Podcast
Along The Rock
Hosted by The Radar Free Press · EN
Along the Rock, a video podcast produced by The Radar Free Press. We speak with local people regarding nonprofits, upcoming events, awards and news for the areas of Dixon, Rock Falls and Sterling in northwest Illinois.
82episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From Community Members to Community Leaders
6d ago00:08:07Tap to summarizeLearn how local leaders are growing stronger connections throughout the Sauk Valley on this episode of Along the Rock! Host Emma Watts sits down with Vanessa Wessels and Jessica Cash from the Sauk Valley Community Leadership Program to discuss how the program is helping participants discover leadership strengths, build professional relationships, and become more involved in their communities. The conversation explores the program’s 10th graduating class, the impact of networking across industries, and how the experience continues shaping personal and professional growth long after graduation. From agriculture and education to banking and social services, the Sauk Valley Community Leadership Program brings together people from all backgrounds to better understand the communities of Dixon, Sterling, and Rock Falls.Learn more about the Sauk Valley Community Leadership Program and apply here:https://www.svcc.edu/community/leadership-program.html.👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online🎤 Highlights:0:38 Celebrating the 10th Graduating Class0:56 What Is the Sauk Valley Community Leadership Program?1:37 Leadership Topics & Community Sessions2:01 Comparing the Program to CEO Class2:38 How Participants Grow Throughout the Program3:59 Leadership, Networking & Community Connections4:22 How the Program Encourages Community Involvement5:01 “Call to Action” Presentations Explained5:20 Personal Growth & Career Impact Stories6:01 Board Member Mentorship & Inspiration6:32 How to Apply for the Leadership ProgramFollow us on all social media platforms below:https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepresshttps://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepresshttps://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHkhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/https://rumble.com/radarfreepresshttps://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepresshttps://x.com/radarfreepresshttps://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress#Sauk Valley Community Leadership Program #Along the Rock podcast #Radar Free Press #community leadership #leadership development #Sauk Valley #Sterling Illinois #Rock Falls Illinois #Dixon Illinois #local leadership program #networking opportunities #community growth #leadership training #professional development #CEO class #community involvement #local podcast #Illinois leadership program #leadership mentorship #personal growth #career growth #leadership skills #community education #Radar Online
Transcribe →The World's Largest, Operating Steam Engine... is Visiting Sterling??!
1w ago00:13:05Tap to summarizeThe legendary Big Boy Steam Engine is returning to Sterling, Illinois, and the excitement is already building across the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🚂On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Janna Groharing of Sterling Main Street and Teri Sathoff from the City of Sterling to discuss the massive historic locomotive’s upcoming stop in downtown Sterling on Tuesday, June 2.The iconic Union Pacific Big Boy steam engine drew thousands of visitors during its last visit, with train enthusiasts traveling from across the country just to witness the historic locomotive in person. This year’s stop is expected to be even bigger as part of the nationwide America 250 celebration tour.Learn about:• The Big Boy’s stop in Sterling• Downtown festivities and food trucks• Parking and viewing information• What visitors should bring• How Sterling is preparing for thousands of guests• Why this could be a once-in-a-lifetime experienceEvent Information:📍 Downtown Sterling, Illinois📅 Tuesday, June 2⏰ Big Boy Stop: 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM🎉 Festivities Begin at 11:00 AMFor updates and event information:🌐 https://sterlingmainstreet.org🌐 https://sterling-il.gov👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online🎤 Highlights:Check out The Radar Free Press and Follow us on all social media platforms below:FacebookYouTubeSpotifyApple PodcastsiHeart RadioRumbleTikTokX InstagramThreads#saukvalley #podcast #alongtherock #dixonil #rockfallsil #radarfreepress #sterlingil #illinois #bigboytrain #steamengine #trainenthusiasts #whistlestop #america250
Transcribe →Where Do Our Potato Chips Come From? | Neumiller Farms Has the Answer!
1w ago00:13:56Tap to summarizeNathan Stahr sits down with Katie Neumiller-Floming of Neumiller Farms to discuss the incredible story behind the Illinois family farm that inspired one of this year’s biggest Super Bowl commercials.Based in Savannah, Illinois, Neumiller Farms has spent generations growing potatoes along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers while building a decades-long relationship with Frito-Lay. Katie shares how her family’s farming legacy began in Eastern Europe, continued through Wisconsin, and eventually found its home in Illinois.The conversation dives into:🥔 The real-life story behind the Super Bowl commercial🚜 Working side-by-side with family every day👨👩👧 Passing the farm down to the next generation📺 What it felt like seeing their story viewed by millions🌱 Why understanding where food comes from mattersKatie also opens up about the father-daughter relationship at the center of the commercial, the challenges of succession planning on a family farm, and how agriculture continues to shape communities across Illinois.👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online🎤 Highlights:Check out The Radar Free Press and Follow us on all social media platforms below:FacebookYouTubeSpotifyApple PodcastsiHeart RadioRumbleTikTokX InstagramThreads#saukvalley #podcast #alongtherock #dixonil #rockfallsil #radarfreepress #sterlingil #illinois #football #superbowlcommercials #layspotatochips #farming #agriculture
Transcribe →Yoga Is For Everyone | Join Rebecca West as She Teaches Us Chair Yoga!
