Along The Rock

Reagan Run 2026: New Course, 1,000+ Runners & How Your Race Gives Back | Along the Rock

Join host Kierstyn Long as she sits down with Nancy Varga, director of the Reagan Run, to discuss one of Dixon's favorite Fourth of July traditions. Now celebrating its 26th year, the Reagan Run has grown from a downtown revitalization effort into one of the Sauk Valley's largest community races. Nancy shares the story behind the event, how it has evolved over the years, and why it continues to bring together runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors and families every Independence Day. This year's race features an exciting new course that includes the newly completed Petunia Crossing pedestrian bridge, offering participants a fresh route through Page Park before finishing at Haymarket Square. Nancy also explains how proceeds from the race benefit local nonprofits, scholarships and community organizations, with more than $400,000 given back over the past 26 years. Whether you're an experienced runner, a casual walker or simply looking for a fun way to celebrate the Fourth of July, this episode has everything you need to know before race day. 🏃 In this episode: * The history of the Reagan Run * Why was the race created * What's new for the 2026 course * How the event gives back to the community * Registration deadlines and race-day information * The Fun Run for children * Volunteer and sponsor support behind the event Reagan Run Information: 📅 Race Day: Friday, July 4, 2026 💻 Register online: https://runsignup.com/ [https://runsignup.com/] 🎉 Learn more about the Petunia Festival: https://petuniafestival.org/ [https://petuniafestival.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: 0:00 – Introduction 0:57 – Reagan Run celebrates its 26th year 2:30 – The history and purpose behind the Reagan Run 6:04 – What's new for 2026: Petunia Crossing & updated race course 10:33 – Registration deadlines, pricing & race day information 13:48 – Where race proceeds go and local organizations supported 16:09 – Kids Fun Run, scholarships & community volunteers 17:33 – Walkers, spectators & race-day atmosphere 18:24 – Register online, race shirts & final reminders 19:46 – Host shares last year's race experience 21:19 – Final thoughts and invitation to participate 21:33 – Closing remarks 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 #ReaganRun #DixonIL #PetuniaFestival #5KRun #RunIllinois #RoadRace #CommunityEvent #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #VisitDixon #FamilyFun #RunningCommunity #IllinoisEvents #FourthOfJuly #SupportLocal

How Shining Star Advocacy Center Helps Child Abuse Survivors Heal | Along the Rock

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: 0:00 Intro & Welcome 0:24 Meet Jessica Cash & Shining Star Advocacy Center 0:50 What is a Child Advocacy Center? 1:28 Why a child-friendly interview environment matters 2:13 How children are referred to Shining Star 2:46 Counseling, advocacy & support services for families 3:30 Summer camps, support groups & ongoing healing 4:12 Helping children become survivors, not victims 4:51 Supporting parents, caregivers & foster families 5:03 How the community can help Shining Star 6:28 Upcoming fundraisers & community events 7:09 Dixon location & new Ogle County satellite office 7:48 What to do if you suspect child abuse 8:34 How everyone can help protect children 8:43 Final thoughts & why awareness matters 9:02 Closing 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 #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #ShiningStarAdvocacyCenter #ChildAdvocacy #ChildAbusePrevention #ProtectOurChildren #SupportSurvivors #CommunitySupport #DixonIL #OgleCounty #LeeCounty #Nonprofit #FamilySupport #ChildSafety #TraumaInformedCare #MentalHealth #ForensicInterview #ChildProtection #IllinoisNonprofit #CommunityAwareness

Guys & Dolls, SIX: Teen Edition & the Future of Local Theater | Along the Rock

Get ready for two incredible summer theater productions coming to the Dixon Historic Theatre! On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Ben Lightner of Dixon Stage Left, along with Falan Schwartz and Lilli Highley of Sister Stage Productions, to talk about the exciting productions of Guys and Dolls and Six: Teen Edition. Learn how Dixon Stage Left partnered with the Dixon Historic Theatre to bring the classic Broadway musical Guys and Dolls to life, and hear the inspiring story of how a group of local teenagers created their own production company, raised more than $3,000, and made Six: Teen Edition a reality while supporting YWCA Survivor Services. In this episode: 🎭 Behind the scenes of Guys and Dolls 🎤 The incredible story behind Sister Stage Productions 🎶 Six: Teen Edition rehearsal updates 💃 Lilli Highley's role as both performer and choreographer 🎟️ Show dates, ticket information, and The Radar ticket giveaway 🎭 What's next for Dixon Stage Left this summer Upcoming Performances 🎩 Guys and Dolls 📅 July 10-12, 2026 📍 Dixon Historic Theatre 👑 Six: Teen Edition 📅 July 24-25, 2026 📍 Dixon Historic Theatre 🎟️ Tickets: https://dixonhistorictheatre.org/ [https://dixonhistorictheatre.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: 0:00 Intro & Welcome 0:24 Meet the guests from Stage Left and Stage Sisters Productions 0:56 Why Guys and Dolls was chosen for this collaboration 2:02 Rehearsals and bringing the musical to life 3:09 Performance dates, location & tickets for Guys and Dolls 3:33 The inspiring story behind SIX: Teen Edition 5:00 Raising over $3,000 to produce the show 5:19 Supporting YWCA Survivor Services 5:50 How Stage Sisters Productions was created 6:45 Finding the director and building the production team 7:47 Rehearsals and working with three sets of sisters 9:05 Performance dates & tickets for SIX: Teen Edition 9:22 Lily's role as Catherine of Aragon & choreographer 10:01 What's next for Dixon Stage Left (A Winter's Tale) 11:20 Win free Guys and Dolls tickets from The Radar Online 12:11 Final thoughts & closing 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 #alongtherock #RadarFreePress #GuysAndDolls #SixTeenEdition #CommunityTheater #DixonIL #DixonHistoricTheatre #StageLeft #StageSistersProductions #LiveTheater #MusicalTheatre #SupportLocalArts #YWCA #SaukValley #IllinoisEvents #TheaterLife #LocalEntertainment #PetuniaFestival #SummerTheater #BehindTheScenes

