Along The Rock

Season 2, Episode 180 In Part 2 of No Pawdy’s Perfect , Sterling Public Schools dives deeper into their therapy dog program—revealing touching stories, unexpected challenges, and the surprising ways a single dog can change the atmosphere of a school. Whether you're an educator, parent, or dog lover, this episode offers heartfelt insight into the real power of therapy animals in classrooms. 🎧...

Join host Nathan Stahr on this 2025 episode of Along the Rock , presented by the Radar Free Press, as he welcomes Monique Castillo , the new coordinator leading this year’s Sterling Toys for Tots campaign. Monique shares the mission behind Toys for Tots, the history of the program, and what her first year of leadership looks like as the community gears up to support local families this holiday sea...

Most “emergencies” aren’t emergencies — they’re expenses we knew were coming. In this episode of Cash & Coffee , Kayla Tenboer-Sipes and Nathan Stahr break down how sinking funds can transform your budget by helping you plan for large or irregular costs year-round. Whether it’s Christmas, car repairs, insurance premiums, or pet expenses, this simple method can bring peace of mind and financial...

Season 2, Episode 177 Join host Nathan Stahr for a deep dive into the world of early childhood education with guest Indy Douglas, Director of Sterling Rock Falls Childcare. In this episode, you’ll hear: • The center’s nearly 50-year history • Why early learning matters more than ever • How staffing shortages impact childcare • The grants, funding, and resources keeping programs alive • The center’...

Season 2, Episode 17650 years. Thousands of patients. One incredible story. 💙 Host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Lanetta Whitlock from OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center to celebrate her 50 years of nursing in the Sauk Valley area. From her start as a candy striper to a lifelong career in healthcare, Lanetta shares what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and why nursing is truly a labor of love. 🎙️...

Season 2, Episode 175 Host Emma Watts sits down with Sam Kersey , President and CEO of the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce , to talk about one of the area’s most anticipated traditions — Hometown Holidays ! Discover what’s new this year, from the exciting $1,000 giveaway to the indoor Love Light Ceremony , expanded vendor spaces, and the community partnerships that make this celebration possible. T...

Season 2, Episode 174 🚀 Blast off into creativity! In this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts talks with Kayla Tenboer-Sipes , author of Rocket to the Moon: Art Adventures —an interactive children’s book that combines art, puzzles, and storytelling. Learn how an 11-year dream became reality, why art matters for kids, and what’s next in the Art Adventures series! 🎨✨ 🎙️ Listen now: https...

Season 2, Episode 174 Sterling Public Library is preparing to roll out a mobile library —and in this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Library Director Jennifer Slaney about what that means for the community. They discuss accessibility, outreach to senior and underserved residents, the timeline for launch, and the broader mission of keeping the library welcoming to all. List...

Season 2, Episode 173 ✨ For over 40 years, Community Christmas for Children has brought joy and care to families across the region. Host Nathan Stahr talks with volunteers Carol Siefken and Rita Smith about how the program began, the impact it continues to have, and how listeners can join in the giving spirit. 🎁 Tune in for heartfelt stories and meaningful holiday inspiration. 🎄 👉 Don’t forget...

Season 2, Episode 172 Prepare for winter like a pro! ❄️ Nathan Stahr chats with meteorologist Andrew Stutzke on how to protect your home, commute, and yourself this season 🏠🚗 Listen: https://theradar.online/along-the-rock-s2-ep-172-winter-weather-tips-with-andrew-stutzke/ 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more local stories from Rock Falls and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcas...

Take control of your money with Cash & Coffee ! ☕💵 Nathan Stahr and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes dive into the 4 pillars of budgeting — your essentials, debt, savings, and wants — and offer practical tips to stretch your dollars, reduce stress, and build financial confidence. Perfect for anyone looking to make their budget work smarter, not harder. 🎧 Listen now: https://theradar.online/cash-coffee-t...

In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Gary Camarano , the Economic Development Director for Whiteside County , to explore how northwest Illinois is stepping into a new era of innovation and growth. From transforming the Prairie Hill Landfill into a solar energy site to attracting foreign investment from Germany and rolling out high-speed fiber broadband , Gary shares...

