Along The Rock
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.
Episodes
S2 Ep 132: On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Ryan Bivins, the new Police Chief for the City of Dixon. After 15 years with the Dixon Police Department, Bivins shares his vision for leading with purpose, strengthening community partnerships, and promoting a culture of service and empathy.
Hear how Dixon PD is preparing for the school year, launching a youth mentorship program, and continuing its commi...
Season 2, Episode 131
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Heather Waninger, Youth Program Director, and Angie Schneider, Sterling Township Supervisor, about the creation and success of the Elevate Youth Center in Sterling, Illinois.
What started as a dream to create a safe and welcoming space for teens has grown into a thriving community hub where middle and high school students can learn, connect, and hav...
S2 Ep 30: In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Abby Ebelherr and Andy Shaw from the Blackhawk Hills Regional Council to explore how small towns across Northwest Illinois are taking on big housing challenges.
From the innovative Blackhawk Hills Housing Design Competition—funded by an AARP Community Challenge Grant—to projects improving walkability, economic development, and trail planning, Abby and Andy...
Join host Nathan Stahr on this episode of Along the Rock, brought to you by The Radar Free Press, as he chats with Susan Johnson, organizer of Dixon Quarter Mania.
Discover how this one-of-a-kind event turns quarters into big community impact! Susan explains how the Quarter Mania auction works, where participants can win amazing items for just 25 cents, all while raising money for local causes.
From raffles and 50/50 drawings to vend...
In this episode of Cash and Coffee, hosts Kaitlyn Blum and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes talk about smart ways to save for a child’s or loved one’s college education. From Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to 529 Plans, they break down what each option offers, who qualifies, and how to get started.
Kayla shares practical advice on why it’s important to focus on your own financial foundation first, including building an emergency fund and inve...
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Kassey Wells from the Helping Hands Food Pantry in Sterling. Learn how Helping Hands provides food, support, and dignity to families in need, including unique touches like birthday kits and a self-shop model that gives guests a grocery shopping experience rather than a charity handout.
📈 Since reopening in March 2025, the pantry has seen demand rise sharply, servin...
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Angelica Dornes and Sterling Fire Chief David Northcutt to talk about the very first Fire Prevention Block Party hosted by the Sterling Fire Department. 🚒🔥
This free community event will take place on:
📅 Sunday, October 12
🕑 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
📍 Sterling Fire Department – back parking lot (near St. Mary’s Church and School, Avenue B closed for the event)
...
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Tiffany Irvin, founder of Creating Hope Across the Sauk Valley, to talk about the upcoming Fight to End the Stigma Walk/Run. Tiffany shares her powerful story, her passion for mental health advocacy, and her vision to create more resources for individuals and families in the Sauk Valley.
This episode dives into why community events like this matter, how they help br...
Property taxes are one of the biggest concerns for Rock Falls residents, but few people know exactly where their money goes. On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr talks with Rock Falls City Administrator Robbin Blackert about how property taxes are calculated, why schools and pensions make up such a large portion of the bill, and why road work is not included. If you’ve ever been confused by your tax bill or wanted a...
🎙️ On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watt sits down with acclaimed actor, director, and filmmaker Frank Harts for a powerful conversation about storytelling, resilience, and building a career in the arts.From his short film Be True to Your School—now streaming nationwide on PBS—to upcoming roles in Netflix’s The Beast in Me and the final season of PowerBook III: Raising Kanan, Frank shares the creative journey behind hi...
🍻 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum chats with Janna Groharing from Sterling Main Street about one of the area’s most anticipated fall festivals — Hops on the Rock!
Discover what makes this craft beer festival so special, from the wide variety of breweries and unique brews to the local food trucks, live music, and volunteer-powered fun that bring it all together.
Hops on the Rock 2025
📅 Saturday, October 11, 2...
How do we help middle school girls build confidence, resilience, and emotional strength? 💪 In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Laura See from YWCA Sauk Valley to talk about the upcoming Girls Summit 2025. Discover how this event empowers young girls with tools to face challenges, connect with peers, and grow into strong, capable leaders.
👉 Watch and listen now to learn how mental health really matte...
The Ruth Edwards Nature Center in Dixon is stepping into an exciting new chapter. In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with new director Ana Smith to explore how she’s bringing fresh programs, community engagement, and bold vision to Lowell Park’s hidden gem.
From family scavenger hunts and walking clubs to wildlife rehabilitation and hands-on activities, the Nature Center is becoming more than a park stop ...
🎸 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Tori Highley from the Dixon Historic Theatre to talk all things Rocktober 2025! From world-renowned artists like Orianthi and Buckcherry to fan-favorite tribute bands and a cult-classic Rocky Horror Picture Show, this October is shaping up to be one unforgettable month of music and entertainment.
Get the full lineup, behind-the-scenes stories, and a sneak peek at...
🎙️ Welcome back to Along the Rock, brought to you by the Radar Free Press! In this episode, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Melinda Jones and Matt Selmi to dive into the excitement of the Lumberjack Games in Rock Falls.
From axe throwing and log rolling to chainsaw carving and family-friendly fun, the Lumberjack Games bring thrilling competition and community spirit to the Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival at Selmi’s Farm. Plus, hear al...
Season 2, Episode 117
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Tom Wadsworth, Karen Yardley, and Mike McBride from the Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society to explore the rich history of Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon, Illinois.
This year’s Oakwood Cemetery Walk is extra special, marking the 100th anniversary of the Oakwood Mausoleum. The guests share fascinating stories about the mausoleum’s design by...
Season 2, Episode 116
🍎🏃♀️ On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum chats with Nick Pepper, owner of 7:24 Fitness on the Rock, about the Sauk Valley Apple Cider Run. This one-of-a-kind fall race brings fitness, family fun, and community impact together.
Now in its sixth year, the Apple Cider Run features both a 5K and the only half-marathon in the Sauk Valley. From scenic courses and Selmi’s famous apple cider donuts t...
Season 2, Episode 115
General Description, brief summary of the episode, notable moments, etc…
🗓️ Event Date: fill in event date
🕙 Time: fill in event time
📍 Location: fill in event location
Call to action, why someone should attend this event, or watch this video. Draw a personal connection to whoever is reading this description or watching this video.
👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more local stori...
Season 2, Episode 112
On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Melodee Hoffman from Bonafied Animal Rescue to talk about their upcoming Rescue Rally at Carnation Dog Park in Oregon, Illinois.
Learn about a fun-filled day for dogs, kids, and families, featuring:
Adoptable rescue dogs from across the state 🐶
K9 and agility demonstrations 🐕🦺
Kids’ activities include face painting, dog dress-up races, ...
Season 2, Episode 111
🌟 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Anna Garcia and Janna Groharing to talk about Team Up 2 Clean Up, Sterling’s monthly downtown cleanup initiative.
What started as a once-a-year Earth Day event has grown into a hands-on, family-friendly volunteer program. Students, families, and neighbors come together to beautify downtown, earn service hours, make new friends, and even disco...
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