Eats & Beats 🎶 Food Trucks, Live Music & America 250 Fireworks | Along the Rock

Spend your summer along the Rock River with Visit Rock Falls Tourism! 🌞🎶 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Melinda Jones, Director of Visit Rock Falls Tourism, to preview this year's Eats and Beats events, including the massive July 2 Independence Day Celebration and the July18 summer concert night. Learn about the live music lineup, food trucks, fireworks, family activities, parking options, America 250 celebrations, commemorative T-shirts, and everything visitors need to know before heading to RB&W District Park. Whether you're looking for great food, live entertainment, or one of the area's best fireworks shows, this episode has everything you need to plan your visit.   Eats & Beats Independence Day Celebration: 📅 Wednesday, July 2 📍 RB&W District Park, Rock Falls 🕓 Vendors begin at 4:00 p.m. 🎵 The Solution – 5:30 p.m. 🎸 Got Your Six – Following TheSolution 🔥 Fire performance at dusk 🎆 Fireworks presented by theSterling-Rock Falls Jaycees at dusk 🍔 Approximately 15 food trucks,dessert vendors, business vendors, and crafters 🎟️ Admission is FREE   🎶 Eats & Beats Summer Concert 📅 Friday, July 18 📍 RB&W District Park, Rock Falls 🍔 Food trucks begin around 5:00 p.m. 🎵 Drew Cagle and the Reputation 🎸 Auburn 🎟️ Admission is FREE   For updates and event details, visit Visit Rock Falls Tourism on Facebook or their website. 👉 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 Intro 00:24 Meet Melinda Jones, Visit Rock Falls Tourism 00:37 What is Eats & Beats? 01:09 Is the event free? 01:18 July 2 lineup: food trucks, vendors & live music 03:12 Fireworks and family activities 03:40 Parking, golf cart shuttles & the new riverfront walkway 05:29 July 18 Eats & Beats preview 06:31 Where to find schedules and event updates 06:38 America 250 commemorative shirts & giveaways 07:30 What's next for Visit Rock Falls? 07:59 Final thoughts 08:01 Closing 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 #EatsAndBeats #RockFallsIL #VisitRockFalls #FoodTrucks #LiveMusic #America250 #Fireworks #SummerEvents #SaukValley #IllinoisEvents #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #FamilyFun #SupportLocal #RockRiver

Inside Wellspring Medical Spa: Innovative Treatments for Mental Health, Weight Loss & Wellness

Discover how Wellspring Medical Spa in Dixon is redefining wellness in the Sauk Valley. On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Jordanna Devine, founder and medical director of Wellspring Medical Spa, to discuss the practice’s unique approach to full-body wellness. From aesthetic treatments and medical weight loss to body contouring, pelvic floor therapy, and innovative mental wellness technology, Jordanna shares how Wellspring has expanded beyond traditional medical spa services to help patients improve both their physical and mental well-being. In this episode, you'll learn about: • Exomind and transcranial magnetic stimulation for mental wellness • Emsculpt body contouring treatments • Emsella pelvic floor therapy • Medical weight loss programs • Hormone and wellness services • The connection between physical and mental health 📅 Upcoming Wellness Retreat Wellspring Medical Spa will host its first Wellness Retreat on July 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The complimentary event will feature demonstrations of the spa’s wellness technologies, educational sessions, and opportunities to learn more about medical weight loss, hormone therapy, IV infusions, vitamin injections, mental wellness treatments, and more. Attendees can RSVP for device demonstrations by calling 815-454-5544, though walk-ins are also welcome. Learn more about Wellspring Medical Spa: https://wellspringmedicalspa.com/ [https://wellspringmedicalspa.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: 0:00 – Introduction from Wellspring Medical Spa in Dixon 0:26 – Meet Jordanna Devine & the story behind Wellspring Medical Spa 1:39 – From aesthetics to total body wellness 2:00 – What is Exomind? FDA-cleared mental wellness technology explained 3:28 – How Exomind helps depression, anxiety & PTSD 4:24 – What treatment sessions are like 5:36 – How long do Exomind results last? 6:30 – Helping firefighters with PTSD and wellness 7:47 – Why Exomind is different from traditional TMS therapy 9:14 – Jordanna 's personal experience trying Exomind 11:09 – EMSCULPT: Building muscle & reducing fat without surgery 13:48 – Weight loss transformations & improved quality of life 15:30 – Does EMSCULPT make you sore? 17:12 – EMSELLA: Treating incontinence & pelvic floor health 19:03 – Wellness Retreat on July 8: What to expect 20:08 – Final thoughts & closing remarks 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 #AlongTheRock #WellspringMedicalSpa #MentalHealth #Exomind #Wellness #MedicalSpa #WeightLoss #EMSCULPT #EMSELLA #DixonIL #SaukValley #HealthAndWellness #Botox #Aesthetics #RadarFreePress