Along The Rock

In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Heather Grobe , Executive Director of the Dixon Family YMCA, and Danny Langloss , Dixon City Manager, to discuss the YMCA's purchase of the Love It Child Development Center and what it means for families throughout the Sauk Valley. The conversation explores: • The expansion of child care services, including infant care • The...

☕ Grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation! Can saving money really be as simple as setting aside one hour of your pay? In this episode of Cash and Coffee , hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman discuss the One-Hour Rule , a simple savings strategy that can help you build an emergency fund or grow your savings without relying on automatic payroll deductions. They compare the One-Hour Rule t...

Substance use disorder affects families, friends, and entire communities. In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Lauren Metzler , founder of Tevan's Tribe , and Jordan Keene to discuss International Overdose Awareness Day, breaking the stigma surrounding addiction, and the importance of compassion, recovery, and community support. The conversation also highlights...

Historic preservation, Flock cameras, data centers, and the future of local government are all on the table in this episode of Along the Rock . Host Nathan Stahr sits down with Dixon City Manager Danny Langloss , Sterling City Manager Scott Shumard , and Rock Falls City Administrator Robbin Blackert for an in-depth discussion about the issues shaping the Sauk Valley. Topics include: Historic build...

🌾 Along the Rock | Sauk Valley Grown Returns in 2026 Join host Kierstyn Long as she sits down with Molly Johnson of Illinois Extension to discuss the return of Sauk Valley Grown , a one-of-a-kind event celebrating local agriculture, farm tours, and fresh, locally sourced food. Learn what attendees can expect during this year's event, including visits to area farms, a farm-to-table dinner prep...

Can volunteering help pay for college? At Sauk Valley Community College, it can. On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Sarah Partington and Lyndsey Kelly to discuss the SVCC IMPACT Program , an earned tuition initiative that rewards high school students for giving back to their communities. Learn how students can: Earn up to 100% tuition at Sauk Valley Community Col...

Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes at your local police department? On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Mary Toth of the Sterling Police Department, joined by everyone's favorite four-legged guest, Millie , to discuss the Sterling Citizens Police Academy . Learn how this free seven-week program gives community members an inside look at police...

In this episode: 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment, and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction to Lifestyle Creep 00:28 – What Is Lifestyle Creep? 00:51 – The “I Deserve It” Mentality 01:36 – What Would You Do With a $10,000 Raise? 02:29 – Spending More vs....

The Grand Detour Art Festival is celebrating 77 years of bringing artists, families, music, food, history, and community together at the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour. On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with festival organizers Lynn Roe and Becky Hage to talk about this year's event, the festival's incredible history, and what visitors can expect wh...

Join host Kierstyn Long for another episode of Along the Rock , presented by the Radar Free Press , as she sits down with Rock Falls Tourism Director Melinda Jones to preview the 2026 Art in the Park celebration. Learn about the annual Sculpture Walk, the rotating outdoor art gallery, local and regional artists, live acoustic music, food trucks, and the unique Otocast app that lets visitors hear d...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Tony Flores to discuss the story behind his Facebook ministry, Faith, Fire, and Passion , and the inspiration for the upcoming Sterling for Jesus community event. Tony shares how a calling that began more than 35 years ago led him to create a ministry focused on sharing the Gospel, encouraging others, and bringing people togethe...

Watch this inspiring episode of Along the Rock as host Kierstyn Long sits down with internationally acclaimed Australian blues guitarist Michael Charles . Michael shares the incredible story of how a single invitation to perform at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago changed the course of his life, launching a decades-long career across the United States and Canada. From playing alongside blues leg...

Birth to Five Illinois is shaping the future of early childhood education—one community conversation at a time. On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long welcomes Abby Hoskins , Maggie Fern , and Rachael DeSpain to discuss the work of the Birth to Five Illinois Action Council in Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties. The group explores how families, educators, community leaders, and local...

In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Susan and Paul Gould to discuss the mission behind Loaves and Fishes, how the program grew from serving just one guest on its first day to more than 1,700 meals in a single month , and why everyone is welcome at their table. 🍳 Free Community Breakfast 📍 First United Methodist Church (Broadway Methodist Church) Annex 501 Broadw...

How many subscriptions are quietly draining your bank account every month? In this episode of Cash and Coffee , hosts Quinn Stahr and Emlyn Zimmerman discuss the hidden cost of forgotten subscriptions and how small monthly charges can add up to hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars each year. From streaming services and gym memberships to free trials that become paid plans, Quinn and Emlyn share p...

What makes a tomato safe to eat—and when should you throw it away? On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long is joined by Bruce J. Black of Illinois Extension to explore common tomato troubles every gardener is likely to encounter. From fungal diseases like anthracnose, early blight, late blight, and powdery mildew to harmless physiological disorders such as catfacing and fruit cracki...

Home nursing can make a life-changing difference for families caring for medically complex loved ones, but many people don't realize these services are available right here in our region. On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Shaunté Padilla , Operations Manager for the Home Nursing Team at Caster, to discuss pediatric home nursing, caregiver support, and the re...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Sterling Police Department Officer Shane Bland to discuss the 9:00 P.M. Routine, a simple nightly reminder designed to help residents prevent theft and protect their homes, vehicles, and belongings. The 9:00 P.M. Routine focuses on three easy steps: 🔒 Lock Up — Secure your vehicle, home, garage, and other property, even if you&...

The 155th Whiteside County Fair is bringing five days of agriculture, entertainment, food, and family fun to Morrison, Illinois! On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Abe Houzenga, publicity director for the Whiteside County Fair, to talk about what visitors can expect when the fair returns August 18–22 at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds on Winfield Street. The Whi...

Thinking about buying a home because the mortgage payment is the same as your rent? There may be a lot more to consider. On this episode of Cash & Coffee , Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman discuss the hidden costs of homeownership that many first-time buyers overlook. From roof repairs and HVAC replacements to homeowners insurance, property taxes, escrow accounts, and emergency savings, they ex...

Join host Kierstyn Long on this episode of Along the Rock as she sits down with Terry Hicks and Melinda Jones to preview one of the Sauk Valley's biggest summer weekends. Learn how the Rock Falls River Chase returned after years away and has grown into an exciting stock outboard boat racing event featuring competitors of all ages. Plus, discover Aqua Palooza , a brand-new celebration bringing...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Curt Jacobs to discuss the upcoming AgroVantage Field Day , a free, hands-on event designed to help farmers improve crop performance, maximize profitability, and better understand what's happening beneath the soil. Learn how customized nutrient management, side-by-side crop trials and root pit demonstrations are helping growers...

Strategic Steps Counseling is helping kids start the school year with confidence. On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Matthew Pearlman , owner and clinical director of Strategic Steps Counseling, to discuss his newly opened counseling practice and a free Back-to-School Support Event designed to help children navigate school-related anxiety. Learn why Pearlman crea...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Jennifer Slaney , director of the Sterling Public Library, to discuss more than $75,000 in grant funding that will improve accessibility, expand library services, and bring new opportunities to residents. Learn how a major construction grant will renovate the library's historic Carnegie building with an ADA-accessible restro...

Is a higher salary always the better job offer? Not necessarily. On this episode of Cash and Coffee , hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman discuss why your first job offer should be about more than just the salary. They break down the importance of evaluating a total compensation package, including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, sign-on bonuses, flexi...