Along The Rock

In this episode, hosts Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes break down the growing trend of buy now, pay later services like Klarna and Afterpay. These payment options promise convenience with four easy payments and no interest, but are they actually helping your budget or quietly hurting it? Emma and Kayla take a hard look at how these services work, who they target, and why they can quickly lead t...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with legendary performer Tony Danza ahead of his live appearance in Dixon. Known for his iconic roles in Taxi and Who’s the Boss, Danza brings a completely different side of his talent to the stage with Standards and Stories. The live show blends music from the Great American Songbook, personal storytelling, comedy, and tap dancing int...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Christy Zepezauer, Executive Director of Woodlawn Arts Academy, to talk about an important but often overlooked opportunity for local families: financial aid. Woodlawn Arts Academy has awarded more than $290,000 in financial assistance, helping students of all ages access classes in music, theater, dance, and visual arts. Learn how...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Barb Mask to highlight everything you need to know about Fulton Dutch Days, one of the Sauk Valley’s most beloved annual festivals. From the iconic Dutch dancing in wooden shoes to the rich cultural traditions that make this event unique, this episode dives into what makes Dutch Days a must-attend experience. Barb shares the history...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Dallas Knack to introduce the inaugural Sauk Valley Young Creators Camp, a brand-new entrepreneurship program for middle school students in the Sauk Valley area. Starting June 10 and running through July 11, this weekly camp is designed for students entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The program focuses on building real-world skills...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Melinda Jones from Rock Falls Tourism to break down everything happening this summer in Rock Falls. From returning favorites like Belson Music Fest, Eats and Beats, Art in the Park, and the Independence Day celebration to brand-new events like Salute to America 250 and an expanded River Chase weekend, there is something for everyo...

Join host Nathan Stahr as he sits down with Dale Hayen and Ana Garcia from the Tri-County Gun Club to talk about their 25th annual Open House Fundraiser. This free, family-friendly event is designed for everyone, from experienced shooters to those who have never handled a firearm before. Learn about the wide range of activities available, including hands-on instruction, multiple shooting ranges, a...

Discover what makes northwest Illinois a hidden gem in this episode of Along the Rock, hosted by Nathan Stahr and featuring Matthew Lenox from Visit Northwest Illinois. Lenox shares how Visit Northwest Illinois supports tourism across Carroll, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties, helping communities work together to promote local events, businesses, and attractions. From scenic river views along the...

Welcome to Cash and Coffee, brought to you by the Radar Free Press. In this episode, hosts Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes take a closer look at one of the most talked-about personal finance strategies: the debt snowball versus the debt avalanche. If you are working to pay off credit cards, student loans, or other debt, this episode breaks down how each method works and what actually makes the...

Join us for this episode of Along the Rock as host Emma Watts sits down with Ethan Harrington, Gracie Young, and Dallas Knack from Sauk Valley Under 40 to talk about building connections, growing professionally, and giving back to the community. Sauk Valley Under 40 is creating opportunities for young professionals across the region to network, develop skills, and get involved locally. One of thei...

Join us for another exciting episode of Along the Rock as host Nathan Stahr welcomes Robin Duncan and Janna Groharing from Sterling Main Street to talk about one of the Sauk Valley’s favorite annual traditions, the Sterling Main Street Car Show. Taking place on Sunday, May 3, this highly anticipated event continues to grow year after year, drawing car enthusiasts and spectators from across the reg...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Lori VanOosten from the Twin City Farmers Market to talk all about the exciting return of the outdoor market season and their Earth Day celebration. The outdoor market officially opens on April 25 from 8:00 a.m. to noon in downtown Sterling, bringing together a full lineup of vendors, fresh produce, handmade goods, and delicious foo...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts is joined by Ana Smith, Director of the Lowell Park Nature Center, to talk about the exciting return of Pallets in the Park, a creative and community-driven Earth Day celebration. After a hiatus, this unique event is back and bigger than ever, inviting individuals, families, and local businesses to decorate wooden pallets as a way to showcase crea...

Join us for another episode of Along the Rock, brought to you by The Radar Free Press. Host Emma Watts sits down with Andrew Jackson from Sinnissippi Centers to talk about an exciting upcoming event and a major milestone year for the organization. Celebrating 60 Years of Sinnissippi Centers | Gathering for Good Fundraiser is the second annual event designed to bring the community together for a fu...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Rebecca Muñoz-Ripley, Executive Director of the YWCA of Sauk Valley, to talk about the 43rd Annual Women of Achievement Luncheon and the impact it has across the Sauk Valley. Rebecca shares the history behind this long-standing event, how it highlights and honors women making a difference in Lee and Whiteside counties, and why it...

Should you invest extra income or pay off your house early? On this episode of Cash and Coffee, Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes break down a real-life scenario using an extra $700 per month and show how each decision can impact your financial future. With all debt paid off and retirement contributions already on track, the hosts compare two powerful strategies: accelerating a 15-year mortgage v...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with leadership from Sauk Valley Community College to discuss a major transition and what it means for the future of higher education in the Sauk Valley. Outgoing president Dr. David Hellmich reflects on more than a decade of leadership, highlighting the college’s strong connection to the community, the growth of key partnerships, and...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Mark Peterson and Rebecca Anderson from Highland Community College Lifelong Learning to explore how history, education, and community come together uniquely and engagingly. The conversation highlights the Lifelong Learning program and its wide range of offerings, from creative arts and culinary classes to in-depth history presenta...

Spring is here, and that means it’s time to get your hands in the dirt 🌱 On this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts sits down with Bruce Black from the University of Illinois Extension to talk all things gardening. From when to plant in Northern Illinois to how to prepare your garden beds, this episode is packed with practical tips for gardeners of all experience levels. Bruce breaks dow...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Connor Self, President of D8 Summit Charities, to talk about the return of the D8 Summit Charity Convention and how tabletop gaming is bringing people together for a great cause. From its beginnings as a small fundraiser following a devastating tornado to a multi-day convention drawing attendees from across the country, D8 Summit ha...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Jake Wallin and Ellen Holder from CER LARP to explore the world of live action roleplay and how it brings fantasy to life right here in the Sauk Valley. From building unique characters to battling monsters, solving puzzles, and shaping an evolving storyline, CER LARP offers an immersive experience that goes far beyond traditional ta...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Ashley Covell from Emmanuel Baptist Church to talk about the upcoming Women’s Priority Conference simulcast coming to Sterling. This free, two-day event brings women together for a powerful and encouraging experience centered around this year’s theme, Beautiful Scars. Hosted locally but streamed from the Illinois Baptist State Assoc...

Get ready for a night of fun, friendly competition, and community impact. On this episode of Along the Rock , host Nathan Stahr sits down with Jim Greer and Tony Crisp from the Bi-County Special Education Foundation to talk about their upcoming Trivia Night fundraiser. This annual event brings the Sauk Valley community together for an evening of trivia, prizes, and giving back to a cause that dire...

Should you invest while paying off debt, or focus on becoming debt-free first? On this episode of Cash and Coffee , hosts Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes break down one of the most debated topics in personal finance. Using real numbers and a clear example, they compare two strategies: splitting money between investing and debt payments, or putting everything toward eliminating debt first. What...

In this episode of Along the Rock , host Nathan Stahr brings you part two of an in-depth conversation with regional city leadership from across the Sauk Valley. Joined by Danny Langloss (Dixon), Scott Shumard (Sterling), and Robbin Blackery (Rock Falls), this episode dives deeper into the realities of economic development, public safety costs, workforce challenges, and the strategies shaping the f...