Along The Rock

Discover what makes northwest Illinois a hidden gem in this episode of Along the Rock, hosted by Nathan Stahr and featuring Matthew Lenox from Visit Northwest Illinois. Lenox shares how Visit Northwest Illinois supports tourism across Carroll, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties, helping communities work together to promote local events, businesses, and attractions. From scenic river views along the...

Welcome to Cash and Coffee, brought to you by the Radar Free Press. In this episode, hosts Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes take a closer look at one of the most talked-about personal finance strategies: the debt snowball versus the debt avalanche. If you are working to pay off credit cards, student loans, or other debt, this episode breaks down how each method works and what actually makes the...

Join us for this episode of Along the Rock as host Emma Watts sits down with Ethan Harrington, Gracie Young, and Dallas Knack from Sauk Valley Under 40 to talk about building connections, growing professionally, and giving back to the community. Sauk Valley Under 40 is creating opportunities for young professionals across the region to network, develop skills, and get involved locally. One of thei...

Join us for another exciting episode of Along the Rock as host Nathan Stahr welcomes Robin Duncan and Janna Groharing from Sterling Main Street to talk about one of the Sauk Valley’s favorite annual traditions, the Sterling Main Street Car Show. Taking place on Sunday, May 3, this highly anticipated event continues to grow year after year, drawing car enthusiasts and spectators from across the reg...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Lori VanOosten from the Twin City Farmers Market to talk all about the exciting return of the outdoor market season and their Earth Day celebration. The outdoor market officially opens on April 25 from 8:00 a.m. to noon in downtown Sterling, bringing together a full lineup of vendors, fresh produce, handmade goods, and delicious foo...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts is joined by Ana Smith, Director of the Lowell Park Nature Center, to talk about the exciting return of Pallets in the Park, a creative and community-driven Earth Day celebration. After a hiatus, this unique event is back and bigger than ever, inviting individuals, families, and local businesses to decorate wooden pallets as a way to showcase crea...

Join us for another episode of Along the Rock, brought to you by The Radar Free Press. Host Emma Watts sits down with Andrew Jackson from Sinnissippi Centers to talk about an exciting upcoming event and a major milestone year for the organization. Celebrating 60 Years of Sinnissippi Centers | Gathering for Good Fundraiser is the second annual event designed to bring the community together for a fu...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Rebecca Muñoz-Ripley, Executive Director of the YWCA of Sauk Valley, to talk about the 43rd Annual Women of Achievement Luncheon and the impact it has across the Sauk Valley. Rebecca shares the history behind this long-standing event, how it highlights and honors women making a difference in Lee and Whiteside counties, and why it...

Should you invest extra income or pay off your house early? On this episode of Cash and Coffee, Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes break down a real-life scenario using an extra $700 per month and show how each decision can impact your financial future. With all debt paid off and retirement contributions already on track, the hosts compare two powerful strategies: accelerating a 15-year mortgage v...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with leadership from Sauk Valley Community College to discuss a major transition and what it means for the future of higher education in the Sauk Valley. Outgoing president Dr. David Hellmich reflects on more than a decade of leadership, highlighting the college’s strong connection to the community, the growth of key partnerships, and...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Mark Peterson and Rebecca Anderson from Highland Community College Lifelong Learning to explore how history, education, and community come together uniquely and engagingly. The conversation highlights the Lifelong Learning program and its wide range of offerings, from creative arts and culinary classes to in-depth history presenta...

Spring is here, and that means it’s time to get your hands in the dirt 🌱 On this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts sits down with Bruce Black from the University of Illinois Extension to talk all things gardening. From when to plant in Northern Illinois to how to prepare your garden beds, this episode is packed with practical tips for gardeners of all experience levels. Bruce breaks dow...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Connor Self, President of D8 Summit Charities, to talk about the return of the D8 Summit Charity Convention and how tabletop gaming is bringing people together for a great cause. From its beginnings as a small fundraiser following a devastating tornado to a multi-day convention drawing attendees from across the country, D8 Summit ha...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Jake Wallin and Ellen Holder from CER LARP to explore the world of live action roleplay and how it brings fantasy to life right here in the Sauk Valley. From building unique characters to battling monsters, solving puzzles, and shaping an evolving storyline, CER LARP offers an immersive experience that goes far beyond traditional ta...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Ashley Covell from Emmanuel Baptist Church to talk about the upcoming Women’s Priority Conference simulcast coming to Sterling. This free, two-day event brings women together for a powerful and encouraging experience centered around this year’s theme, Beautiful Scars. Hosted locally but streamed from the Illinois Baptist State Assoc...

Get ready for a night of fun, friendly competition, and community impact. On this episode of Along the Rock , host Nathan Stahr sits down with Jim Greer and Tony Crisp from the Bi-County Special Education Foundation to talk about their upcoming Trivia Night fundraiser. This annual event brings the Sauk Valley community together for an evening of trivia, prizes, and giving back to a cause that dire...

Should you invest while paying off debt, or focus on becoming debt-free first? On this episode of Cash and Coffee , hosts Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes break down one of the most debated topics in personal finance. Using real numbers and a clear example, they compare two strategies: splitting money between investing and debt payments, or putting everything toward eliminating debt first. What...

In this episode of Along the Rock , host Nathan Stahr brings you part two of an in-depth conversation with regional city leadership from across the Sauk Valley. Joined by Danny Langloss (Dixon), Scott Shumard (Sterling), and Robbin Blackery (Rock Falls), this episode dives deeper into the realities of economic development, public safety costs, workforce challenges, and the strategies shaping the f...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Kelly Howlett of Tortoise Multisport to talk all things Rock River Madness. This community-driven cycling event brings riders of all skill levels together to kick off the season. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist ready to tackle a challenge or just looking for a fun family ride, this event has something for everyone. From scenic...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Nathan Stahr sits down with local leaders from across the Sauk Valley for an in-depth roundtable discussion on some of the biggest issues facing our communities today. Joining the conversation are Danny Langloss (City of Dixon), Scott Shumard (City of Sterling), and Robbin Blackery (City of Rock Falls), offering insight into how decisions are made at the ci...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Kassy Wells from the Helping Hands Food Pantry to talk about the growing need for food assistance in Whiteside County and how the community can make a real difference. Kassy shares how the pantry is serving hundreds of individuals and families each month, the impact of their client-choice model, and the innovative ways they are su...

Tune in to this powerful episode of Along the Rock as host Nathan Stahr sits down with returning guest Brian Dixon for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation. Brian shares his journey following a life-altering workplace accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, and how he has navigated the daily challenges that come with it. From memory struggles and chronic headaches to sensory s...

In this episode of Cash and Coffee , Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes break down one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make—choosing the right mortgage. Using a $200,000 home example, they walk through what it looks like to put 20% down and compare the real differences between a 15-year and a 30-year mortgage. While the lower monthly payment of a 30-year loan may seem appealing, Emm...

Get ready to celebrate 20 years of creativity in the Sauk Valley 🎨 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Christy Zepezauer, Executive Director of Woodlawn Arts Academy, to talk all about the upcoming Winner’s Circle Fundraiser —a Kentucky Derby–themed night packed with fun, art, and community spirit. From delicious food and a silent auction to the exciting Dessert Dash...

Discover how one local educator is making a national impact on the arts. In this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Tim Schlegel from Sterling High School to talk about his recent recognition with the NFHS Citation Award. Tim shares what the award means, how he built Sterling’s theater program from the ground up, and the unforgettable moments that shaped his career—from ea...