In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Tori Highley , Josh Snow , Nora Highley , and Olivia Reiners from the Dixon Historic Theatre to talk about not one, but two upcoming youth productions — Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. and Rogers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Youth Edition! Hear how these young performers are balancing rehearsals, learning accents, and bringi...

S2 Ep 169 Host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Ben Sondgeroth from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois about guiding students in a digital-first world. From responsible tech use to building digital citizenship skills, this episode explores how educators and communities can prepare students for the future. Listen + read more: https://theradar.online/along-the-rock-s2-ep-169-tech-in-the-classroom-ben...

Sterling is on the move! In this episode of Along the Rock , host Nathan Stahr sits down with Sterling City Manager Scott Shumard to talk about the city’s major redevelopment efforts, exciting infrastructure updates, and what recent legislation means for Sterling’s future. From the River Edge Redevelopment Zone and Rock River TIF extension to progress on Light Street , Second Street , and new mult...

How do college students turn ideas into action? On this episode of Along the Rock , Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Aaron Roe , Club Advisor for Service Without Borders at Sauk Valley Community College, to explore how students are leading local initiatives—from road cleanups to food pantries and animal shelter partnerships. Tune in to hear how one student organization is building leadership, community...

A hidden hometown resource with big impact. In this episode, we sit down with representatives from the Sterling-Rock Falls Community Trust to discuss how renewable scholarships, adult education support, and nonprofit grants are building the future of Sterling and Rock Falls—one opportunity at a time. Listen now → https://theradar.online/along-the-rock-s2-ep-166-investing-in-tomorrow-right-here-at-...

In this heartwarming episode of Along the Rock , host Nathan Stahr sits down with Dawn Arndt , Liam , and Bryce from The Penguin Project of Sauk Valley — a local theater program giving children and young adults with special needs a chance to shine on stage. 🌟 Learn how this inclusive program pairs actors with peer mentors, creating friendships and unforgettable performances. Dawn shares what make...

🪦 How do you restore history when it’s been buried for over a century? In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Dana Fellows , founder of the Round Grove Restoration Project . Hear how he’s bringing dignity and memory back to long-forgotten graves through careful restoration, research, and a deep respect for the past. 🎧 Listen on Spotify or at: 👉 https://theradar.online/...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Eric Valdez and Melissa Erdmier from Sauk Valley Community College to talk about the 6th Annual SVCC Freedom 5K — a fun run/walk that gives back to those who served. 🏃‍♂️ Event Details: When: Saturday, November 15th at 9:00 a.m. Where: Sauk Valley Community College campus Registration Fee: $30 — proceeds support the SVCC Student...

Government shutdown? No paycheck? Don’t panic. Nathan Stahr and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes share simple, realistic steps to get through financial uncertainty — including how to cut expenses, find community support, and build a safety net for the future. Listen to Cash & Coffee now: https://theradar.online/cash-coffee-how-to-survive-a-government-shutdown/ 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe...

Season 2, Episode 162 Join host Kaitlyn Blum on this episode of Along the Rock as she chats with Candace Buikema and Jerry Stock , the creative minds behind Walk4Rox —a community art movement spreading joy, one painted rock at a time! Learn how this simple yet powerful project began during the pandemic, turning everyday walks into opportunities for creativity and kindness. From local trails to des...

On this special Halloween episode of Along the Rock , our regular programming takes a spooky turn as Route 66 Paranormal investigates our office! From flickering EMF readings to unexplained whispers and even Emma’s headphones mysteriously moving on their own , this investigation left everyone speechless. Was it just the wind—or something otherworldly ? 👀 💬 We want to hear from YOU! Comment below...

What happens when pollution turns into progress? 🌿 Host Nathan Stahr chats with Robbin Blackert , City Administrator of Rock Falls, about how Brownfield Grants are breathing new life into once-abandoned industrial sites. Learn how Rock Falls cleaned up hazardous land, attracted new development, and became a national model for environmental and economic renewal. 🎙️ Along the Rock — stories of tran...

Grab your girlfriends and get ready to Sip, Shop, and Support! 💕 On this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts chats with Ashley Richter from United Way of Lee County about one of the most fun fundraisers of the year — the Girlfriend Gala! This event is a true ladies’ night out, filled with delicious food, drinks, raffles, silent auctions, live music from Kathy and Dre , and a variety of ex...