Along The Rock

🎄 Fall into Festivity at the Annual Festival of Trees & Country Store! 🎄 On this episode of Along the Rock , host Nathan Stahr sits down with Heather Dauen from Rock River Hospice and Home to talk about their 36th annual Festival of Trees & Country Store — a community favorite filled with holiday magic and heart. Heather shares the history of the event, its move to the McCormick Event Ce...

On this episode of Along the Rock , hosts Emma Watts and Quinn Stahr pull back the curtain on Rock Falls High School’s fall production — Play On! by Rick Abbot — a hilarious play within a play where everything that can go wrong… definitely does! Joining them are cast members Ale Cid , Pablo Cid , Aaliyah White , and Jake Andrzejewski to talk about the chaos of rehearsals, the comedy of on-stage “m...

In this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts chats with Ashley Covell from Emanuel Baptist Church about the AWSOM Girls Conference — a two-day experience for girls in grades 5–12 focused on faith, fellowship, and finding purpose in God’s kingdom. 🎶 Discover how this inspiring event helps young women Rise, Run, and Soar through worship, service, and community. Listen now and be encouraged:...

Part 1 of 2, (Part 2 will post on Halloween) In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Ashton Durband and Stu Blaine from Route 66 Paranormal , a team dedicated to exploring the unknown. From spirits and strange noises to sightings of Bigfoot and fairies, Route 66 Paranormal brings science, curiosity, and open-minded investigation to the world of the unexplained. Ashton...

💸 Staying on budget doesn’t have to be hard — you just need the right system. Join Kayla Tenboer and Kaitlyn Blum on Cash & Coffee as they break down how the cash envelope method can transform your spending habits and help you take control of your finances. ☕ Tune in for real-world advice, relatable stories, and practical tips to help your budget “behave.” Listen now: https://theradar.online...

Season 2, Episode 153 In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker about his appearance on the national TV series FBI True and the intense 2017 kidnapping case that gripped the Sauk Valley area. Sheriff Booker served as the incident commander during the investigation — a high-stakes operation that brought together local police, state police,...

Season 2, Episode 152 ✈️ On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Lindsey Kerr , executive director of Lifeline Pilots , and Peyton Metzel , longtime volunteer pilot and board member. Together, they share how this incredible nonprofit provides free, non-emergency flights for patients traveling hundreds of miles for medical care. From its humble beginnings in Champaign, Illi...

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 151 – What Is LSSI? A Closer Look at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois In this episode, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Hannah Stingley and Ahleah Lopez from LSSI about how their programs— Youth Works and Project LEAD —are helping students build emotional awareness, prevent substance use, and strengthen community connections. Tune in to discover how early education and local e...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Marisa Guernsey and Elisabeth Henson from Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois about how the organization goes far beyond thrifting to make a lasting difference in our community. From career coaching and GED programs to veteran employment services and disability support, Goodwill empowers individuals across Northern Illinois to o...

Season 2, Episode 149 Host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Kyle Ferrebee about the Reagan Boyhood Home in Dixon, Illinois — where local preservation meets national legacy. From community restoration in the 1980s to modern youth engagement programs, learn how this site keeps Ronald Reagan’s story and values alive for generations to come. 🎧 Listen now: https://theradar.online/along-the-rock-s2-ep-149-prese...

💚 Season 2, Episode 148 – An Unforgettable Anniversary: A Daughter’s Life-Saving Gift When 24-year-old Christi Herbon learned her stepfather, Mike Vaneil, needed a kidney transplant, she didn’t hesitate. Against all odds, they were an almost perfect match — and the surgery changed both of their lives forever. Join host Kaitlyn Blum on Along the Rock for this heartwarming conversation about love,...

The Sterling Public Library is gearing up for its annual Local Author Fair , and there’s something for every kind of reader! 📚 In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum chats with Ben Knapp from the Sterling Public Library about what visitors can expect at this year’s event — from mystery and memoirs to children’s picture books and poetry. Hear about the inspiring authors behind the s...

Season 2, Episode 150 In this fun and upbeat episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Kelly Hoagland and Sue Farthing from River Country Stomp. Discover how this local line dancing group built a welcoming community through music, laughter, and weekly Thursday night sessions. 🎧 Tune in now and hear why River Country Stomp is about more than just dancing—it’s about connection, c...

