Along The Rock

Step into a world of castles, costumes, Renaissance-inspired entertainment, and family fun on this episode of Along the Rock! Host Kierstyn Long sits down with Dr. Danny Pierce, executive director of Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center, to learn more about the history of Stronghold, its mission as a summer camp and retreat center, and the annual Old English Fair. Located along the Rock River just o...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Nick Pepper from 7:24 Fitness on the Rock and Andrew Jackson from Sinnissippi Centers to talk about the Sauk Valley Apple Cider Run. Now in its sixth year, the event brings together a 5K, half marathon, fall fun, and an important cause. The race is a fundraiser for the Sinnissippi Centers CARES Fund, which provides short-term assi...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Camryn Johnson, the new director of the Rock Falls Chamber, and Marissa Razo, the Chamber’s program coordinator. Learn more about Camryn’s journey with the Chamber, her goals for growing membership, and how the Rock Falls Chamber supports local businesses and brings the community together through events. The conversation also hig...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Nathan Stahr welcomes Ben Lightner from Dixon Stage Left for a look at everything the theater company has coming up this fall and winter. Dixon Stage Left is bringing The Hound of the Baskervilles to the Jerry Mathysse Theater at Sauk Valley Community College as a unique live radio theater experience. The production features two performers portraying every...

💵 Is cash making a comeback? On this episode of Cash and Coffee , hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman explore the surprising return of cash stuffing , an old-school budgeting method that is gaining new attention among younger consumers on social media. From budgeting binders and labeled envelopes to savings challenges and spending limits, cash stuffing is changing the way some people think abou...

Three women. Three generations. One shared mission. On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Tasha Garcia, Nerina Human, and Judy Randall from Generation Woven to talk about how an unexpected friendship became a podcast and a growing community focused on connection, authenticity, and personal growth. Generation Woven brings together women from different generations and...

🌮 Tacos, Wrestling & Fall Fun Are Taking Over Rock Falls! 🤼 On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Melinda Jones from Rock Falls Tourism and Ryan Zschiesche from ZOWA Live to preview the return of the Taco Throwdown at RB&W Park. The third annual event is bringing together 10 taco trucks, a taco-eating contest, live wrestling, music, and plenty of community...

🍎 APPLE SEASON IS HERE IN NORTHWEST ILLINOIS! 🍎 On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long welcomes Bruce J. Black from Illinois Extension for an apple-filled conversation just in time for fall! Did you know there are approximately 7,500 varieties of apples grown worldwide , with about 2,500 grown in the United States ? Bruce breaks down the fascinating world of apples, from how new...

Step into a world of fall, fantasy, costumes, and imagination on this episode of Along the Rock! Host Kierstyn Long sits down with Jake Wallin, Trent Johnson, and Jaclyn Sciacero to preview the third annual Fall and Fantasy Fest, coming to Centennial Park in Rock Falls on Sept. 26-27. The local pop-up Renaissance festival is moving to a new location this year, giving organizers more room to expand...

What did harvest season look like before modern farming technology? On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long talks with Katie Lewis from Bos Brothers Historical Farm about the upcoming Old-Fashioned Fall Harvest . The annual event gives visitors a chance to step back in time and experience traditional farming, crafts, skills, and trades. This year’s show will feature historic harvest...

Fire safety starts long before an emergency happens. On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long is joined by Becca Mayberry of Hopkins Family Fire Safety, Rock Falls Fire Chief Kyle Sommers, and Sterling Fire Chief David Northcutt to discuss fire prevention, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, escape plans, candle safety, extension cords, and other ways families can prepare for...

🐴 What if a horse could help a child find confidence, responsibility and hope? On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Tonya Wells , executive director of Sol’s Legacy Ministries , to learn how horses are helping children in the community build confidence, develop leadership skills, learn responsibility and experience the power of trust. Based just outside Atkinson,...

Along the Rock: Understanding Rock Falls’ Flock License Plate Reader System How much can Flock license plate reader cameras actually see? Can police track your every move? Who can access the information, and what safeguards are in place to prevent misuse? On this episode of Along the Rock , host Nathan Stahr sits down with Rock Falls Police Chief Ryan McKanna for an in-depth discussion about the c...

☕ Grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation! On this episode of Cash and Coffee , hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman take a closer look at the hidden costs and psychological tricks that can lead consumers to spend more than they planned. From free shipping minimums and restaurant app promotions to Amazon Prime and streaming subscriptions , Quinn and Emily break down how the promise of sav...

Join host Kierstyn Long for this episode of Along the Rock as she sits down with Liz Buchholz and Christine McGinnis of Rawhide Saloon and Shawn Hickey of Speak Out Against Suicide . The conversation highlights the upcoming Wings for Tristan Forever 14 Memorial Ride , a community event honoring Tristan's life while raising awareness for suicide prevention and the importance of mental health co...

For 20 years, PFLAG Sauk Valley has been providing support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, and allies throughout the Sauk Valley. In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Gabriella McKanna , treasurer of PFLAG Sauk Valley, to discuss the organization's two decades of service, its upcoming annual community picnic, and the many ways i...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Heather Waniger and Aimee Howard from Elevate Youth Center to discuss the organization's free after-school programming for middle school students and its mission to provide a safe, welcoming space for local youth. Learn how Elevate is helping bridge the gap for middle school families by offering homework support, recreation,...

🎸 Music can change a life—and Music Gear for Kids is making that happen one instrument at a time. On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Tory Willard and Billy Paul of Music Gear for Kids to discuss how their nonprofit is helping local children discover the joy of music by providing refurbished instruments at no cost. Learn how the organization collects donated inst...

Thinking about traveling to Europe? 🌍✈️ On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Brenda Helms , director of community education and alumni engagement at Sauk Valley Community College, to discuss SVCC's upcoming 2027 European travel experience through Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria . Learn what's included in the 10-day trip, travel costs, payment options, activity l...

💸 What if waiting just 24 hours could save you hundreds of dollars—and a lot of regret? In this episode of Cash and Coffee , hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman discuss the power of the 24-Hour Rule and how taking a step back before making a purchase can help you avoid impulse buying and make smarter financial decisions. The conversation goes beyond money, exploring how a simple cooling-off per...

🎣 Along the Rock Podcast | 20th Annual Cops and Bobbers with Detective Brad Dempsey The Dixon Police Department's 20th Annual Cops and Bobbers Fishing Derby is almost here! Host Kierstyn Long sits down with Detective Brad Dempsey to discuss how this beloved community tradition has grown over the past two decades and what families can expect this year. Learn about: 🎣 Free fishing for kids age...

🎩 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 Theatre, to talk about illusionist John Westford and his upcoming performance. Learn what makes Westford's show unique, why the Dixon Theatre is expanding its lineup of family-friendly entertainment, and how residents of Dixon can take...

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 Valley history. In August 1957, sisters Nancy, Teresa, and Ruthie Guernsey disappeared near the cement plant north of Dixon, Illinois. What followed was one of the largest volunteer search efforts the region had ever seen, drawing hundreds of c...

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. Learn about the history of the festival, what's new for 2026, the scholarship program, this year's King and Queen, folkloric dance performances, family activities, food vendors, live entertainment, and the celebration of Hispanic Her...

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 historic Lorado Taft Field Campus in Oregon, Illinois. Learn about the nonprofit's mission to preserve the 144-acre outdoor education campus, why the property has meant so much to generations of students, and what's happening now follow...