1w ago00:12:01Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Rebecca “Becky” West to discuss how chair yoga helps people improve balance, flexibility, breathing, and concentration in a supportive and welcoming environment. Becky shares how her background as a nurse practitioner inspired her passion for yoga and meditation, and why she believes anyone who can sit in a chair and breathe can participate.The episode also features a live chair yoga demonstration inside the studio, where Emma learns breathing exercises, the cat-cow pose, and a balance exercise called the pose of ascension.Chair yoga classes are held on Tuesdays from 9-9:45 a.m. in Morrison and are free to attend.For more information:📞 815-718-3699📧 allthingsyoga@gmail.com👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online🎤 Highlights:Check out The Radar Free Press and Follow us on all social media platforms below:FacebookYouTubeSpotifyApple PodcastsiHeart RadioRumbleTikTokX InstagramThreads#saukvalley #podcast #alongtherock #dixonil #rockfallsil #radarfreepress #sterlingil #illinois #yoga #chairyoga #seniorcitizens #physicalhealth #mentalhealthawareness
Transcribe →Building Relationships, Celebrating Your Story, and More! | Learning About Illinois Humanities
1w ago00:23:58Tap to summarizeJoin host Emma Watts on this episode of Along the Rock as she sits down with Robert “Bobby” White, Senior Director of Programs at Illinois Humanities, for a conversation about storytelling, community connection, and the importance of the humanities in today’s technology-driven world.The discussion explores how Illinois Humanities creates free public programs across the state, supports local communities through grants and education initiatives, and helps bring people together through meaningful conversations about culture, history, literature, and shared human experiences.Emma and Bobby also discuss:• Why the humanities matter in the age of AI• How conversation helps strengthen communities• Free programs and opportunities available across Illinois• The Odyssey Project and Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards• Illinois Voices 250 and preserving stories from all 102 Illinois counties• The importance of supporting rural and underserved communitiesLearn more about Illinois Humanities: https://www.ilhumanities.orgLearn more about Illinois 250: https://illinois250.org👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online🎤 Highlights:Check out The Radar Free Press and Follow us on all social media platforms below:FacebookYouTubeSpotifyApple PodcastsiHeart RadioRumbleTikTokX InstagramThreads#saukvalley #podcast #alongtherock #dixonil #rockfallsil #radarfreepress #sterlingil #illinois #humanities #networking #america250
Transcribe →The Largest Touch A Truck in the Nation! | Rock Falls Touch a Truck 2026
2w ago00:16:34Tap to summarizeTouch a Truck of Rock Falls is back and bigger than ever.On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with John Watts and Brick Boss to talk about the return of one of the Sauk Valley’s biggest family events. Now entering its third year, Touch a Truck of Rock Falls is expanding into downtown Rock Falls with more space, more attractions, more food vendors, and an expected 200+ vehicles.The conversation covers the new downtown layout, movie replica vehicles including KITT, the General Lee, Ghostbusters Ecto-1, monster trucks, giveaways, sensory-friendly hours, and how the community continues to rally behind the growing event.Touch a Truck of Rock Falls takes place Saturday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Rock Falls.Be sure to follow Touch a Truck of Rock Falls on Facebook for updates and announcements.👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online🎤 Highlights:Check out The Radar Free Press and Follow us on all social media platforms below:FacebookYouTubeSpotifyApple PodcastsiHeart RadioRumbleTikTokX InstagramThreads#saukvalley #podcast #dixonil #alongtherock #rockfallsil #radarfreepress #sterlingil #touchatruck #learn #inspire #monstertruck #racecar #sportscar #jurassicpark #jeep #backtothefuture
Transcribe →Preparing for an Illinois Summer with Meteorologist, Andrew Stutzke
2w ago00:15:21Tap to summarizeNathan Stahr sits down with Andrew Stutzke for another fascinating episode of Along the Rock! 🌩️☀️In this episode, Andrew shares important summer weather safety tips, explains how humidity impacts the body, discusses tornado preparedness, and gives viewers an inside look at how modern weather forecasting models work. The conversation also dives into the growing popularity of his educational series, Ask Andrew, and what it’s like visiting schools and answering weather questions from curious students.Topics covered in this episode include:🌡️ Staying safe during extreme heat and humidity🌪️ Tornado safety tips and basement shelter advice📱 How weather apps and forecasting models work🧠 Artificial intelligence in meteorology🎥 The success of WQAD’s Ask Andrew series🏫 Visiting local schools and inspiring curiosity in weathe👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online🎤 Highlights:Check out The Radar Free Press and Follow us on all social media platforms below:FacebookYouTubeSpotifyApple PodcastsiHeart RadioRumbleTikTokX InstagramThreads#saukvalley #podcast #dixonil #alongtherock #rockfallsil #radarfreepress #sterlingil #weather #illinois #meteorologist #news8weather #tornado #summerhealth
