Along The Rock

Get ready for an exciting preview of what’s coming to Dixon Stage Left in 2026 🎭 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Ben Lightner of Dixon Stage Left to break down the upcoming 2026 season. From season auditions and leadership updates to a full lineup of comedies, dramas, musicals, workshops, and a few carefully teased surprises, this conversation offers a behind-the...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts is joined by Katie Baker from Lee County 4-H to talk about youth development, leadership, and the Pawsitive Leaders Club —a hands-on program that helps young people build confidence while training and bonding with their dogs. Katie shares an overview of what 4-H offers through the University of Illinois Extension, including Clover Buds, community...

Get an inside look at what’s coming to the Dixon Historic Theatre in 2026 on this episode of Along the Rock. Host Emma Watts sits down with Spencer Aurand to break down an exciting first half of the season, featuring high-energy tribute bands, community collaborations, local talent showcases, and major touring acts. Spencer shares details on upcoming shows including an AC/DC tribute, Irish rock fo...

Season 3 Episode 8In this episode, Nathan Stahr talks with Jim Wise, Commander of VFW Post 5418 in Rock Falls, about challenges facing the post, why they’re selling their bar property, and how the VFW is refocusing on veteran support and community engagement. Tune in to hear how tradition meets transformation for local veterans. 📖 Read the related article: https://theradar.online/along-the-rock-s...

In this episode of Cash and Coffee , hosts Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes break down smart strategies for moving without breaking your budget. Learn why waiting a month before buying new furniture and décor can protect your finances — plus tips on needs vs. wants and budgeting for unexpected costs. Read the full article here: https://theradar.online/cash-and-coffee-moving-tips-and-tricks/ ☕ S...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts sits down with Rock Falls native and Grammy-nominated recording engineer Mitch Furr for an in-depth conversation about music, mentorship and staying grounded while working at the highest levels of the industry. Furr discusses his first Grammy nomination for his work as an engineer on The SteelDrivers’ latest album, Outrun , and shares how the opp...

Welcome back to another episode of Along the Rock , brought to you by the Radar Free Press. Host Emma Watts sits down with Deb Mortonson of the Sterling Rock Falls YMCA as she reflects on her retirement after 13 years of service to the local Y and a decades-long career with YMCA organizations across the country. From teaching swim lessons and leading youth programs to building lifelong relationshi...

Season 3, Episode 5 Host Emma Watts sits down with Stephanie McLean from Sauk Valley CPR to discuss infant CPR, choking relief techniques, and a free community training class designed to equip caregivers with lifesaving skills. Learn how you can be prepared in an emergency and why these skills matter—especially for parents, grandparents, and babysitters. 📍 Read the full article: https://theradar....

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts sits down with Spencer Aurand of the Dixon Historic Theatre to preview the first event of the theater’s 2026 season. The season kicks off with Windy City Dueling Pianos, a high-energy, interactive show that blends music, comedy, and audience participation into one unforgettable night. Spencer shares what makes dueling pianos such a unique experie...

In this episode, hosts Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes break down mortgage basics for anyone who feels “clueless” about home loans. From loan types and amortization to budgeting, down payments, and interest rates — we explain what you actually need to know before buying a house. Real talk, no jargon. 👉 Read the full article: https://theradar.online/cash-coffee-what-is-a-mortgage/ 👉 Don’t forg...

Welcome back to another episode of Along the Rock , brought to you by The Radar Free Press . Host Emma Watts is joined by Danny Langloss, Scott Shumard, and Robbin Blackert , the city administrators and managers representing Dixon, Sterling, and Rock Falls , for an in-depth conversation about collaboration, community identity, and the future of the Sauk Valley. In this episode, the group explores...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Abby Hoskins from Birth to Five Illinois and Anji Garza of the Sauk Valley STARS Coalition to discuss how early childhood support systems are shaping stronger families across the Sauk Valley. The conversation explores how collaboration between community organizations helps identify family needs, expand access to child care and presc...

