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 & Coffee | Smart Ways to Save for Your Child’s College | 529 vs ESA
In this episode of Cash and Coffee, hosts Kaitlyn Blum and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes talk about smart ways to save for a child’s or loved one’s college education…
- Along The Rock
Helping Hands Food Pantry | Feeding Sterling with Dignity & Hope
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Kassey Wells from the Helping Hands Food Pantry in Sterling. Learn how Helping Hands…
- Along The Rock
Sterling Fire Department Hosts First Fire Prevention Block Party | Along the Rock
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Angelica Dornes and Sterling Fire Chief David Northcutt to talk about the very first Fire…
- Along The Rock
Every Step Counts: Fight to END the Stigma – Mental Health Awareness Run/Walk
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Tiffany Irvin, founder of Creating Hope Across the Sauk Valley, to talk about the upcoming…
- Along The Rock
"Understanding Property Taxes in Rock Falls | City Administrator Robbin Blackert Explains"
Property taxes are one of the biggest concerns for Rock Falls residents, but few people know exactly where their money goes. On this episode of Along the Rock…
- Along The Rock
Exclusive Interview with Frank Harts!
🎙️ On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watt sits down with acclaimed actor, director, and filmmaker Frank Harts for a powerful conversation about…
- Along The Rock
Sterling's Biggest Beer Bash! Janna Groharing Spills the Details 🍺
🍻 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum chats with Janna Groharing from Sterling Main Street about one of the area’s most anticipated fall…
- Along The Rock
Mental Health Matters: Empowering the Next Generation of Girls | YWCA Girls Summit 2025
How do we help middle school girls build confidence, resilience, and emotional strength? 💪 In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with…
- Along The Rock
Bugs, Boots, and Big Ideas! 🐞 | New Director at Ruth Edwards Nature Center
The Ruth Edwards Nature Center in Dixon is stepping into an exciting new chapter. In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with new…
- Along The Rock
From Legends to Local Rockstars 🎤 | Rocktober at Dixon Historic Theatre
🎸 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Tori Highley from the Dixon Historic Theatre to talk all things Rocktober 2025! From…
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Weekend Meals, Lifelong Impact | Buddy Bags Serving Local Students
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Jane Pease from Sterling First Presbyterian Church to share the story of the Buddy Bags…
- Along The Rock
Fall Fun at Selmi’s 🍂 Featuring Live Lumberjack Shows!
🎙️ Welcome back to Along the Rock, brought to you by the Radar Free Press! In this episode, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Melinda Jones and Matt Selmi to…
- Along The Rock
Take a Walk Through History at the Oakwood Cemetery Walk 2025!
Season 2, Episode 117 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Tom Wadsworth, Karen Yardley, and Mike McBride from the Lee County…
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Fall Vibes & Finish Lines 🍁 | Sauk Valley Apple Cider Run 2025
Season 2, Episode 116 🍎🏃♀️ On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum chats with Nick Pepper, owner of 7:24 Fitness on the Rock, about the Sauk…
- Along The Rock
From Foundation to Future: Dixon Habitat for Humanity
Season 2, Episode 115 General Description, brief summary of the episode, notable moments, etc… 🗓️ Event Date: fill in event date 🕙 Time: fill in event time 📍…
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From PCs to Phones – PC Tech2U Has You Covered! 🛠️📱
Season 2, Episode 114 In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Kyle Lockwood of PC Tech 2U, a family-owned business providing tech…
- Along The Rock
Bonafied Rescue Rally 2025: Saving Dogs & Building Community ❤️
Season 2, Episode 112 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Melodee Hoffman from Bonafied Animal Rescue to talk about their…
- Along The Rock
This Is What Community Looks Like 💪 | Team Up 2 Clean Up 2025!
Season 2, Episode 111 🌟 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Anna Garcia and Janna Groharing to talk about Team Up 2 Clean Up…
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Dixon’s 20-Year Vision: City Manager Danny Langloss on Growth, Housing & the Comprehensive Plan
Season 2, Episode 111 On this episode of Along the Rock, Host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Dixon City Manager Danny Langloss to explore the city’s comprehensive…
- Along The Rock
Who Will Reign Supreme? 🌮 Taco Throwdown Is Here!