In this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts talks with Katelyn Rodriguez and Maggie Wike about a one-of-a-kind Halloween event — the Monster Mash and Costume Party at Rooted Wellness Center in Sterling. This celebration is designed to be sensory-friendly , inclusive , and welcoming for families of all kinds. From a mellow dance party and pumpkin decorating contest to sensory activities and...

On this episode of Cash & Coffee , hosts Kaitlyn Blum and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes share how to get started with budgeting — using just three simple W’s: What you make, Where it goes, and When it leaves. Learn how to track your spending, plan your cash flow, and take control of your finances — one cup of coffee at a time. ☕ 🎧 Listen now: https://theradar.online/cash-coffee-building-a-budget/ #Cas...

Join host Emma Watts on this episode of Along the Rock as she talks with Gwen Strum from OSF HealthCare about Nourish the Journey — a community-focused 5K walk designed to support moms, families, and caregivers. The walk promotes awareness of the breastfeeding journey and celebrates the care, teamwork, and dedication it takes to nurture both moms and babies. Gwen also shares how OSF’s programs — i...

Celebrate fall at the Twin City Farmers Market in Sterling, Illinois! 🍂 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr talks with Lori VanOosten about the Harvest Moon Festival, a family-friendly celebration marking the end of the outdoor market season. Discover what makes this event a community favorite — from the petting zoo and vendor trick-or-treating to fresh produce, baked goods, craf...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts sits down with Brian and Elizabeth Tribley , leaders of Pink Heals Sauk Valley , to share the incredible story behind the pink fire trucks that have become symbols of love, hope, and encouragement for cancer patients across northern Illinois. Learn how this national movement began with one firefighter’s dream and grew into a network of chapters t...

Season 2, Episode 141 — Building a Better Dixon: Big 4th of July Plans & Community Vision Host Nathan Stahr welcomes Dixon City Manager Danny Langloss to discuss the exciting developments coming to Dixon, including a massive 250th anniversary celebration , new infrastructure, and the importance of teamwork in driving community success. 🎆 Tune in for insights on leadership, planning, and why t...

Part 1 of 2 In this heartwarming episode of Along the Rock , host Nathan Stahr talks with Jason Brown , Heather Wittenauer , and Cami Hartman from Sterling Public Schools about three amazing therapy dogs— Scone , Oxford , and Chuli —who are transforming classrooms and touching lives every day. Discover how these specially trained dogs help students feel calm, connected, and supported. From unique...

🎙️ Fall in Love with Dixon! Host Nathan Stahr welcomes Jennifer Lang and Lucas Pauley from Discover Dixon to talk about the city’s busiest season — filled with witches, scarecrows, parades, and pumpkins! 🎃 Tune in for all the details about upcoming events, the people behind them, and the local pride that keeps Dixon’s downtown thriving. #DiscoverDixon #AlongTheRock #FallPodcast #CommunityEvents #...

In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kaitlyn Blum chats with Ben Lightner , director of Dixon High School’s fall play, Ladies of the Jury . This courtroom “dramady” blends humor, suspense, and timeless themes of justice and equality — all brought to life by talented DHS students. Ben shares why he chose this classic 1920s play, how rehearsals have been going, and why theater is such a valuable...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Nathan Stahr sits down with Sam Kersey from the Rock Falls Chamber to discuss the exciting updates for two of the community’s most anticipated holiday events: Biz Boo Trick or Treat on October 24 and Holiday Bingo on November 20 . Learn about the new event layouts , fun activities for the whole family , $500 giveaway , festive costume contests , and how the...

Who says the curtain falls at 55? 🎭 Dixon Stage Left is proving that talent has no age limit with their debut senior theater showcase, We Still Got It! Host Emma Watts talks with Jimmy Ferraro and Karen Kaufman about rediscovering joy, purpose, and creativity through performance — and why this showcase is more than just a show. Listen to this uplifting episode of Along the Rock , presented by The...

On this episode of Cash & Coffee , Kayla Tenboer-Sipes and Kaitlyn Blum share a simple, actionable guide to lowering your monthly expenses. Learn how to track your spending, trim recurring bills, reduce subscription costs, and even save on energy — all with easy steps you can start today. Listen in and discover how small financial changes can make a big impact on your wallet. #CashAndCoffee #B...