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
Oh What Fun! A Tour of This Year’s Brightest Holiday Lights 🎄✨
Celebrate the magic of the season with this festive episode of Along the Rock! Host Nathan Stahr sits down with Melinda Jones and TJ Henry from Rock Falls…
- Along The Rock
No-Pawdy’s Perfect | Sterling Public Schools' Therapy Dog Program Part 2
Season 2, Episode 180 In Part 2 of No Pawdy’s Perfect, Sterling Public Schools dives deeper into their therapy dog program—revealing touching stories…
- Along The Rock
Toys for Tots: What’s New, What’s Needed, and How to Give
Join host Nathan Stahr on this 2025 episode of Along the Rock, presented by the Radar Free Press, as he welcomes Monique Castillo, the new coordinator leading…
- Along The Rock
Cash & Coffee | Sinking Funds
Most “emergencies” aren’t emergencies — they’re expenses we knew were coming. In this episode of Cash & Coffee, Kayla Tenboer-Sipes and Nathan Stahr break down…
- Along The Rock
Caring Starts Here: Sterling Rock Falls Childcare Is Growing Their Team
Season 2, Episode 177 Join host Nathan Stahr for a deep dive into the world of early childhood education with guest Indy Douglas, Director of Sterling Rock…
- Along The Rock
Half a Century of Healing: Lanetta Whitlock’s 50 Years with OSF HealthCare
Season 2, Episode 17650 years. Thousands of patients. One incredible story. 💙 Host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Lanetta Whitlock from OSF Saint Katharine…
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Christmas Is (Almost) Here: What to Expect for This Year’s Hometown Holidays
Season 2, Episode 175 Host Emma Watts sits down with Sam Kersey, President and CEO of the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce, to talk about one of the area’s most…
- Along The Rock
Blast Off with Rocket to the Moon! An Art-Filled Puzzle Adventure for Kids
Season 2, Episode 174 🚀 Blast off into creativity! In this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts talks with Kayla Tenboer-Sipes, author of Rocket to the…
- Along The Rock
On the Write Track: Sterling Public Library Hits the Road!
Season 2, Episode 174 Sterling Public Library is preparing to roll out a mobile library—and in this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with…
- Along The Rock
The Magic of Giving: How Community Christmas for Children Brings Hope to Local Families
Season 2, Episode 173 ✨ For over 40 years, Community Christmas for Children has brought joy and care to families across the region. Host Nathan Stahr talks…
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Winter Weather Tips with Andrew Stutzke
Season 2, Episode 172 Prepare for winter like a pro! ❄️ Nathan Stahr chats with meteorologist Andrew Stutzke on how to protect your home, commute, and yourself…
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Cash & Coffee | The 4 Pillars of a Budget
Take control of your money with Cash & Coffee! ☕💵 Nathan Stahr and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes dive into the 4 pillars of budgeting — your essentials, debt, savings…
- Along The Rock
Building Rock Falls’ Future: From Brownfields to Broadband with Gary Camarano
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Gary Camarano, the Economic Development Director for Whiteside County, to explore how…
- Along The Rock
Meet the Stars of Tomorrow — Performing at The Dixon: Historic Theatre Today!
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Tori Highley, Josh Snow, Nora Highley, and Olivia Reiners from the Dixon Historic Theatre…
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Tech in the Classroom: Ben Sondegroth on Guiding Students in the Digital Age
S2 Ep 169 Host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Ben Sondgeroth from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois about guiding students in a digital-first world. From…
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Scott Shumard, Sterling City Manager | Tax Credits, TIF Extensions & More
Sterling is on the move! In this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Sterling City Manager Scott Shumard to talk about the city’s major…
- Along The Rock
From Campus to Community: SVCC Students Making a Difference with Service Without Borders
How do college students turn ideas into action? On this episode of Along the Rock, Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Aaron Roe, Club Advisor for Service Without…
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Investing in Tomorrow, Right Here at Home with Sterling-Rock Falls Community Trust
A hidden hometown resource with big impact. In this episode, we sit down with representatives from the Sterling-Rock Falls Community Trust to discuss how…
- Along The Rock
From Whos to Kangaroos — Penguin Project of the Sauk Valleys' Upcoming Performance of Seussical Jr.