🌮 The Taco Throwdown Festival is back in Rock Falls—and it’s bigger, bolder, and tastier than ever! Host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Melisa Jones from Rock…
- Along The Rock
Helping Kids Thrive: Tri-County Opportunities Council’s Early Education Programs
👶📚 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Kerrie Winge and Sarah Nambo from Tri-County Opportunities Council about the transformative…
- Along The Rock
Path to the Future: Nourishing Families Today, Building Skills for Tomorrow
🦃🔨 Help build a bright future for area youth! On this episode of Along the Rock, brought to you by the Radar Free Press, host Kaitlyn Blum sat down with Devon…
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Conservation, Community & Upcoming Celebration at Nachusa Grasslands
Season 2, Episode 107 🌾 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum welcomes restoration ecologists Molly Duncan and Tyler Pellegrini to share the…
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Fiesta Day Parade 2025: What’s New & Where to Watch
🎉 The 72nd Annual Fiesta Day Parade is rolling through Rock Falls and Sterling — and we’ve got everything you need to know! Host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with…
- Along The Rock
This Isn’t Your Average Bike Ride, Beers & Gears 2025
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Kayla Hemminger to talk all about Beers & Gears, Sterling and Rock Falls’ annual bicycle…
- Along The Rock
Scott Shumard Talks City Growth, Housing, Road Repairs and More!
Season 2, Episode 104 Sterling is changing—new housing, upgraded parks, major road projects, and exciting community events are shaping the city’s future. 🎙️ In…
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Get Ready for Adventure! CER LARP Reveals Fall Festival Details!
Season 2, Episode 103 Host Kaitlyn Blum is joined by Jake Wallin and Diamond Pajak to talk about the exciting world of Live Action Roleplay (LARP)—where…
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Inside Dixon High School's Broadcasting Club: Future Media Stars in the Making
Host Kaitlyn Blum chats with Tyler Zepezauer and Sebastian Seibel from the Dixon High School Broadcasting Club about how a student-led team is transforming…
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What Key Club Is All About — Through the Eyes of Two Student Leaders
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Gavin Fischer and Dani Lovett, two student leaders from the Key Clubs of Sterling and Dixon…
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Buzz-Worthy Achievements: From Spelling Bees to Volunteering MVPs!
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Parker Zimmerly, a student from Amboy Junior High School who competed in the 2024 Scripps…
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Rock Falls City Administrator Robbin Blackert Answers Your Questions
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Rock Falls City Administrator Robbin Blackert to answer YOUR questions about how the city…
- Along The Rock
Golden Meals: Fighting Senior Hunger & Building Community in Whiteside County
Golden Meals has been serving seniors across northwest Illinois since 1974, providing more than just nutritious food—it delivers connection, dignity, and care…
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Buddy Ball: Inclusive Baseball for Kids in the Sauk Valley
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum welcomes Marc Tintori from the Optimist Club to share details about Buddy Ball, a brand-new baseball…
- Along The Rock
Whistles & Wisdom: Athletic Directors of the Sauk Valley
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Sauk Valley’s athletic directors — Derick Cox (Rock Falls High School), Roger Fegan (Dixon…
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Sketching Out the Details: 76th Grand Detour Arts Festival
Season 2, Episode 95 🎨 Host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Sandy and Dan Burke to preview the 76th Annual Grand Detour Arts Festival, a Sauk Valley tradition…
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Ride for Valor: A Journey of Support for Veterans and First Responders
Season 2, Episode 94 In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum welcomes Floyd Dunn, veteran and founder of the Valor Support Project, a nonprofit…
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Dig Into the Master Gardeners Program!
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum chats with Bruce Black from the Illinois Extension about the power of gardening, nature, and volunteerism…
- Along The Rock
Local Support Group Sheds Light on Neurodivergence
🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Timestamps & Highlights: 00:24 - What is Neurodivergence? 1:42 - Overview of Being…
- Along The Rock
Walking Like Never Before: Dixon's City Manager Discusses Project Rock and More!
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum welcomes Dixon City Manager Danny Langloss to discuss how the city is transforming into a more walkable…
- Along The Rock
Shaping Young Minds: A Look at Lovett Child Development Center
🎧 In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Heather Grobe, director of the Lovett Child Development Center in Dixon, Illinois—a newly…
- Along The Rock
Faith Meets Farm Life – Learn about the East Jordan Farm Heritage Festival!
