Along The Rock

Season 2, Episode 107 🌾 On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum welcomes restoration ecologists Molly Duncan and Tyler Pellegrini to share the story of the Nachusa Grasslands near Franklin Grove, Illinois. Once just 400 acres in the mid-1980s, Nachusa has grown into a 4,000-acre preserve of tallgrass prairies, wetlands, and woodlands—all thanks to dedicated staff, researchers, and a...

🎉 The 72nd Annual Fiesta Day Parade is rolling through Rock Falls and Sterling — and we’ve got everything you need to know! Host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Dallas Knack and Jose Barrientos from the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Business Leaders Committee to share the history, traditions, and exciting updates for this year’s parade. In this episode: The origins of the Fies...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Kayla Hemminger to talk all about Beers & Gears , Sterling and Rock Falls’ annual bicycle pub crawl. From breakfast at Lisa’s Brick House to stops at local favorites like The Factory, North End, Nick’s, The Cooler, Sammy’s Slots, Corner Tap, Crafted Roots, and The Precinct, this event is all about fun, community, and supporti...

Season 2, Episode 104 Sterling is changing—new housing, upgraded parks, major road projects, and exciting community events are shaping the city’s future. 🎙️ In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Sterling City Manager Scott Shumard to discuss: Which parks the city owns and how they’ve been improved 🌳 Why Second Street construction is delayed 🚧 Housing challenges and...

Season 2, Episode 103 Host Kaitlyn Blum is joined by Jake Wallin and Diamond Pajak to talk about the exciting world of Live Action Roleplay (LARP) —where costumes, characters, and creativity bring epic stories to life. They also share details about the upcoming Fallen Fantasy Fest in Dixon, Illinois, a free family-friendly event that blends Renaissance festival fun with learning, animals, crafts,...

Host Kaitlyn Blum chats with Tyler Zepezauer and Sebastian Seibel from the Dixon High School Broadcasting Club about how a student-led team is transforming school events into professional-level broadcasts. From covering basketball games and halftime trivia to producing news segments and tackling away-game challenges, these students are gaining real-world skills in communication, teamwork, and medi...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Gavin Fischer and Dani Lovett, two student leaders from the Key Clubs of Sterling and Dixon High Schools. Discover what makes Key Club the world’s largest student-led service organization, how local clubs are making a difference through projects like blanket-making for new mothers at CGH Medical Center and hygiene drives for the...

In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Parker Zimmerly , a student from Amboy Junior High School who competed in the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee , and Tom Wadsworth , recently named Volunteer of the Year for his 43 years of service to local spelling competitions. Parker shares what it was like to step onto the national stage in Washington, D.C., the excitement of c...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Rock Falls City Administrator Robbin Blackert to answer YOUR questions about how the city really works. From attracting new businesses and managing empty storefronts to funding road repairs and running city-owned utilities, Blackert explains the challenges and opportunities shaping Rock Falls. She also clears up common questions...

Golden Meals has been serving seniors across northwest Illinois since 1974, providing more than just nutritious food—it delivers connection, dignity, and care. In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum speaks with Diane Randecker and Kelli Keefer from the Northwestern Illinois Community Action Agency’s Golden Meals program. Together, they discuss the history of the program, its shift f...

In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum welcomes Marc Tintori from the Optimist Club to share details about Buddy Ball , a brand-new baseball league designed for children with physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges. Buddy Ball breaks away from traditional rules — no strikes, no outs, and no pressure — ensuring every child has the chance to bat, play the field, and feel the...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Sauk Valley’s athletic directors — Derick Cox (Rock Falls High School), Roger Fegan (Dixon High School), Justin Stevenson (Newman Central Catholic), and Evan Wyllie (Sterling High School) — to talk about the new school year, behind-the-scenes prep for sports programs, and student safety improvements, including Rock Falls’ new ful...

