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.

Along The Rock is a news podcast hosted by The Radar Free Press, with 455 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

The Radar Free Press hosts Along The Rock, a news show with 455 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Along The Rock

  Art, Music & More! Rock Falls’ Art in the Park Returns August 29

  Aug 20, 20269 minS3

  Season 3, Episode 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, 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: 00:00 – Introduction 00:42 – What Is Art in the Park? 01:38 – More Than Just Sculpture 01:54 – Art in the Park 2026 Details 02:12 – Meet the Artists 03:34 – Live Music Lineup 04:12 – A Relaxing Day in the Park 04:27 – Free Admission & the Sculpture Walk 04:50 – Explore the Sculptures With the Otocast App 05:28 – Local Sponsors & Sculpture Plaques 06:12 – How Artists Can Apply 07:07 – Getting Involved as an Artist 07:21 – What's Coming Up in Rock Falls? 07:46 – Fall Events in Rock Falls 08:16 – Closing Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #ArtInThePark #RockFallsIllinois #RockFallsIL #SculptureWalk #OutdoorArt #LocalArtists #LiveMusic #ArtsAndCulture #SaukValley #IllinoisEvents #CommunityEvents #ArtFestival #SupportLocalArtists #RockFallsTourism #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #TheRadarOnline

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  Along The Rock

  Sterling for Jesus: Bringing Faith, Worship & Community Together in Sterling

  Aug 19, 20267 minS3

  On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Tony Flores to discuss the story behind his Facebook ministry, Faith, Fire, and Passion , and the inspiration for the upcoming Sterling for Jesus community event. Tony shares how a calling that began more than 35 years ago led him to create a ministry focused on sharing the Gospel, encouraging others, and bringing people together. He also talks about his vision for Sterling for Jesus, a free community event featuring pastors, personal testimonies, worship music, and an invitation for churches and community members from across the Sauk Valley to come together. Sterling for Jesus ️ Saturday, Aug. 29 Noon Grandon Civic Center, Sterling, Illinois ️ Free to attend

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  Along The Rock

  From Australia to Chicago: Michael Charles’ 40-Year Journey Through the Blues

  Aug 19, 202618 minS3

  Season 3, Episode 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, 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: 00:00 – Introduction 00:40 – From Australia to Chicago 01:17 – Playing With Buddy Guy 02:02 – Meeting Blues Legends 02:29 – Why He Came Back to America 03:35 – A Career Highlight 04:28 – The Night He Met Buddy Guy 05:40 – A Dream Come True 06:34 – The “Where to Next?” 2026 Tour 07:54 – Taking Chances & Trusting Your Instincts 09:00 – Why He Loves Playing Small Towns 10:37 – The Magic of Intimate Venues 11:31 – Picking Up the Guitar at Age 5 12:30 – Music as a Lifelong Passion 13:53 – The Father Who Inspired His Music 15:01 – “Never Do Anything You Don’t Want to Do” 15:40 – Advice for Aspiring Musicians 16:45 – No Regrets After a Lifetime of Music 16:56 – Michael Charles at Johnny’s in Sterling 17:15 – Closing Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #MichaelCharles #BluesMusic #ChicagoBlues #AustralianBlues #BuddyGuy #BluesGuitar #BluesMusician #LiveMusic #SterlingIllinois #SaukValley #Johnnys #MusicianLife #AspiringMusicians #FollowYourPassion #Blues #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #TheRadarOnline

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  Along The Rock

  Why Early Childhood Education Is in Crisis — And What the Sauk Valley Can Do About It

  Aug 18, 202615 minS3

  Birth to Five Illinois is shaping the future of early childhood education—one community conversation at a time. On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long welcomes Abby Hoskins , Maggie Fern , and Rachael DeSpain to discuss the work of the Birth to Five Illinois Action Council in Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties. The group explores how families, educators, community leaders, and local organizations are working together to improve access to child care, support early childhood educators, and address workforce shortages. They also highlight the OWL Early Childhood Resource Hub, recent community initiatives, and a new campaign recognizing the dedicated professionals who care for and educate young children. Tune in to learn how these collaborative efforts are helping build a stronger future for children, families, and communities across the Sauk Valley. Along the Rock is a podcast from The Radar , featuring conversations with the people and organizations making a difference in our communities.

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  Along The Rock

  From 1 Meal to 1,700 a Month: How Loaves & Fishes Feeds the Sauk Valley Community

  Aug 17, 202612 minS3

  In this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Susan and Paul Gould to discuss the mission behind Loaves and Fishes, how the program grew from serving just one guest on its first day to more than 1,700 meals in a single month , and why everyone is welcome at their table. Free Community Breakfast First United Methodist Church (Broadway Methodist Church) Annex 501 Broadway, Sterling, IL Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays ⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. No registration, ID, or eligibility requirements are needed—everyone is welcome to enjoy a hot breakfast. Learn how the organization operates entirely through volunteers, community donations, local churches, and generous supporters who help ensure no one has to go without a hot meal. If you'd like to support Loaves and Fishes through volunteering or donations, this episode is a great place to start. 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: 00:00 – Introduction 00:45 – What Is Loaves & Fishes? 01:30 – 15 Years of Serving the Community 02:08 – From One Person to 100 People a Day 02:42 – When and Where Loaves & Fishes Serves 03:46 – The Inspiration Behind Loaves & Fishes 04:36 – Where the Food Comes From 05:20 – Donations, Grants & Community Support 06:34 – How You Can Help 07:24 – Support From Local Churches 08:16 – A Community-Wide Volunteer Effort 09:34 – Everyone Is Welcome 10:06 – What's on the Menu? 10:28 – Why Thursdays Are So Popular 11:17 – The Little Boy Who Came for Biscuits & Gravy 11:39 – Thank You, Loaves & Fishes 12:00 – Closing Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #LoavesAndFishes #SaukValley #SterlingIllinois #CommunitySupport #CommunityBreakfast #FeedingTheCommunity #LocalCommunity #Volunteer #CommunityOutreach #RadarFreePress #AlongTheRock #RockFallsIllinois #SterlingIL #GivingBack #SaukValleyCommunity

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