🚜 Faith Meets Farm Life! In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Pastor Jim Miller to explore the heart and history behind the Farm…
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Art in the Park: Rock Falls Brings Sculpture, Music & Local Creativity to Life
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum welcomes Melinda Jones from Rock Falls Tourism to talk about one of the city’s most anticipated events—Art…
- Along The Rock
Downtown Brewery, New Businesses, and Big Road Projects: Sterling’s City Manager Shares Updates
Season 2, Episode 87 Sterling is growing—and City Manager Scott Schumard is here to break it all down. In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum…
- Along The Rock
Local Non-Profit Protects the Powerless... One Paw at a Time
S2 EP 86: In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Michelle Schwarz and Danny Sward, co-founders of Paws for the Powerless, a nonprofit…
- Along The Rock
Lend us Your Ears: Julius Caesar is being presented by Dixon Stage Left!
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Ben Lightner about Dixon Stage Left’s “Shakespeare and the Summer Sun” production of Julius…
- Along The Rock
Go Long: Sterling-Rock Falls YMCA introduces NFL Flag Football!
🏈 NFL Flag Football is coming to Rock Falls! In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Ellie Hanlon from the Sterling Rock Falls YMCA…
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Sauk Valley Leadership Program: Where Local Leaders Level Up
Season 2, Episode 83 In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Vanessa Wessels to talk about the Sauk Valley Leadership Program — a…
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From Blueprints to Big Rigs: Loves Truck Stop Coming to Rock Falls!
Season 2, Episode 82 In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Mark Searing and Bryan Plummer from the City of Rock Falls to talk…
- Along The Rock
ROE #47 Back-to-School Guide: Tips, Tools & Support for Parents
Season 2, Episode 81 In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Regional Superintendent Chris Tennyson and Assistant Regional…
- Along The Rock
Fueling Futures: Free Supplies, School Physicals & More on August 7th!
Season 2, Episode 80 In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum chats with Mandy Dallas about the upcoming Tools for School event happening Thursday…
Along The RockToad-ally Talented: Meet the Cast of A Year with Frog and Toad
Season 2, Episode 79 Join us for this heartwarming episode of Along the Rock, brought to you by the Radar Free Press, as host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Ellen…
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From Sirens to Smiles: What’s New at Rock Falls Fire Dept!
Season 2, Episode 78 In this episode, host Mark Morris sits down with Deputy Fire Chief Kyle Sommers of the Rock Falls Fire Department for an inside look at…
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Good Times Don’t Retire! Why Senior Centers Rock 🎉
Season 2, Episode 77 In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Emily Hammer from the Whiteside County Senior Center to talk about the…
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Lights, Sirens, Action! 🔦 National Night Out 2025!
Season 2, Episode 76 👮♀️🎉 Lights, Sirens, Action! National Night Out 2025 In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum is joined by Mary Toth and the…
- Along The Rock
Don't Melt— "Frozen: The Broadway Musical" is coming to Timber Lake Playhouse!
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Trent Soyster, Sydney Greene, and Darcie Hingula from Timber Lake Playhouse to talk about…
- Along The Rock
New Horizons: Tess Schaefer’s Global Journey with Rotary Youth Exchange
Season 2, Episode 74 In this episode of Along the Rock, we follow the inspiring journey of Tess Schaefer, a Rock Falls native who spent nearly a year living in…
- Along The Rock
Turning Up the Heat: New Chief Northcutt Talks Equipment, Events & the Future of Sterling Fire
Season 2, Episode 73 In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Dave Northcutt, the new Fire Chief of Sterling, Illinois, about the…
- Along The Rock
Revved Up and Relished: Rally on the Rock and Hot Dog Day return on August 1st!
Season 2, Episode 72 🎙️ Hot Dogs, Classic Cars, and Community Fun — It’s All Happening August 1 in Sterling! In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn…
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From ‘Someday’ to Showtime: The Wedding Singer Cast Preps for Opening Night at Centennial Auditorium
Season 2, Episode 71 Love, laughter, and a whole lot of 80s flair! In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Ashton Strange, Gianna…
- Along The Rock
Faith Meets Fearlessness at Abiding Word’s BXE Brave Women’s Conference
Season 2, Episode 70 In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Terri Porter, Co-Pastor of Abiding Word Church, about the upcoming…