Along The Rock

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts welcomes educator Kathy Book for an eye-opening conversation about what 4-H really is today. Brought to you by the Radar Free Press, this episode explores how 4-H has grown far beyond farm animals and tractors into a dynamic program focused on leadership, creativity, technology, and community service. Kathy shares how youth can get involved in ev...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Nathan Star speaks with Major Cameron Jones , a NASA Astronaut Candidate and Air Force test pilot from Savanna . Major Jones shares how his dream of becoming an astronaut began at a young age, inspired by flying with his father, a private pilot, and fueled by a strong love of math and science. Growing up, he also found motivation in seeing a hometown hero s...

Struggling to budget when your income isn’t consistent? ☕💰 In this episode of Cash and Coffee , hosts Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes walk you through a step-by-step method for creating a budget when you don’t know how much you’ll make each month. Learn how to find your baseline, plan for different pay frequencies, and turn extra income into progress toward your goals. Read the full article h...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Nathan Stahr sits down with David DeVries , owner of The Classroom in Nelson , to talk about a powerful community fundraiser benefiting the Valor Support Project . The conversation highlights the Tossing for Valor Bags Tournament , the 2026 kickoff fundraiser that brings together friendly competition, community connection, and meaningful support for local v...

Season 3, Episode 24 Firefighters. Police officers. One chili showdown. Nathan Stahr talks with Cameron Gonzalez and Chief Ryan McKenna about Rock Falls’ Battle of the Badges Chili Cookoff — how it started, how it’s grown, and why it continues to bring the community together. Read more: https://theradar.online/along-the-rock-s3-ep-24-battle-of-the-badges-chili-cookoff-rock-falls-police-vs-rock-fal...

Season 3, Episode 23 Join host Emma Watts on this on-location episode of Along the Rock as she visits Northland Mall to talk all about winter fun, family resources, and community connection. Emma is joined by Kerrie Winge to preview the upcoming Frosty Fun Fair, a free indoor event designed to bring families and community organizations together during the cold Midwest winter. Learn why the Frosty...

Season 3, Episode 22 Join host Emma Watts as she sits down with Kaitlin and Ben from the Mosaic Theatre Troupe to talk about their upcoming stage production of Persuasion — a fresh adaptation written locally and brought to life through a uniquely collaborative, director-free rehearsal process. They share how the script was developed, what makes this Jane Austen story special, and why this producti...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts sits down with Ashley Richter from the Lee and Ogle County United Way and Keri Olson from the Whiteside County United Way to break down what United Way really is and how it supports our local communities. The conversation goes beyond fundraising events and dives into the impact United Way has through funding more than 20 local nonprofits, support...

In this episode, we dive into creative and affordable Valentine’s Day ideas that help you celebrate without overspending. Hosts Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes share fun date suggestions — from discounted movie nights and scenic walks to dollar-store games and cozy nights at home. Whether you’re with a partner, friends, or family, discover meaningful ways to make Valentine’s Day special on any...

The rules were loose, the cuddles were frequent, and the football was mostly ignored in this special edition of Along the Rock . The Paws and Claws Bowl brought chaos, cuteness, and nonstop entertainment as shelter cats took over the field at Granny Rose Animal Shelter. From Rosa’s referee bribery attempts to Himsby and his twin’s repeated escapes through the spirit tunnel, this game proved that c...

Season 3 Episode 20 In this episode of Along the Rock , Nathan Stahr sits down with Agnes Szemborski and Sergio Vlahovich from Southern Illinois University Carbondale to explore what makes SIU a standout choice for students — from academics and student-faculty engagement to campus traditions and scholarship opportunities. Tune in as they break down the value of a SIU education and why so many stud...

🎙️ S3 E18: A Valentine’s Surprise Like No Other Host Nathan Stahr sits down with John Davis and Jason Brown of the Rock River Valley Barbershop Chorus/North 40 to explore their beloved Singing Valentines tradition — where quartets deliver live music, roses, and chocolates to surprise friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. From hilarious delivery stories to heartfelt moments, this episode showc...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts sits down with Falan Schwarz, Rowan Geske, and Sam Mauch to discuss the exciting revival of the theater program at Sauk Valley Community College . After years of inactivity, theater is once again taking center stage at SVCC. The guests share how they identified a creative void on campus, rallied student interest, and brought performances back to...

Explore Dixon’s rich and fascinating past on this episode of Along the Rock , brought to you by the Radar Free Press. Host Nathan Stahr sits down with local historian Tom Wadsworth to discuss his new book, Distinctive Dixon: Fascinating Stories of Dixon’s Rich History . The book has already sold out its first printing and continues to capture attention with its deep dive into the people, places, a...

🚗 Cash and Coffee | Tips for Buying a Car Facing your first car purchase? Or did your vehicle suddenly go out of commission? Hosts Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes share real-world car-buying advice to help you save money, protect your credit score, and negotiate with confidence. From paying cash vs. financing to spotting dealer fees, this episode is packed with practical guidance. 👉 Read the...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts is joined by Maverick Scott to discuss the Frozen Chains Disc Golf Tournament, a winter fundraiser benefiting the Sauk Valley Food Bank. Now in its fifth year, Frozen Chains brings the disc golf community together in the middle of winter to raise money and food for families in need after the holiday season. Maverick shares why winter disc golf pl...

Step back in time on this episode of Along the Rock as host Emma Watts welcomes Rashaad Lane from the Sauk Valley Diversity Alliance back to the show. 🎷✨ Rashaad joins the podcast to talk about the Alliance’s upcoming event, Stepping into the 20s , a 1920s-inspired evening celebrating culture, history, and community. The conversation dives into the influence of the Harlem Renaissance, the idea b...

Discover how art, history, and community come together in this episode of Along the Rock , brought to you by the Radar Free Press. Host Nathan Stahr sits down with Michael Glenn from the Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques, and Americana in Oregon, Illinois, to talk about the upcoming juried exhibit America the Beautiful , created in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independ...

🎙️ In this episode of Along the Rock , Emma Watts chats with Melinda Jones from Visit Rock Falls about Flock to the Rock 2026 — a winter celebration of bald eagles, wildlife presentations, cultural insights, and hands-on animal experiences. Learn what’s new this year, including live eagles, Ice carving, a sloth meet-and-greet, photography sessions, and more! Read full event details at the link bel...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts sits down with Micki Worrel and Emmy Burger from the Whiteside Area Career Center CEO classes to talk about their upcoming fundraising dinners and the hard work behind planning these community-focused events. The conversation highlights how students partner with local businesses, create sponsorship opportunities, and develop multiple revenue stre...

Ever found yourself sticking with something just because you already invested in it? From money and investments to relationships and everyday choices like finishing a movie you don’t enjoy, the sunk cost fallacy affects us all. In this episode, Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes explain what it is, how it shows up in your life, and how to recognize—and overcome—it. 📖 Read the full article: https:...

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...