In this heartwarming episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Dawn Arndt, Liam, and Bryce from The Penguin Project of Sauk Valley — a local…
- Along The Rock
From Neglect to Respect: Dana Fellows on Restoring Abandoned Graves
🪦 How do you restore history when it’s been buried for over a century? In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Dana Fellows, founder of…
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Honoring Veterans Through Community: Sauk Valley Freedom 5K
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Eric Valdez and Melissa Erdmier from Sauk Valley Community College to talk about the 6th…
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Cash & Coffee | How to Survive a Government Shutdown
Government shutdown? No paycheck? Don’t panic. Nathan Stahr and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes share simple, realistic steps to get through financial uncertainty —…
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Spreading Kindness One Rock at a Time | walk4rox on Along the Rock Podcast
Season 2, Episode 162 Join host Kaitlyn Blum on this episode of Along the Rock as she chats with Candace Buikema and Jerry Stock, the creative minds behind…
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Halloween Special with Route 66 Paranormal
On this special Halloween episode of Along the Rock, our regular programming takes a spooky turn as Route 66 Paranormal investigates our office! From…
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How Brownfield Grants Transform Abandoned Industrial Sites
What happens when pollution turns into progress? 🌿 Host Nathan Stahr chats with Robbin Blackert, City Administrator of Rock Falls, about how Brownfield Grants…
- Along The Rock
Sip, Shop and Support at the 2025 Girlfriend Gala
Grab your girlfriends and get ready to Sip, Shop, and Support! 💕 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts chats with Ashley Richter from United Way…
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How the Government Shutdown Is Impacting Local Food Banks | Pam Martinez of Sauk Valley Food Bank
The government shutdown is testing the limits of local food banks. Host Nathan Stahr sits down with Pam Martinez, Executive Director of the Sauk Valley Food…
- Along The Rock
Fall into Festivity at the Annual Festival of Trees & Country Store!
🎄 Fall into Festivity at the Annual Festival of Trees & Country Store! 🎄 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Heather Dauen from…
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Break a Leg! But... Not Actually | Rock Falls High School Presents Play On!
On this episode of Along the Rock, hosts Emma Watts and Quinn Stahr pull back the curtain on Rock Falls High School’s fall production — Play On! by Rick Abbot…
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Christ, Confidence and Community - AWSOM Girls Conference 2025
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts chats with Ashley Covell from Emanuel Baptist Church about the AWSOM Girls Conference — a two-day experience…
- Along The Rock
A Haunting Good Time with Route 66 Paranormal
Part 1 of 2, (Part 2 will post on Halloween) In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Ashton Durband and Stu Blaine from Route 66…
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Cash & Coffee | Staying on Budget
💸 Staying on budget doesn’t have to be hard — you just need the right system. Join Kayla Tenboer and Kaitlyn Blum on Cash & Coffee as they break down how the…
- Along The Rock
Sheriff Booker on the 2017 Whiteside Co. Kidnapping Case | “FBI: True” Behind the Scenes
Season 2, Episode 153 In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker about his appearance on the national…
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Hope Takes Flight with Life Line Pilots
Season 2, Episode 152 ✈️ On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Lindsey Kerr, executive director of Lifeline Pilots, and Peyton…
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What Is LSSI? A Closer Look at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
🎙️ Season 2, Episode 151 – What Is LSSI? A Closer Look at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois In this episode, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Hannah Stingley…
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Beyond the Racks: The Mission Behind Goodwill
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Marisa Guernsey and Elisabeth Henson from Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois about how…
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Preserving Our Past to Inspire the Future at The Reagan Boyhood Home
Season 2, Episode 149 Host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Kyle Ferrebee about the Reagan Boyhood Home in Dixon, Illinois — where local preservation meets national…
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An Unforgettable Anniversary: A Daughter’s Life-Saving Gift
💚 Season 2, Episode 148 – An Unforgettable Anniversary: A Daughter’s Life-Saving Gift When 24-year-old Christi Herbon learned her stepfather, Mike Vaneil…
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Local Authors Take the Spotlight at Sterling Public Library
The Sterling Public Library is gearing up for its annual Local Author Fair, and there’s something for every kind of reader! 📚 In this episode of Along the…
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Boot Scootin’ Good Times Start at River Country Stomp
Season 2, Episode 150 In this fun and upbeat episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Kelly Hoagland and Sue Farthing from River Country…
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Gentle Ghouls & Happy Haunts: Monster Mash & Costume Party
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts talks with Katelyn Rodriguez and Maggie Wike about a one-of-a-kind Halloween event — the Monster Mash and…
- Along The Rock
Cash & Coffee | Building a Budget
On this episode of Cash & Coffee, hosts Kaitlyn Blum and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes share how to get started with budgeting — using just three simple W’s: What you…
- Along The Rock
Empowering Moms, Strengthening Community | Nourish the Journey 5K Walk
Join host Emma Watts on this episode of Along the Rock as she talks with Gwen Strum from OSF HealthCare about Nourish the Journey — a community-focused 5K walk…
- Along The Rock
Sweater Weather & Market Magic: Harvest Moon Festival at Twin City Farmers Market
Celebrate fall at the Twin City Farmers Market in Sterling, Illinois! 🍂 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr talks with Lori VanOosten about…
- Along The Rock
Pink Heals Sauk Valley: Spreading Love, Not Just Awareness
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Brian and Elizabeth Tribley, leaders of Pink Heals Sauk Valley, to share the incredible story…
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Building a Better Dixon: Big 4th of July Plans & Community Vision
Season 2, Episode 141 — Building a Better Dixon: Big 4th of July Plans & Community Vision Host Nathan Stahr welcomes Dixon City Manager Danny Langloss to…
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A New Fur-end in Class | Sterling Public Schools' Therapy Dog Program!