Season 2, Episode 95 🎨 Host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Sandy and Dan Burke to preview the 76th Annual Grand Detour Arts Festival , a Sauk Valley tradition blending art, music, food, and history. Held at the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour, Illinois, this free, family-friendly event takes place Sunday, September 7, from 9 AM to 4 PM . In this episode, discover: Nearly 40 artists showcasi...

Season 2, Episode 94 In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum welcomes Floyd Dunn , veteran and founder of the Valor Support Project , a nonprofit dedicated to giving back to veterans and first responders in need. Floyd shares the story behind starting the organization, the powerful impact it’s had on families facing crisis, and details about the upcoming Riding for Valor fundraiser—a...

In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum chats with Bruce Black from the Illinois Extension about the power of gardening, nature, and volunteerism. Discover how the Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs are helping people across Illinois grow their skills and give back to their communities. Bruce shares expert tips for new gardeners, how to get kids involved, the surprising v...

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Timestamps & Highlights: 00:24 - What is Neurodivergence? 1:42 - Overview of Being Neurodivergent 3:30 - Misconceptions of being Neurodivergent 5:05 - Benefits of Joining 6:32 - Want more Information? Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms bel...

In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum welcomes Dixon City Manager Danny Langloss to discuss how the city is transforming into a more walkable, connected, and thriving community. From the exciting Project Rock initiative to new business developments, expanded trails, and infrastructure updates—this episode is packed with insights into Dixon’s bold future. 🎙️ Topics include: The new...

🎧 In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Heather Grobe, director of the Lovett Child Development Center in Dixon, Illinois—a newly expanded child care facility that's already making a big impact. Heather shares how Lovett, a branch of the Dixon Family YMCA , is meeting a critical need for local families by offering care for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years, including...

🚜 Faith Meets Farm Life! In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Pastor Jim Miller to explore the heart and history behind the Farm Heritage Festival in Sterling, Illinois. Now in its 18th year, this beloved community event features everything from vintage tractors and live demonstrations to goat milking, bouncy houses, rope-making, and a famous country breakfast. But...

In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum welcomes Melinda Jones from Rock Falls Tourism to talk about one of the city’s most anticipated events— Art in the Park ! Discover how this annual event transforms the RBNW District into a vibrant celebration of public art and community creativity. Melinda shares details about this year’s highlights, including: 🗿 8 brand-new sculptures from ar...

Season 2, Episode 87 Sterling is growing—and City Manager Scott Schumard is here to break it all down. In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum gets the inside scoop on the city’s biggest projects, from downtown developments to major infrastructure upgrades. Get updates on: • The proposed “Barrels and Boards” brewery and entertainment center • Construction delays, including a surprise...

S2 EP 86: In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Michelle Schwarz and Danny Sward, co-founders of Paws for the Powerless , a nonprofit born from love, loss, and a powerful mission. Founded in memory of Michelle’s husband, Blake — a compassionate leader and former correctional officer who died by suicide — the organization trains and donates therapy dogs to schools, law en...

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Ben Lightner about Dixon Stage Left’s “Shakespeare and the Summer Sun” production of Julius Caesar. This special one-hour adaptation brought the political intrigue, betrayal, and aftermath of Caesar’s assassination to life on Sauk Valley Community College’s outdoor stage. Ben shared what made this version unique, the real-world releva...

🏈 NFL Flag Football is coming to Rock Falls! In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Ellie Hanlon from the Sterling Rock Falls YMCA about the exciting launch of the area's first and only official NFL Flag Football program . Open to kids from Pre-K through 12th grade, this co-ed league emphasizes safety, skill-building, and personal growth — all while keeping the game...

Season 2, Episode 83 In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Vanessa Wessels to talk about the Sauk Valley Leadership Program — a nine-month journey designed to develop leadership skills, build connections, and inspire community engagement. From visiting local “hidden gems” to learning about emotional intelligence, leadership ethics, and the economic impact of industrie...