Along The Rock

Join host Kierstyn Long for a special edition of Along the Rock , featuring Roy Jones, a write-in candidate for Illinois State Representative in the 74th District. Jones shares his vision for the future of the Sauk Valley and rural Illinois, discussing regenerative agriculture, native plant restoration, soil health, rising farming costs, and the need for more connected public transportation in rur...

Join Along the Rock host Kierstyn Long for an on-location visit to 7:24 Fitness on the Rock in Rock Falls! Kierstyn sits down with owner and fitness coach Nick Pepper to explore what makes this local gym stand out, from its welcoming, family-like atmosphere to its 24/7 member access and personalized fitness support. Nick shares how 7:24 Fitness on the Rock helps members build lasting habits throug...

Join host Kierstyn Long on this episode of Along the Rock , brought to you by the Radar Free Press, as she talks with Eric Valdez and Melissa Erdmier from Sauk Valley Community College about the upcoming Freedom 5K! Now in its seventh year, the Freedom 5K brings the community together for a meaningful cause: supporting SVCC’s Student Veteran Organization. All proceeds help provide student veterans...

🦊 Robin Hood Takes the Stage at Rock Falls High School! | Along the Rock Get ready for action, comedy, and a classic tale of adventure! 🎭 On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Adam Vervynck, Marco Ortiz, and Bryce Verhulst from Rock Falls High School Drama to talk about their upcoming fall production of Robin Hood . The students share what audiences can expect fro...

🎃 Halloween Fun Meets Community Giving! | Along the Rock The Rock Falls Fire Department is bringing Halloween spirit to the First Responders 5K! Host Kierstyn Long sits down with Cameron Gonzalez and Spencer Hull to talk about this year’s race, the cause behind it, and how the community can get involved. 🏃 Event Details: 📅 Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026 📍 Location: Centennial Park, Rock Fall...

🎃 Dixon High School Theatre Presents Frankenstein | Along the Rock A classic horror story is coming to the stage just in time for Halloween! 👻 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Aly Krueger, Kate Wadsworth, and Ben Lightner from Dixon High School Theatre to talk about the school's fall production of Frankenstein . Hear how the production came together, what...

Get ready for candy, games, giveaways, and Halloween fun! 👻 On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Community Service Officer Mary Toth and Officer Lucas Nease from the Sterling Police Department to talk about the return of the department’s annual Trunk or Treat event. 📅 Date: October 30 ⏰ Time: 4–6 p.m. 📍 Location: Downtown pavilion at the Sterling Farmers Market...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long welcomes Larry Steward from Pat’s Table to share the inspiring story of a community ministry built on love, faith, and service. Created in memory of Larry’s late wife, Pat, the organization has served more than 45,000 meals to people in the Prophetstown community. What began as a leap of faith has grown into a lasting tradition of home-cooked m...

🎃 Cash and Coffee: How to Save Money This Halloween! DIY Costumes, Thrifting & Budget-Friendly Tips Halloween doesn't have to haunt your wallet! 👻 On this episode of Cash and Coffee , hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman talk about their favorite Halloween costumes, childhood memories, and how families can celebrate spooky season without overspending. From DIY costumes and Goodwill find...

Join host Kierstyn Long for a special political candidate edition of Along the Rock featuring Nolan Kemp, a candidate for Illinois State Representative in the 74th District. A Dixon native and emergency medical technician, Kemp shares how his experiences in emergency services inspired him to pursue public service and discusses the issues he hopes to address if elected. In this episode, hear Kemp d...

🎃 Halloween Horticulture: Spooky Plant Traditions, Historic Pumpkin Pie & the Pumpkin Smash! What do apples have to do with predicting your future spouse? Why was rosemary believed to protect against evil spirits? And how did people make pumpkin pie in colonial times? 🌿🍎 On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long welcomes Bruce J. Black from Illinois Extension for a Halloween-th...

Join host Kierstyn Long on this episode of Along the Rock , brought to you by the Radar Free Press, as she visits Sterling Landmark in Sterling, Illinois, to learn how a historic manufacturing facility is being transformed into a space full of possibilities! General Manager Jim Wise takes us inside the former Frantz Manufacturing Factory at 301 West Third Street to explore how Sterling Landmark is...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long welcomes Taylor McDaniel of Taylor Sweep to share how a side gig turned into a full-time business and a growing mission to help people facing difficult circumstances. After 22 years working in healthcare, Taylor found a new path through house cleaning. But she soon discovered she could do even more by helping people who couldn't afford the...