Part 1 of 2 In this heartwarming episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr talks with Jason Brown, Heather Wittenauer, and Cami Hartman from Sterling Public…
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Fall in Love with Dixon 🍁 | Upcoming Events You Won’t Want to Miss!
🎙️Fall in Love with Dixon! Host Nathan Stahr welcomes Jennifer Lang and Lucas Pauley from Discover Dixon to talk about the city’s busiest season — filled with…
- Along The Rock
A Holiday Season like No Other! | Biz Boo and Holiday Bingo are Back!
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Sam Kersey from the Rock Falls Chamber to discuss the exciting updates for two of the…
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Order in the Court! 👩⚖️ Dixon High Presents Ladies of the Jury
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum chats with Ben Lightner, director of Dixon High School’s fall play, Ladies of the Jury. This courtroom…
- Along The Rock
Who Says the Curtain Falls at 55? | Dixon Stage Left's Debut Showcase, "We Still Got It!"
Who says the curtain falls at 55? 🎭 Dixon Stage Left is proving that talent has no age limit with their debut senior theater showcase, We Still Got It! Host…
- Along The Rock
Cash & Coffee | A Simple Guide to Lowering Monthly Costs
On this episode of Cash & Coffee, Kayla Tenboer-Sipes and Kaitlyn Blum share a simple, actionable guide to lowering your monthly expenses. Learn how to track…
- Along The Rock
Lace Up for Local Heroes 👟🚓🚒 | Rock Falls First Responders 5K
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum chats with Brian Diaz from the Rock Falls Police Department and Ben Harvey from the Rock Falls Fire…
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The Shoppes on Grandon Plaza: Launching Local Entrepreneurs 🚀
Step inside the story of The Shops at Grandon Plaza with hosts Janna Groharing, Executive Director of Sterling Main Street, and Sarah Coyle, founder of Amber…
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From Officer to Chief 👮 | Sterling’s New Police Leader Shares His Journey
👮♂️ From Officer to Chief — Sterling Police Chief Pat Bartel joins host Nathan Stahr on Along the Rock to share his journey, leadership philosophy, and vision…
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1644th Illinois Army National Guard Invites YOU to Community Day!
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Staff Sergeant Aaron Geesey and Sergeant First Class Bobby Kibodeaux from the Army National…
- Along The Rock
A New Sheriff in Town: Dixon’s Chief Talks Vision & Values
S2 Ep 132: On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Ryan Bivins, the new Police Chief for the City of Dixon. After 15 years with the…
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What is Elevate Youth Center? | Free After-School Program in Sterling, IL
Season 2, Episode 131 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Heather Waninger, Youth Program Director, and Angie Schneider, Sterling…
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Blackhawk Hills Housing Challenge: Big Ideas for Small-Town Solutions
S2 Ep 30: In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Abby Ebelherr and Andy Shaw from the Blackhawk Hills Regional Council to explore…
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Are YOU Ready for Dixon Quartermaina? Auctions, Raffles & More!
Join host Nathan Stahr on this episode of Along the Rock, brought to you by The Radar Free Press, as he chats with Susan Johnson, organizer of Dixon Quarter…