Inside The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee | Along the Rock

The Valley’s Best Burger: Inside the Shamrock Pub Community & Secret Recipes | Along the Rock

Hungry for one of the best burgers in the Sauk Valley? 🍔 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Stew and Elaine Bruns, owners of Shamrock Pub in Dixon, to talk about what it takes to earn the title of Radar Free Press Best Burger. Learn how the Bruns have built a loyal following with fresh, never-frozen beef, hand-pattied burgers, homemade recipes and a family atmosphere that keeps customers coming back. They also share the stories behind fan favorites like the Yankee Clipper, Shamrock Burger, Sham Mac, Irish tacos, and their famous house-made Reubens. The conversation also highlights the Shamrock Pub's commitment to the community through local events, fundraisers, and support for veterans, proving that great food is only part of what makes the restaurant special. 🍔 And don't miss the bonus footage at the end of the video! Stay tuned to watch Nathan and Quinn Stahr go head-to-head in an epic burger-eating showdown to find out who earns the title of burger-eating champion. 👉 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: Meet the Shamrock Pub’s Best Burger Winners 0:25 – Bringing the award-winning burgers to Along the Rock 0:48 – What makes the Shamrock Pub burgers stand out 1:13 – Fresh beef, handmade patties and quality ingredients 2:08 – Why customers notice the difference in homemade food 2:32 – Sampling the Shamrock Burger and other favorites 3:01 – The famous double half-pound burger challenge 3:38 – Favorite burgers: Olive Burger, Yankee Clipper & Shamrock Burger 4:27 – Homemade sauces, Reubens and what makes the menu unique 5:12 – The Shamrock’s legendary corned beef tradition 6:01 – Irish Tacos and other customer favorites 7:03 – A small kitchen with a big commitment to fresh food 8:16 – More than burgers: Chicken strips and other popular dishes 8:45 – Finding the Shamrock Pub in Dixon 9:22 – Hours, holidays and taking care of employees 10:30 – Creating a family atmosphere for customers 11:40 – How the Shamrock became a home away from home 13:19 – Treating customers like family and building friendships 15:02 – Upcoming events: Depot Day and Dixon Airport Car Show 16:27 – Supporting Veterans Helping Veterans 17:17 – Celebrating the Best Burger award 17:38 – Tasting the famous Shamrock Burger 18:49 – What makes a great burger: toppings, freshness and flavor 19:33 – Final thoughts and where to find the Shamrock Pub 20:14 – The contest 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 #ShamrockPub #BestBurger #DixonIL #DixonIllinois #BurgerLovers #FoodieFinds #LocalRestaurants #SmallTownEats #MadeFromScratch #FreshFood #CommunityRestaurant #SupportLocal #IllinoisFood #SaukValley #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #HiddenGems #LocalBusiness #FoodAdventure #AwardWinningBurger

How Girl Scouts Troop 935 Created “Adopt a Box” to Support Local Families | Along the Rock

How can a box of Girl Scout cookies help families in need? 🍪💙 In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Melissa Morel of Girl Scout Troop 935, Jill Sander-McFalls from the YWCA of Sauk Valley, and Girl Scout Jordan McFalls to discuss the troop's inspiring Adopt a Box community service project. Learn how the girls used proceeds from nearly 11,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to purchase clothing, hygiene items, toys and other essentials for local families served by the YWCA. The conversation also explores the importance of youth leadership, community service, and the many ways residents can support the YWCA throughout the year. Whether you're a Girl Scout supporter, passionate about giving back, or looking for ways to make a difference in your community, this episode is full of inspiration. 👉 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 0:22 – Meet Girl Scout Troop 935 and the YWCA guests 0:43 – How the “Adopt a Box” project began 1:21 – Empowering Girl Scouts to choose their own community service projects 2:22 – What goes inside an Adopt a Box? 3:17 – Clothing, essentials, toys and items chosen by the troop 4:19 – How the YWCA distributes the boxes to families in need 5:33 – Positive messages and encouragement included with each box 5:57 – Funding the project through Girl Scout cookie sales 6:45 – The impact of giving back on the Girl Scouts 7:35 – Troop 935’s other community service projects 9:28 – Future service projects and continuing to help the community 10:20 – Ways the community can support the YWCA 11:32 – Fundraisers, donations and community partnerships 13:15 – Supporting the YWCA through food donations and the community pantry 14:12 – Final thoughts on Adopt a Box and community service 14:26 – 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 #GirlScouts #GirlScoutTroop935 #AdoptABox #YWCA #CommunityService #GivingBack #YouthLeadership #MakingADifference #GirlPower #Volunteerism #SterlingIL #SaukValley #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #CommunityStrong #LocalHeroes #SupportLocal #CookieSales #NonprofitSupport

Growing the Future of Agriculture with Whiteside County Farm Bureau | Along the Rock

