From Community Members to Community Leaders

How the Valor Support Project is Changing Veterans' Lives | Bike Ride, Skydive & PTSD Awareness 5K

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: 00:55 Bike Ride for Valor Event Overview 01:20 Route Details & American Legion Stops 01:32 Do You Need a Motorcycle to Participate? 01:45 Registration Information & Event Costs 02:04 Food, Live Music & Community Gathering 02:41 Looking Back at Last Year's Bike Ride 03:25 Why Everyone Is Invited to Attend 04:03 Valor Skydive Event Introduction 04:27 The Meaning Behind the Veteran Skydive 05:11 Community Sponsorships for Veteran Jumpers 05:19 Floyd & His Son's First Jump Together 06:31 How to Submit Guest Suggestions & Questions 06:50 PTSD Awareness Day 5K Overview 07:28 What PTSD Awareness Means to Veterans 08:39 Why the 5K Is Such an Important Event 09:00 Registration Details & Race Information 09:42 Walkers, Pets & Families Welcome 10:08 How Fundraising Helps Local Veterans 10:19 Real Examples of Veteran Assistance 11:04 Helping 22 Families with $22,000 in Support 11:53 Growing the Events in Their Second Year 12:24 Why Sponsors Make a Huge Difference 12:41 Looking Ahead for the Valor Support Project 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 #ValorSupportProject #Veterans #PTSDAwareness #VeteranSupport #MilitaryCommunity #Fundraiser #BikeRideForValor #5KRun #SkydivingForACause #SaukValley #SterlingIL #RockFallsIL #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #SupportOurVeterans

Classic Cars, Hot Rods, Pancake Breakfast & Family Fun! | 35th Annual Lyndon Car Show 2026

Season 3, Episode 98 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Lyndon Mayor Tyler Scott to discuss the upcoming 35th Annual Lyndon Car Show. The conversation explores what has made the event a community tradition for more than three decades, the volunteers who have helped sustain it over the years, and what visitors can expect when they attend this year's show. Mayor Scott shares why the park setting makes the Lyndon Car Show unique, reflects on childhood memories of attending the event, and discusses the record-breaking participation seen in recent years. The episode also highlights the variety of vehicles on display, opportunities for vendors, and the community partnerships that help make the event a success. 👉 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: 00:22 Welcome & Introduction 00:48 What Makes the Lyndon Car Show Special? 01:29 Celebrating 35 Years of Community Tradition 02:29 The Volunteers Who Keep the Event Going 03:37 Record-Breaking Attendance and Future Growth 04:22 Childhood Memories of the Car Show 05:01 What Types of Vehicles Will Be on Display? 06:15 How to Submit Questions and Guest Suggestions 06:35 The Stories Behind the Cars 07:27 Why Car Shows Connect Generations 08:01 More Than Cars: Food, Vendors & Family Activities 09:24 Free Admission and Event Information 09:31 Final Thoughts 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 #LyndonCarShow #LyndonIL #ClassicCars #CarShow #IllinoisEvents #SaukValley #CommunityEvents #HotRods #MuscleCars #ClassicCarShow #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #SmallTownAmerica #CarCulture #FamilyEvents

Cash and Coffee | TAT Strategy

Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes break down the psychology behind credit cards, online shopping, and modern spending habits on this episode of Cash and Coffee from Along the Rock. Learn how companies use “TAT” — Time, Accountability, and Traction — to encourage consumers to spend more money without even realizing it. From tap-to-pay and one-click checkout to saved credit card information and buy now, pay later options, this episode explores the marketing strategies designed to make spending easier and more impulsive. Emma and Kayla also discuss: • The “pain of paying” and why cash feels different than credit cards • How technology has removed accountability from borrowing money • Why online shopping apps encourage overspending • Simple ways to slow down purchases and save money • Practical habits to help you stay in control of your finances If you’ve ever wondered why online shopping feels so effortless — or why credit card companies constantly send new offers — this episode explains the psychology behind it. 👉 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:Follow us on all social media platforms below:https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepresshttps://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepresshttps://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHkhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/https://rumble.com/radarfreepresshttps://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepresshttps://x.com/radarfreepresshttps://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress#saukvalley #podcast #alongtherock #dixonil #rockfallsil #radarfreepress #sterlingil #illinois #cashandcoffee #creditcard #financialaid #financialadvice

Discover Dixon's HUGE Summer Event Lineup 2026 | City Market, Petunia Fest, Drone Show & More!