🔎 Murder, Mystery, and Laughs! Sterling High School Presents The Clock Strikes 12 Get ready for a Halloween-season mystery with a comedic twist! 🎭 On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long welcomes Lydia Langley, Trinity Pankey, and Harper Johnson from the Sterling High School Theatre Program to talk about their upcoming fall production, The Clock Strikes 12 . This murder mystery co...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long welcomes Jessica Spohn, Casework and Advocacy Manager, and Jill Sanders McFalls, Director of Crisis Services, from the YWCA of the Sauk Valley to discuss Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the resources available to survivors throughout Lee and Whiteside counties. Learn how the YWCA provides emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, ca...

Join host Kierstyn Long on Along the Rock , brought to you by the Radar Free Press, as she welcomes Gwen Strum from OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center to discuss the Nourish the Journey 5K Walk! This special community event celebrates the unique journeys of families who breastfeed or provide breast milk for their children while recognizing the friends, family members, and caregivers who offer supp...

🎃 Along the Rock: Pumpkins, Halloween Traditions & the Surprising History of Jack-o’-Lanterns! Why did people originally carve turnips instead of pumpkins for Halloween? And what does it take to grow the perfect pumpkin? 🌱 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long welcomes Bruce J. Black from the University of Illinois Extension for a fall-themed conversation about pumpkin growin...

Get ready to do the Time Warp again! 🎃 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long is joined by Holly Vrhel and Kaitlin Haley from Mosaic Theater Troupe and Tori Highley from The Dixon: Historic Theatre to talk about the return of the Rocky Horror Picture Show live shadow cast! Learn what makes a shadow cast such a unique experience, how audiences can join in the fun, and what newcomers...

Online banking has changed the way we manage our money! ☕💳 On this episode of Cash and Coffee , hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman celebrate World Online Banking Day by discussing the convenience of digital banking and how it has transformed personal finances. From checking account balances and tracking pending transactions to depositing checks with a few pictures, online banking makes it eas...

🎃 Light Up Rock Falls for the Halloween Spooktacular Parade! 🎃 On this episode of Along the Rock , host Nathan Stahr is joined by Melinda Jones from Rock Falls Tourism to talk about the third annual Lighted UTV and Golf Cart Halloween Spooktacular Parade . The parade brings decorated UTVs and golf carts to the streets of Rock Falls for a night filled with Halloween creativity, lights, music, cos...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Ana Smith, director of the Ruth Edwards Nature Center at the Dixon Park District, to explore Rambling Days and the many ways the community can enjoy Dixon’s parks and natural spaces. Rambling Days Sunday, October 18 1 to 4 p.m. Dixon Park District Meadows Rambling Days gives visitors a unique opportunity to drive through the bac...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long welcomes Krystal Spencer of PawPack Pride , along with Bruce, to talk about the new nonprofit and its mission to help animals and families throughout the Sauk Valley and surrounding communities. PawPack Pride is starting from the ground up with plans to help families struggling to provide food for their pets, assist with spaying and neutering...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Janna Groharing, executive director of Sterling Main Street, to talk about the annual Hops on the Rock craft beer festival. The event returns Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Sterling Marketplace outdoor farmers market pavilion, featuring 90 to 100 different beers , six home brewing groups, downtown businesses, food vendors, live music...

☕ Cash and Coffee: The Value of Volunteerism and Giving Back On this episode of Cash and Coffee , hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman step outside the usual financial conversation to talk about something that can have a lasting impact without a financial reward: volunteerism . Quinn and Emily discuss the value of giving back to the community, especially for young people. They explore Quinn’s ex...

🎨 Woodlawn Arts Academy has something for everyone! On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Becky Rich and Sydney Segretto from Woodlawn Arts Academy to explore a variety of upcoming programs designed for adults, children, preschoolers, homeschoolers, and families. Sydney shares details about Social Seniors , Artsy Tots , preschool and homeschool programs, Full Steam...