What does the Whiteside County Farm Bureau actually do? It's much more than farming. On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Matt Lillpop, manager of the Whiteside County Farm Bureau, to discuss the organization's mission, its impact on local agriculture and education, and several exciting community events happening this summer. Learn about the second annual Farm-to-Table fundraiser, how the Farm Bureau Foundation awarded $40,000 in scholarships this year, the return and growth of FFA programs across Whiteside County, and hands-on educational opportunities like Farm Camp and Junior Vet University. Matt also shares details about the 41st Annual Steak Fry for Agriculture, the Tractor Drive for Agriculture in the Classroom, and the popular Dairy Bar at the Whiteside County Fair. Whether you're involved in agriculture or simply want to learn more about one of the region's most important industries, this episode offers an inside look at how the Whiteside County Farm Bureau is investing in the future of local communities. 👉 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 0:22 – Meet Matt Wilkopp from Whiteside County Farm Bureau 0:44 – What is the Farm Bureau and how does it support farmers? 1:18 – 108 years of Farm Bureau history and community involvement 2:04 – Farm-to-Table event returns for its second year 2:50 – Recognizing scholarship recipients and supporting agricultural education 3:42 – Supporting local FFA chapters and future farmers 5:02 – Celebrating locally grown food at Farm-to-Table 6:11 – A look back at the first Farm-to-Table event 7:19 – The diversity of agriculture beyond traditional farming 8:22 – Ag in the Classroom: Connecting students with agriculture 9:29 – Farm Camp and hands-on learning opportunities for kids 10:43 – Junior Ag University: Teaching future veterinarians and agricultural leaders 12:04 – How to register for Ag programs and upcoming camps 13:12 – Could there be a farm camp for adults? 13:54 – Farm-to-Table ticket information 14:31 – 41st Annual Steak Fry for Agriculture announcement 15:12 – How Steak Fry supports FFA, scholarships and ag programs 17:32 – Why agriculture impacts everyone in the community 18:54 – Steak Fry ticket information and event details 19:39 – Other Farm Bureau events coming this summer 20:24 – Tractor Drive for Classroom fundraiser 21:12 – Whiteside County Fair Dairy Bar tradition 22:09 – Final thoughts and 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 #WhitesideCountyFarmBureau #Agriculture #FarmToTable #FFA #FutureFarmers #AgEducation #FarmLife #IllinoisAgriculture #SupportLocalFarmers #FarmCommunity #AgInTheClassroom #FarmCamp #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #WhitesideCounty #LocalEvents #CommunityStrong #FoodFromTheFarm #IllinoisEvents #RuralIllinois

Inside The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee | Along the Rock

Get ready to laugh, cheer, and maybe even spell your way onto the stage! On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long is joined by Ellen Bentley, Jenna Mingus, and Joel Megill from Woodlawn Arts Academy to preview this summer's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Learn why this fan-favorite musical is returning by popular demand, what makes every performance unique, how audience volunteers become part of the show, and why the cast says this hilarious production is unlike anything else you'll see this summer. Whether you're a longtime theater fan or looking for a fun night out, this free outdoor performance is one you won't want to miss. 📅 Performance Dates: July 9–11 📍 Location: Woodlawn Arts Academy Outdoor Stage 💲 Admission: FREE 🪑 What to Bring: Lawn chairs or blankets for seating. 👨‍👩‍👧 Recommended Audience: Ages 13+ due to some mature themes. 👉 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 0:22 – Why Woodlawn Theatre brought back The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee 1:27 – Audience participation and volunteer spellers 2:50 – Rehearsals, music and organized chaos 3:34 – Building friendships through community theater 5:24 – Meet the characters: Rona Lisa Peretti & Doug Panch 6:34 – Improv, audience interaction and unique performances every night 8:25 – Why no two live theater performances are ever the same 10:01 – Favorite moments and challenges of playing each role 11:20 – Show dates, location and what to bring 12:17 – How to volunteer as a spelling bee contestant 13:12 – Final invitation to attend the show 13:31 – 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 #PutnamCountySpellingBee #WoodlawnTheatre #CommunityTheater #LiveTheater #Theater #MusicalTheatre #SterlingIL #IllinoisEvents #AudienceParticipation #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #FamilyEntertainment #SupportLocalArts #SummerTheater #ThingsToDoIllinois

Meet the Yak Yak Sisters! Free Weekly Kayaking Adventures on the Hennepin Canal | Along the Rock

Discover why the Yak Yak Sisters have become one of the Sauk Valley's most welcoming outdoor groups! On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long is joined by Karen Miles and Cyndi Muler to talk about the Yak Yak Sisters, a kayaking club that has spent more than 12 years bringing people together on the water. Learn how the group got started, what to expect on a Wednesday paddle, their favorite kayaking destinations across northwest Illinois, and why anyone—regardless of age or experience—is invited to join. The conversation also covers the club's annual Blessing of the Vessels, its involvement with the Hennepin Hundred ultramarathon, unforgettable kayaking adventures, and how the friendships formed on the water continue year-round. Whether you're an experienced paddler or have never been in a kayak, this episode may inspire you to grab a paddle and explore the outdoors. 🌊 Yak Yak Sisters 📍 Wednesdays at 4 p.m. (weather permitting) 📍 Hennepin Canal, Route 40 launch, Rock Falls, 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: 0:00 – Introduction 0:37 – What are the Yak Yak Sisters? 1:15 – Weekly paddle schedule & weather updates 2:20 – How the Yak Yak Sisters began 12 years ago 4:01 – Group size, community & post-COVID changes 5:40 – Helping beginners learn to kayak safely 7:22 – Favorite kayaking destinations beyond the Hennepin Canal 8:22 – Blessing of the Vessels tradition 9:03 – The Rock Falls Turtle Race story 11:14 – Favorite local kayaking locations 13:09 – Why the Hennepin Canal is so special 15:04 – Supporting runners during the Hennepin Hundred 18:23 – How to join the Yak Yak Sisters (it's free!) 20:12 – Special paddles, community events & inspiring members 21:20 – Meet Nancy: still kayaking into her 90s 23:21 – More than kayaking: year-round friendships & adventures 26:44 – Final invitation to paddle every Wednesday 27:02 – 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 #YakYakSisters #Kayaking #HennepinCanal #RockFallsIL #OutdoorAdventure #PaddleLife #IllinoisOutdoors #WomenWhoPaddle #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #RockRiver #KayakLife #ExploreIllinois #NatureLovers #CommunityAdventure