In this episode, host Nathan Stahr talks with Martha Ebbesmeyer from the University of Illinois Extension and Sterling High School seniors Giselle Guerrero, Kara Garcia, and Brianne Farrington about the Teen Teachers program — an exciting youth leadership initiative through Illinois 4-H that builds confidence, communication skills, and real teaching experience for high school students. Learn how t...

Ever wondered when you should start teaching kids about money — and how? In this episode of Cash & Coffee , hosts Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes break down practical ways to introduce the basics of saving, spending, and giving. Learn how visual tools, chore-based earnings, and everyday modeling can help children build healthy money habits from a young age. Read the full article and recap h...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Katy Selmi is joined by her daughter, Mary Kay Downs, to share the story behind Selmi’s Formalwear and how a family need turned into Sauk Valley’s go-to destination for prom, homecoming, and formal attire. From long drives to find the perfect dress to bringing nationally recognized designers right to their hometown, Katy and Mary Kay walk through the growth...

Season 2, Episode 207🧠 New Year, New You! Tackling Mental Health with SilverCloud In this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts talks with Licensed Clinical Social Worker Dominique Dietz from OSF Healthcare about SilverCloud — a free, digital mental health support platform designed to help adults manage mild to moderate stress, anxiety, and depression. Discover how this flexible, evidence-b...

🎧 New on Cash & Coffee: Goal Setting That Works Long-term goals can seem impossible — especially when they’re years away. In this episode, Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes introduce the P.O.W.E.R.S. Statement — a clear, practical method for turning vague aspirations into achievable plans. Learn how to find your deeper purpose, plan ahead, write goals down, set exact targets, reward progress...

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Aaron Fullan — an actor, composer, and content creator who truly does it all. From large-scale film productions to composing studio-defining music, Aaron shares what it means to build a creative career rooted in purpose, perseverance, and passion. Aaron talks about:• Working across film, theater, and music composition• Creating the...

In this conversation, Danny shares updates and insight on major projects shaping Dixon’s future, including the new pedestrian bridge and Project ROC, riverfront redevelopment, downtown growth, housing initiatives, trail expansion, and long-term economic development along the I-88 corridor. He also discusses succession planning within city leadership and explores big-picture ideas that could transf...

In this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts sits down with Janet Jarvis of the American Red Cross and her son Ben Jarvis to talk about the life-saving work of the Red Cross and why blood donation matters more than ever. Janet explains how the American Red Cross is much more than blood drives—responding to disasters, supporting military families, and offering critical training like CPR, swi...

In this episode of Cash & Coffee , hosts Emma Watts and Kayla Tumbor-Sites break down the snowball method for paying off debt — from student loans to car payments. You’ll hear practical tips for budgeting, organizing your debt, and building real momentum without sacrificing financial stability. Topics covered: • Why clarity is the first step • How to organize debts from smallest to largest • S...

In this episode of Along the Rock , host and guest Nick Pepper takes us inside 7:24 Fitness on the Rock , a Rock Falls gym built on the belief that lasting health starts with a solid foundation. Located along the river, 7:24 Fitness on the Rock focuses on helping people move beyond short-term goals and create long-lasting results through personalized fitness, nutrition guidance, and accountability...

Host Nathan Stahr is joined by Amanda Carroll and Brandy Muntean of Kreider Services for an in-depth conversation about the organization’s more than 70 years of service and its innovative Thrive program . Together, they explore how Thrive helps individuals with developmental disabilities build life skills, gain work experience, and find meaningful, customized employment in the community. Learn how...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Nathan Stahr is joined by AnneMarie Williams and Adam Czamanske of Prairie Brome Solar to discuss the company’s proposed utility-scale solar project in Lee County and its commitment to being a strong community partner. Prairie Brome Solar is developing a 180-megawatt solar project east of Dixon, and beyond energy development, the team is focused on giving b...

Is it too early to think about retirement? Not if you want financial freedom later. ☕ On Cash & Coffee , we break down retirement savings for beginners — compound interest, Roth vs. traditional accounts, and how to start even with student loans. 🎧 Listen now: https://theradar.online/cash-coffee-saving-for-retirement/ 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more local stories from R...