Along The Rock

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts is joined by Lt. Jessica Tosh of the Salvation Army to talk about two beloved holiday traditions that make a real difference locally: the Red Kettle Campaign and the Angel Tree program. Learn the history behind the iconic red kettles, why the campaign continues to matter more than a century later, and how the Salvation Army is adapting with digita...

🎄 Holiday spending doesn’t have to equal holiday stress. Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes share their best Christmas shopping hacks, budget-friendly gift ideas, and simple habits to help you start the new year financially strong. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔ How to set up holiday sinking funds ✔ Why credit card “holiday deals” can cost you more ✔ The one 60-second habit that keeps your budg...

Join host Emma Watts in this heartwarming episode of Along the Rock as she sits down with Elsie Gordon from Books on First to talk about their annual Books for Babes program — a community-driven holiday effort that supports local children and families through LSSI. Learn how the giving-tree style program works, how you can donate books, toys, or monetary contributions, and why this initiative mean...

Season 2, Episode 194 Emma Watts meets with Randall Westfall from Camp Emmaus to explore “Earth Tones,” a songwriting and poetry workshop designed to help creatives draw inspiration from the natural world. From outdoor writing sessions to techniques for transforming observation into art, this episode uncovers the heart behind the program — and why it’s unlike any workshop in the region. Listen to...

🎄 On this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts sits down with Jama Ebenezer, Northland Mall’s on-site property manager, to talk about their exciting new holiday event: Opening Doors for the Community ! Join us on Saturday, December 13th, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Northland Mall for a full day of family fun, nonprofit showcases, and holiday cheer. Enjoy: ✨ Story time and photos with Sant...

Season 2, Episode 192 How much can tourism really impact a town like Rock Falls? Host Nathan Stahr sits down with Melinda Jones from Rock Falls Tourism to answer that question — and the truth may surprise you. From hotel-motel tax funding to façade grants, event sponsorships, and the launch of the Hometown Heroes Banner Program, this episode breaks down how tourism dollars quietly power community...

In this heartwarming episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Kathy Hall and Stephanie Trotter from LSSI to spotlight the incredible impact of the Holiday Hope Chest program. Serving families across Lee, Ogle, Whiteside, and Carroll counties, LSSI supports more than 4,000 clients each year—and the Holiday Hope Chest helps bring joy to nearly 400 of them during the Christmas seas...

Season 2, Episode 190 A WWE icon is coming to Nelson, Illinois — but how did it happen? In this episode of Along the Rock , Kaitlyn Blum talks with Ryan Zschiesche of ZOWA Live about the upcoming appearance of Jake “The Snake” Roberts. Hear the surprising story behind booking the legend, the heart of indie wrestling, and why this show will be one fans won’t forget. Listen now: https://theradar.onl...

Join host Emma Watts on this heartwarming episode of Along the Rock as she sits down with Julie Gallentine to explore the inspiring Blessing Bundles fundraiser. This community-driven project is bringing joy to nearly 180 local seniors who may not otherwise receive a gift or visit this holiday season. Julie, a Mary Kay director and longtime community supporter, shares how the idea began, what goes...

Think you’re too smart to get scammed? Think again. Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes break down the most common scams — from sneaky memberships and phishing emails to gift card schemes and grandparent-targeted fraud. Learn how to stay safe and protect your money. 🎧 Listen: https://theradar.online/cash-coffee-how-to-avoid-scammers/ 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more local sto...

Season 2, Episode 188 In this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts talks with Timberlake Playhouse Executive Director H. Russ Brown about the theatre’s big holiday offerings and an even bigger 2026 season reveal. Get the inside scoop on: • Two unique Christmas concerts • A season expansion from five shows to six • Alumni-centered productions • The return of a major musical not performed loc...

Kick off the holiday season with us on this festive episode of Along the Rock ! Host Emma Watts sits down with Jana Groharing and Dallas Knack to share everything you need to know about Sights and Sounds — the annual downtown Sterling celebration that lights up the Sauk Valley each December. From the community tree lighting and Santa’s Workshop to the brand-new Gateway Trolley, local vendors, phot...

Season 2, Episode 186 Dixon is launching a festive new tradition — but what inspired the first-ever Merry Makers Market ? Host Nathan Stahr sits down with the Dixon Park District to talk handcrafted vendors, holiday treats, Santa sightings, and everything planned for this seasonal celebration. Listen now: https://theradar.online/along-the-rock-s2-ep-186-dixons-merry-makers-market-holiday-crafts-tr...

