Along The Rock

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 performances, the story behind their quartet No...

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-planting-the-seeds-of-education-wit...

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 favorite seasonal traditions.

• Openin...

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.
🎧 Listen now:
https://theradar...

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 season.

In this conversation, Monique dis...

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 stability.
Listen now and ...

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’s big plans—and wh...

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.
🎙️ Listen now: https://therada...

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.
Tune in to hear how Rock Falls is b...

Season 2, Episode 174

🚀 Blast off into creativity!
In this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts talks with Kayla Tenboer-Sipes, author of Rocket to the Moon: Art Adventures—an interactive children’s book that combines art, puzzles, and storytelling.
Learn how an 11-year dream became reality, why art matters for kids, and what’s next in the Art Adventures series! 🎨✨
🎙️ Listen now: https://theradar.online/along-the-r...

Season 2, Episode 174

Sterling Public Library is preparing to roll out a mobile library—and in this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Library Director Jennifer Slaney about what that means for the community. They discuss accessibility, outreach to senior and underserved residents, the timeline for launch, and the broader mission of keeping the library welcoming to all.

Listen to learn how this project will bring...

Season 2, Episode 173

✨ For over 40 years, Community Christmas for Children has brought joy and care to families across the region.
Host Nathan Stahr talks with volunteers Carol Siefken and Rita Smith about how the program began, the impact it continues to have, and how listeners can join in the giving spirit. 🎁
Tune in for heartfelt stories and meaningful holiday inspiration. 🎄

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscri...

Season 2, Episode 172

Prepare for winter like a pro! ❄️ Nathan Stahr chats with meteorologist Andrew Stutzke on how to protect your home, commute, and yourself this season 🏠🚗
Listen: https://theradar.online/along-the-rock-s2-ep-172-winter-weather-tips-with-andrew-stutzke/

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more local stories from Rock Falls and beyond.

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Take control of your money with Cash & Coffee! ☕💵

Nathan Stahr and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes dive into the 4 pillars of budgeting — your essentials, debt, savings, and wants — and offer practical tips to stretch your dollars, reduce stress, and build financial confidence. Perfect for anyone looking to make their budget work smarter, not harder.

🎧 Listen now: https://theradar.online/cash-coffee-the-4-pillars-of-a-budget/

👉 Don’t f...

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Gary Camarano, the Economic Development Director for Whiteside County, to explore how northwest Illinois is stepping into a new era of innovation and growth.

From transforming the Prairie Hill Landfill into a solar energy site to attracting foreign investment from Germany and rolling out high-speed fiber broadband, Gary shares how these projects are shaping a strong...

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Tori Highley, Josh Snow, Nora Highley, and Olivia Reiners from the Dixon Historic Theatre to talk about not one, but two upcoming youth productions — Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. and Rogers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Youth Edition!

Hear how these young performers are balancing rehearsals, learning accents, and bringing beloved stories to life — all while h...

S2 Ep 169

Host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Ben Sondgeroth from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois about guiding students in a digital-first world. From responsible tech use to building digital citizenship skills, this episode explores how educators and communities can prepare students for the future.

Listen + read more:
https://theradar.online/along-the-rock-s2-ep-169-tech-in-the-classroom-ben-sondgeroth-on-guiding-students-in...

Sterling is on the move! In this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Sterling City Manager Scott Shumard to talk about the city’s major redevelopment efforts, exciting infrastructure updates, and what recent legislation means for Sterling’s future.

From the River Edge Redevelopment Zone and Rock River TIF extension to progress on Light Street, Second Street, and new multi-use walking paths, Scott breaks down ...

How do college students turn ideas into action?

On this episode of Along the Rock, Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Aaron Roe, Club Advisor for Service Without Borders at Sauk Valley Community College, to explore how students are leading local initiatives—from road cleanups to food pantries and animal shelter partnerships.

Tune in to hear how one student organization is building leadership, community, and real-world impact.

🎧 Listen now: ...