Sterling's FREE Chalk the Walk 2026! Family Fun, Food Trucks & Summer Events | Along the Rock

Sterling's FREE Chalk the Walk 2026! Family Fun, Food Trucks & Summer Events | Along the Rock

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Sterling City Clerk Teri Sathoff to talk about the return of Chalk the Walk, a free family event happening Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grandon Civic Center. Learn what families can expect, including: * Free sidewalk chalk and painting activities * An Americana theme celebrating America's 250th anniversary * Giant bubble stations * Food trucks and $1 Kiwanis concessions * The Mayor's Choice Award and other prizes * Fun for all ages—no artistic experience required Teri also previews several upcoming City of Sterling events, including: * Movies in the Park featuring Cars on Aug. 7 * Sterling's annual fall movie night featuring The Wizard of Oz with themed characters and activities Whether you're looking for a fun family outing or want to learn more about Sterling's community events, this episode has everything you need to know. 👉 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 0:23 – What is Chalk the Walk? 0:54 – Free art supplies, sidewalk squares & fun for all ages 1:27 – Americana theme, bubbles, music & food trucks 2:28 – Community sponsors and dedicated city volunteers 4:38 – How to register and Mayor's Choice Award 5:43 – Food trucks, Kiwanis concessions & affordable family fun 6:58 – Sterling's Movies in the Park and upcoming summer events 7:51 – Fall movie event featuring The Wizard of Oz 8:37 – Final invitation to Chalk the Walk 8:55 – 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 #ChalkTheWalk #SterlingIL #FamilyFun #FreeEvents #IllinoisEvents #SummerFun #CommunityEvent #Americana250 #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #FoodTrucks #SidewalkArt #MoviesInThePark #VisitSterling #ThingsToDoIllinois

Cash & Coffee | Why an Emergency Fund Could Be the Most Important Money You Ever Save

How much money should you have saved for an emergency? On this episode of Cash and Coffee, hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman discuss why an emergency fund is one of the most important financial tools you can have. They cover: * Why everyone needs an emergency fund * How much you should aim to save * Why starting small is better than not starting at all * How automatic paycheck splitting can help you save consistently * Real-life examples of unexpected car repairs and medical expenses * Practical tips for building financial security over time Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to strengthen your savings, this episode offers simple, actionable advice that can help you prepare for life's unexpected expenses. 👉 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 – A costly car repair and why emergencies happen 1:20 – What is an emergency fund? 2:07 – How much money should you save? 2:33 – Start small instead of feeling overwhelmed 3:18 – Automatically split your paycheck to build savings 4:17 – A real-life medical emergency and why an emergency fund matters 5:04 – Making saving automatic and building healthy financial habits 5:47 – Final thoughts on preparing for unexpected expenses 6:09 – 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 #EmergencyFund #PersonalFinance #MoneyTips #FinancialPlanning #Budgeting #SavingsGoals #CashAndCoffee #FinancialWellness #MoneyManagement #EmergencySavings #Adulting #FinancialFreedom #RadarFreePress #AlongTheRock #SmartMoney

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

How does a community help children heal after abuse?In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Jessica Cash, Executive Director and Forensic Interviewer for Shining Star Children's Advocacy Center, to discuss how the nonprofit provides a safe, child-friendly environment for children and teens who have experienced abuse.Learn how Shining Star works alongside law enforcement, DCFS, prosecutors and medical providers to conduct forensic interviews while also offering counseling, family advocacy, support groups, summer camps and other resources that help children and families move forward.Jessica also explains how community members can support the organization's mission through donations, fundraising events and by recognizing and reporting suspected child abuse.In this episode:What a Child Advocacy Center doesHow forensic interviews help children during investigationsCounseling, family advocacy and support servicesSummer camps and support groups for children and caregiversHow the community can donate or host fundraisersUpcoming Shining Star fundraising eventsExpansion of services with a new Ogle County satellite officeThe importance of reporting suspected child abuseUpcoming EventsCulver's Fundraising NightsVisit Shining Star's website or Facebook page for upcoming dates in Dixon and Rochelle.Quarter Mania📅 July 21For event details, locations and updates, visit Shining Star Children's Advocacy Center online.Learn more about Shining Star Children's Advocacy Center:https://www.shiningstarcac.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 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