Transcribe →Reviving the History of Illinois Through Conservation | Whiteside County Natural Area Guardians
2w ago00:16:59Tap to summarizeDiscover the hidden beauty of Illinois prairies, wetlands, and native ecosystems in this episode of Along the Rock with host Emma Watts and guests Sammy Dalati and Maribeth Brewer from the Whiteside County Natural Area Guardians.Learn how local volunteers are preserving some of Whiteside County’s most important natural areas, including cemetery prairie remnants, the Spring Slough Wetland, and the Lyndon-Agnew Nature Preserve. The conversation dives into prairie restoration, invasive species removal, controlled burns, native plants, conservation education, and the importance of protecting these landscapes for future generations.Sammy and Maribeth also explain the science behind prescribed prairie burns, why native plants matter, and how community members can get involved in conservation efforts across the region.If you love nature, conservation, prairie restoration, or learning more about the natural history of Illinois, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.🌿 Topics Covered:What qualifies as a natural areaPrairie restoration and preservationControlled burns explainedNative plants vs. invasive speciesConservation work in Whiteside CountyVolunteer opportunities with the Natural Area GuardiansThe history of Illinois prairies and wetlands👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online🎤 Highlights:Check out The Radar Free Press and Follow us on all social media platforms below:FacebookYouTubeSpotifyApple PodcastsiHeart RadioRumbleTikTokX InstagramThreads#saukvalley #podcast #dixonil #alongtherock #rockfallsil #radarfreepress #sterlingil #sportscards #pokemon #pokemoncards #magicthegatheringcommunity #collection #collectibles
Transcribe →Pokémon, Sports Cards and More! | Dixon's Upcoming Card Convention
2w ago00:08:17Tap to summarizeJoin host Emma Watts on this episode of Along the Rock as she sits down with Tyler Thorby and Andy Baker, the college students behind BGE Cards, to talk about how their passion for sports cards turned into one of Illinois’ growing card show businesses.The duo shares the story behind the BGE name, how they launched the Bloomington Card Expo while attending Illinois State University, and what collectors can expect from their upcoming two-day card show at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon.🏈 May 23 – Pokémon & Trading Card Games⚾ May 24 – Sports Cards Only📍 Sauk Valley Community College🎟️ $1 Admission benefiting a local animal shelterTyler and Andy also discuss rare card pulls, the growing card collecting community, vendor opportunities, and why they decided to separate Pokémon and sports cards into different event days.Learn more or register as a vendor: https://bgecards.com👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online🎤 Highlights:Check out The Radar Free Press and Follow us on all social media platforms below:FacebookYouTubeSpotifyApple PodcastsiHeart RadioRumbleTikTokX InstagramThreads#saukvalley #podcast #dixonil #alongtherock #rockfallsil #radarfreepress #sterlingil #sportscards #pokemon #pokemoncards #magicthegatheringcommunity #collection #collectibles
Transcribe →Calling All Girl Dads! This Event is For You! | Ponies & Pints, Style Hair Like a Pro!
2w ago00:09:45Tap to summarizeNathan Stahr sits down with Ryan Marshall from Shinny’s in Dixon to talk about Ponies and Pints, a unique event designed to help dads and father figures learn basic hairstyling skills while building stronger connections with their daughters.Partnering with Meraki Salon, the event will feature hands-on instruction covering ponytails, braids, buns, and more using mannequin heads provided for each attendee. Ryan shares how his family’s deep roots in the beauty industry inspired the idea and explains why creating community-focused events at Shinny’s has become an important part of the business.Ponies and Pints takes place Friday, May 22 at 6 p.m. at Shinny’s, located at 120 W. River Street in Dixon.Get tickets here:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ponys-and-pints-tickets-1985965576500?aff=ebdssbdestsearch👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online🎤 Highlights:Check out The Radar Free Press and Follow us on all social media platforms below:FacebookYouTubeSpotifyApple PodcastsiHeart RadioRumbleTikTokX InstagramThreads#alongtherock #podcast #saukvalley #rockfallsil #sterlingil #dixonil #hairstyle #girldad #class #hair #salon #braidedhair #pintofbeer #barandgrill #socialevent
Transcribe →