking Prevention and More with Sauk Valley CPR
Season 3, Episode 5 Host Emma Watts sits down with Stephanie McLean from Sauk Valley CPR to discuss infant CPR, choking relief techniques, and a free community…
- Along The Rock
A Night Filled with Comedy, Music and Fun | Windy City Dueling Pianos
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Spencer Aurand of the Dixon Historic Theatre to preview the first event of the theater’s 2026…
- Along The Rock
Cash & Coffee | What is a Mortgage?
In this episode, hosts Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes break down mortgage basics for anyone who feels “clueless” about home loans. From loan types and…
- Along The Rock
Community, Collaboration and the Future of the Sauk Valley | City Segment Round Table
Welcome back to another episode of Along the Rock, brought to you by The Radar Free Press. Host Emma Watts is joined by Danny Langloss, Scott Shumard, and…
- Along The Rock
It Takes a Village: Local Resources for Raising Children in the Sauk Valley
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Abby Hoskins from Birth to Five Illinois and Anji Garza of the Sauk Valley STARS Coalition to…
Along The RockThe Teen Teachers Program is Building the Leaders of Tomorrow!
In this episode, host Nathan Stahr talks with Martha Ebbesmeyer from the University of Illinois Extension and Sterling High School seniors Giselle Guerrero…
- Along The Rock
Cash & Coffee | Talking to Kids About Money
Ever wondered when you should start teaching kids about money — and how? In this episode of Cash & Coffee, hosts Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes break down…
- Along The Rock
Dress to Impress at Selmi's Formal Wear!
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Katy Selmi is joined by her daughter, Mary Kay Downs, to share the story behind Selmi’s Formalwear and how a family…
- Along The Rock
New Year, New You! Tackle your Mental Health with OSF Healthcare's new Program, Silver Cloud
Season 2, Episode 207🧠 New Year, New You! Tackling Mental Health with SilverCloud In this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts talks with Licensed…
- Along The Rock
Cash & Coffee | Powers and Goal Setting
🎧 New on Cash & Coffee: Goal Setting That Works Long-term goals can seem impossible — especially when they’re years away. In this episode, Emma Watts and Kayla…
- Along The Rock
What Does it Mean to Be a Creative? - A Conversation with Clinton Native, Aaron Fullan
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Aaron Fullan — an actor, composer, and content creator who truly does it all. From…
- Along The Rock
What’s Next for Dixon? Major Projects, Growth & Vision for 2026
In this conversation, Danny shares updates and insight on major projects shaping Dixon’s future, including the new pedestrian bridge and Project ROC…
- Along The Rock
Savings Lives... One Donation at a Time - The American Red Cross
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Janet Jarvis of the American Red Cross and her son Ben Jarvis to talk about the life-saving…
- Along The Rock
Cash & Coffee | Paying off Debt, The Snowball Method
In this episode of Cash & Coffee, hosts Emma Watts and Kayla Tumbor-Sites break down the snowball method for paying off debt — from student loans to car…
- Along The Rock
Setting your Goals, and Reaching them with 7:24 Fitness on the Rock!
In this episode of Along the Rock, host and guest Nick Pepper takes us inside 7:24 Fitness on the Rock, a Rock Falls gym built on the belief that lasting…
- Along The Rock
From Readiness to Reality: Building Careers Through Kreider Services
Host Nathan Stahr is joined by Amanda Carroll and Brandy Muntean of Kreider Services for an in-depth conversation about the organization’s more than 70 years…
- Along The Rock
How Prairie Brome Solar Is Investing in Our Community
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr is joined by AnneMarie Williams and Adam Czamanske of Prairie Brome Solar to discuss the company’s…
- Along The Rock
Cash & Coffee | Saving for Retirement
Is it too early to think about retirement? Not if you want financial freedom later. ☕ On Cash & Coffee, we break down retirement savings for beginners —…
- Along The Rock
The Role of PFLAG Sauk Valley: Support, Education and Advocacy
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Gabbi McKanna from PFLAG Sauk Valley to explore how the local chapter is strengthening…
- Along The Rock
Big Changes Ahead: Sterling’s 2025 Wrap-Up & 2026 Roadmap
Season 2, Episode 199 City Manager Scott Schumard joins host Emma Watts to break down Sterling’s year—what got done, what stalled out, and what’s coming next…
- Along The Rock
Meet the Green Meanie: Chaos, Cheer & Christmas Shenanigans