Join host Emma Watts for an inspiring episode of Along the Rock as she sits down with Ben and Janet Jarvis to share an extraordinary story of strength, faith, and perseverance. In December 2024, Ben was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma. What followed was a journey filled with chemotherapy, surgeries, radiation, and countless challenges—but also resilience, support, and hope. Ben and Janet open...

Do you really need more than one savings account? In this episode of Cash & Coffee , Kayla Tenboer-Sipes and Nathan Stahr explain the three savings accounts every household should have — and why each plays a different role in building financial confidence. You’ll learn: • Why your personal savings should stay close • Why your emergency fund should stay farther away • How retirement accounts pr...

Season 2, Episode 184 Join host Nathan Stahr as he visits the Morrison Technical Innovation Center for an inside look at how Morrison Tech is preparing students for real-world careers through hands-on design, prototyping, automation labs, and industry collaboration. Guest Scott Connelly shares how the center began, how it’s expanding, and why it continues to attract national recognition. Listen no...

Experience the harmony, history, and heart of the Rock River Valley Barbershop Chorus in this festive episode of Along the Rock . Host Quinn Stahr sits down with chorus members Jason Brown , John Davis , Tim Pashon , and Matthew Butler to talk about their musical journey, upcoming performances, and the joy of singing barbershop. Learn about the chorus’s decades-long legacy, their community perform...

Season 2, Episode 182 Host Nathan Stahr talks with Diane Baker from the Whiteside County Farm Bureau about how Ag in the Classroom is transforming the way students learn about agriculture. Discover how technology, volunteer support, and hands-on activities are helping kids understand where their food, fiber, and fuel really come from. Listen now: https://theradar.online/along-the-rock-s2-ep-182-pl...

Celebrate the magic of the season with this festive episode of Along the Rock ! Host Nathan Stahr sits down with Melinda Jones and TJ Henry from Rock Falls Tourism and the Coloma Township Park District to talk all things holiday lights in Rock Falls. In this episode, we explore the beloved Holiday Light Display at Centennial Park , how it began, and how it has grown into one of the Sauk Valley’s f...

Season 2, Episode 180 In Part 2 of No Pawdy’s Perfect , Sterling Public Schools dives deeper into their therapy dog program—revealing touching stories, unexpected challenges, and the surprising ways a single dog can change the atmosphere of a school. Whether you're an educator, parent, or dog lover, this episode offers heartfelt insight into the real power of therapy animals in classrooms. 🎧...

Join host Nathan Stahr on this 2025 episode of Along the Rock , presented by the Radar Free Press, as he welcomes Monique Castillo , the new coordinator leading this year’s Sterling Toys for Tots campaign. Monique shares the mission behind Toys for Tots, the history of the program, and what her first year of leadership looks like as the community gears up to support local families this holiday sea...

Most “emergencies” aren’t emergencies — they’re expenses we knew were coming. In this episode of Cash & Coffee , Kayla Tenboer-Sipes and Nathan Stahr break down how sinking funds can transform your budget by helping you plan for large or irregular costs year-round. Whether it’s Christmas, car repairs, insurance premiums, or pet expenses, this simple method can bring peace of mind and financial...

Season 2, Episode 177 Join host Nathan Stahr for a deep dive into the world of early childhood education with guest Indy Douglas, Director of Sterling Rock Falls Childcare. In this episode, you’ll hear: • The center’s nearly 50-year history • Why early learning matters more than ever • How staffing shortages impact childcare • The grants, funding, and resources keeping programs alive • The center’...

Season 2, Episode 17650 years. Thousands of patients. One incredible story. 💙 Host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Lanetta Whitlock from OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center to celebrate her 50 years of nursing in the Sauk Valley area. From her start as a candy striper to a lifelong career in healthcare, Lanetta shares what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and why nursing is truly a labor of love. 🎙️...

Season 2, Episode 175 Host Emma Watts sits down with Sam Kersey , President and CEO of the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce , to talk about one of the area’s most anticipated traditions — Hometown Holidays ! Discover what’s new this year, from the exciting $1,000 giveaway to the indoor Love Light Ceremony , expanded vendor spaces, and the community partnerships that make this celebration possible. T...