Along The Rock

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 of Sterling Main Street, to discuss everything you need to know about Hot Dog Day 2026 . Learn how this longtime community tradition began, how it has grown into one of downtown Sterling's biggest annual events, and what visitors c...

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 program. Learn how this volunteer-driven initiative provides backpacks, school supplies, and valuable community resources to local families before the school year begins. The conversation covers how the program has grown, the importance of communi...

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 down with Megan Carlson , Vice President of the Make a Farmer Foundation , to discuss how the organization was created in memory of Jaden Hansen and how it is helping students pursue careers in agriculture and the skilled trades through s...

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 impact on your finances. In this episode of Cash and Coffee , hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman explain the key differences between credit and debit cards, when each one makes the most sense, and how to avoid common financial mistakes....

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, education, and community connection! On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Rock Falls Police Chief Ryan McKanna and Dixon Police Officer Lucas Kammerer to discuss how National Night Out helps strengthen relationships b...

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 annual George Fest , happening Saturday, August 1 . Learn what visitors can expect, from the 5K, Little Chick Dash, car show, and vendor market to an exciting lineup of live music throughout the day. Matt also shares the vision behind Geor...

🍦 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 downtown Rock Falls, to learn the story behind one of the area's favorite ice cream shops. Jorge shares how his late father's dream inspired the business, what makes Sundae Funday unique, and why customers continue to vote it as the...

Discover the incredible story of Anderson Taylor , the Guinness World Records' youngest male museum curator , on this episode of Along the Rock ! Host Kierstyn Long sits down with Anderson and his father, John Taylor , to explore the fascinating journey behind the Cambridge Natural History Museum . From finding his first fossil at just 3 years old to opening a museum at age 7, Anderson shares...

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 habits can make that line blurry. On this episode of Cash and Coffee , Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman discuss why understanding needs versus wants is one of the most important financial skills you can develop. From choosing a reliable veh...

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 discuss how a passion for art evolved into a full-time career after military service. Riley shares how the Whiteside Area Career Center CEO program helped launch his first business, why serving in the military changed the way he approaches h...

🎉 Sterling Street Fest Debuts in Downtown Sterling | Along the Rock Podcast Downtown Sterling is getting ready for an exciting new tradition! On this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts sits down with Janna Groharing of Sterling Main Street and Teri Sathoff from the City of Sterling to discuss the very first Sterling Street Fest . Learn how this brand-new community block party came togeth...

🎨 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 the stunning new mural at Veterans Park in Rock Falls . Ozell shares how he was selected for the project, the inspiration behind the patriotic design, and how he transformed a blank wall into a meaningful tribute honoring America's vete...

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 outings are making a big impact in the Sauk Valley! On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Teri Crawford of Heroes of Hope of the Sauk Valley and Chris Schueler and Tony Walters of the YSJ Open to talk about two f...

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 explain why midsummer is the perfect time to start planning your fall harvest. Learn which vegetables thrive when planted later in the season, why cooler temperatures create sweeter produce, and how to protect your garden from wildlife befo...

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 support local youth through scholarships, leadership programs and community service. Learn how the Optimist Club impacts students across the Sauk Valley, why its annual Bucket Brigade fundraiser is so important, and how the money raised help...

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 sits down with Dallas Knack of the Sauk Valley Chamber of Commerce and Lori VanOosten of the Twin City Farmers Market to discuss the inaugural Youth Agriculture Market . Learn how local youth ages 5-18 are showcasing their agricultural proje...

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 , Lee County 4-H Program Coordinator, to discuss how months of planning come together for one of the area's biggest summer traditions. Learn how 4-H offers much more than livestock shows, with opportunities in art, STEM, gardening, wo...

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 episode of Cash and Coffee , hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman break down the basics of credit scores, including what the numbers mean, why lenders care, and how good credit can help you save money through lower interest rates. You'l...

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 Whiteside County Recorder Kendra Kophamer Bush to explain how the county's free Property Fraud Alert system works, what it does, and what it doesn't do. Although property fraud has become a growing concern nationwide, Kendra explains that t...

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 Shamrock Pub in Dixon , to talk about what it takes to earn the title of Radar Free Press Best Burger . Learn how the Bruns have built a loyal following with fresh, never-frozen beef, hand-pattied burgers, homemade recipes and a family at...

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 Troop 935, Jill Sander-McFalls from the YWCA of Sauk Valley, and Girl Scout Jordan McFalls to discuss the troop's inspiring Adopt a Box community service project. Learn how the girls used proceeds from nearly 11,000 boxes of Girl Scou...

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 Lillpop , manager of the Whiteside County Farm Bureau, to discuss the organization's mission, its impact on local agriculture and education, and several exciting community events happening this summer. Learn about the second annual...

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 , Jenna Mingus , and Joel Megill from Woodlawn Arts Academy to preview this summer's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee . Learn why this fan-favorite musical is returning by popular demand, what makes every performance...

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 joined by Karen Miles and Cyndi Muler to talk about the Yak Yak Sisters, a kayaking club that has spent more than 12 years bringing people together on the water. Learn how the group got started, what to expect on a Wednesday paddle, thei...

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 event happening Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grandon Civic Center . Learn what families can expect, including: Free sidewalk chalk and painting activities An Americana theme celebrating America's 250th anniversary Gian...