Get ready for a holiday episode packed with mischief, laughter, and heart ✨🎄 On this special festive edition of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts welcomes a…
- Along The Rock
Comfort on Day One: Inside My GEAR Outreach’s Foster Care Packages
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Liz Estilou from My Gear Outreach to discuss how one organization is bringing dignity…
- Along The Rock
Join the Tradition: Salvation Army Looking for Red Kettle Volunteer
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts is joined by Lt. Jessica Tosh of the Salvation Army to talk about two beloved holiday traditions that make a…
- Along The Rock
Cash & Coffee | Christmas Shopping Hacks and Budgeting for the New Year
🎄 Holiday spending doesn’t have to equal holiday stress. Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes share their best Christmas shopping hacks, budget-friendly gift…
- Along The Rock
Where Holiday Wishes Take Root: Books on First & LSSI’s Books for Babes Giving Tree
Join host Emma Watts in this heartwarming episode of Along the Rock as she sits down with Elsie Gordon from Books on First to talk about their annual Books for…
- Along The Rock
Earth Tones: A Creative Songwriting & Poetry Workshop
Season 2, Episode 194 Emma Watts meets with Randall Westfall from Camp Emmaus to explore “Earth Tones,” a songwriting and poetry workshop designed to help…
- Along The Rock
Opening Doors for the Community: Northland Mall’s Free Family Holiday Celebration
🎄 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Jama Ebenezer, Northland Mall’s on-site property manager, to talk about their exciting new…
- Along The Rock
Your Stay Makes a Difference: The Real Impact of Tourism in Rock Falls
Season 2, Episode 192 How much can tourism really impact a town like Rock Falls? Host Nathan Stahr sits down with Melinda Jones from Rock Falls Tourism to…
- Along The Rock
Inside LSSI’s Holiday Hope Chests: Supporting Local Kids and Adults This Christmas
In this heartwarming episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Kathy Hall and Stephanie Trotter from LSSI to spotlight the incredible impact…
- Along The Rock
Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts Enters the Ring at ZOWA Live!
Season 2, Episode 190 A WWE icon is coming to Nelson, Illinois — but how did it happen? In this episode of Along the Rock, Kaitlyn Blum talks with Ryan…
- Along The Rock
Small Gifts, Big Impact: How Blessing Bundles Are Lifting Senior Spirits
Join host Emma Watts on this heartwarming episode of Along the Rock as she sits down with Julie Gallentine to explore the inspiring Blessing Bundles…
- Along The Rock
Cash & Coffee | How to Avoid Scammers
Think you’re too smart to get scammed? Think again. Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes break down the most common scams — from sneaky memberships and phishing…
- Along The Rock
Behind the Curtain at Timberlake Playhouse: Holiday Shows & 2026 Season Changes
Season 2, Episode 188 In this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts talks with Timberlake Playhouse Executive Director H. Russ Brown about the theatre’s…
- Along The Rock
🎄 Sights & Sounds: Sterling’s Night of Lights & Delight
Kick off the holiday season with us on this festive episode of Along the Rock! Host Emma Watts sits down with Jana Groharing and Dallas Knack to share…
- Along The Rock
Dixon’s Merry Makers Market | Holiday Crafts, Treats & Cheer!
Season 2, Episode 186 Dixon is launching a festive new tradition — but what inspired the first-ever Merry Makers Market? Host Nathan Stahr sits down with the…
- Along The Rock
Ben Jarvis Proves Why You Should Never Give Up
Join host Emma Watts for an inspiring episode of Along the Rock as she sits down with Ben and Janet Jarvis to share an extraordinary story of strength, faith…
- Along The Rock
Cash & Coffee | 3 Types of Savings Accounts
Do you really need more than one savings account? In this episode of Cash & Coffee, Kayla Tenboer-Sipes and Nathan Stahr explain the three savings accounts…
- Along The Rock
Big Things Happening at Morrison Tech
Season 2, Episode 184 Join host Nathan Stahr as he visits the Morrison Technical Innovation Center for an inside look at how Morrison Tech is preparing…
- Along The Rock
A Chord-ial Invitation: Rock River Barbershop Chorus
Experience the harmony, history, and heart of the Rock River Valley Barbershop Chorus in this festive episode of Along the Rock. Host Quinn Stahr sits down…
- Along The Rock
Planting the Seeds of Education with Ag in the Classroom
Season 2, Episode 182 Host Nathan Stahr talks with Diane Baker from the Whiteside County Farm Bureau about how Ag in the Classroom is transforming the way…