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Jennifer Lang and Amanda Wike from Discover Dixon to talk about everything happening this summer — including Dixon City Market, Fitness Fridays, Music at the Square, Summer Block Party, Venetian Night, Petunia Festival, America 250 celebrations, and more. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting local businesses, bringing families downtown, and creating free community events that residents and visitors can enjoy all season long. The guests also discuss the return of the popular drone show at Venetian Night, youth entrepreneur opportunities through City Market Junior, and the new pedestrian bridge dedication taking place during Fourth of July festivities. UPCOMING EVENTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: • Dixon City Market Wednesdays beginning May 27 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM • Fitness Fridays Begins Friday, June 5, at 7:00 AM • Music at the Square Friday evenings throughout the summer, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM • Summer Block Party Saturday, June 6. 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM • Petunia Festival Fourth of July Week 2026 • America 250 Celebration Events Including the pedestrian bridge dedication on July 4 • Red, White, and Blue Ball June 27th at 5:30 PM• Brush and Bloom July 3rd from 9:00 am to Noon• Venetian Night Featuring the return of the drone show August 8th at 5:00 PM • Scarecrow Festival October 17th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Learn more about Discover Dixon and upcoming events at discoverdixon.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: 00:38 Dixon City Market Returns for Summer 2026 01:34 Market Times, Vendors & How to Participate 02:22 Family Activities & Nonprofit Involvement 02:43 Fitness Fridays on the Riverfront 03:48 Music at the Square Summer Concert Series 04:34 Culver's Lemon Ice & Summer Fun 05:12 Summer Block Party Preview 06:02 Celebrating Dixon's Community Spirit 06:38 How to Submit Questions to Along the Rock 07:02 Petunia Fest & Fourth of July Celebrations 07:20 Dixon's 250th Anniversary Events 07:46 New Pedestrian Bridge Dedication 08:07 Brush & Bloom Community Art Event 08:24 A Summer Packed with Weekly & Special Events 08:35 Venetian Night & Drone Show Preview 09:05 Favorite Discover Dixon Events 10:05 Supporting Local Entrepreneurs at City Market 10:53 Why Dixon's Riverfront Makes Events Special 11:02 How to Stay Connected with Discover Dixon 11:29 Final Thoughts & Summer Event Highlights 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 #DiscoverDixon #DixonIL #PetuniaFest #VenetianNight #IllinoisEvents #SaukValley #SummerEvents #CityMarket #DroneShow #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #CommunityEvents #VisitDixon #SmallTownUSA #FestivalSeason

Inside Bellson Fest: Jazz, Blues, Latin & Rock Along the Riverfront

Nathan Stahr sits down with Melinda Jones and Josh Duffee to preview the 5th Annual Bellson Music Fest in Rock Falls. The conversation highlights this year’s expanded music lineup, the free drum clinic at the McCormick Event Center, and the continued celebration of legendary Rock Falls drummer Louis Bellson. Josh also discusses the history behind early jazz drumming, the vintage drum equipment that will be featured during the clinic, and the Bellson memorabilia giveaway happening during the event. Bellson Music Fest takes place Saturday, June 6, with live music throughout the day at RB&W Park featuring jazz, Latin, blues, rock, R&B, and more. Festival Schedule: 🥁 Drum Clinic – 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the McCormick Event Center 🎶 Live Music Begins at 1 p.m. at RB&W Park Band Lineup: • Josh Duffee and the Blackhawk Broadcasters • Crooked Cactus • John Rush and the Dog and Out Band • Rare Element The event is free to attend thanks to local sponsors. For more information: VisitRockFalls.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: 0:45 What’s New at Bellson Fest This Year? 1:15 Different Music Styles Featured at the Festival 1:50 Why Bellson Fest Is Completely Free 2:06 Drum Clinic Details at McCormick Event Center 2:25 Past Drum Clinic Guests & Festival History 2:59 Jazz Drumming History & Louis Bellson’s Influence 3:31 Live Drum Demonstrations & Vintage Drum Kits 4:03 Louis Bellson Techniques & Music Education 4:21 Bellson Memorabilia & Giveaway Details 5:31 Viewer Questions & Suggestions Info 5:50 Free Raffles & Festival Giveaways 6:11 Festival Band Lineup & Schedule 6:36 Rain Plans & Festival Backup Location 6:48 Louis Bellson Drum Set Display 7:20 Behind the Scenes Work & Community Sponsors 8:19 Expanding Bellson Fest Beyond Rock Falls 8:55 Dancing, Food & Riverfront Atmosphere 9:15 Weather Concerns & Alternate Venue Plans 9:42 Final Festival Details & Schedule Recap 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 #Bellson Fest #Louie Bellson #Rock Falls Illinois #free music festival #live music Illinois #jazz festival #summer festivals Illinois #Along the Rock podcast #Radar Free Press #Louie Bellson drum clinic #McCormick Event Center #RB and blues music #Latin music festival #riverfront concert #Rock Falls events #live jazz drumming #music festival Midwest #family friendly festival #food vendors Illinois #Visit Rock Falls #outdoor summer concert