Along The Rock

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...

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...