Need a Ride? Learn How Public Transit Works in Lee, Ogle & Whiteside Counties

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

Waldo is Hiding in Dixon! Books on First Explains This Summer's Biggest Family Adventure

📚 Where's Waldo? He's hiding all over Dixon! On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Elsie Gordon from Books on First to discuss the return of Find Waldo Local in Dixon, Illinois. The month-long community scavenger hunt encourages residents and visitors to explore local businesses while searching for everyone's favorite striped character. Learn how the event works, how to pick up a stamp card, where to find Waldo, and how participants can qualify for prize drawings during the August celebration party. Elsie also shares how the nationwide program helps support small businesses and gives families a fun and free summer activity. Plus, discover the bonus character hiding at Books on First and hear what else is happening this summer in downtown Dixon. 🎉 EVENT INFORMATION 📅 Find Waldo Local July 1–31, 2026 📍 Location Participating businesses throughout downtown Dixon, Illinois 📝 How to Participate • Pick up a stamp card at Books on First or a participating business. • Find Waldo at participating locations throughout the month. • Locate Wizard Whitebeard at Books on First for an additional stamp. • Return your completed card to qualify for prize drawings. 🎈 Celebration Party 📅 August 1, 2026 🕐 1:00 p.m. 📍 Books on First The celebration includes games, refreshments, snacks, and multiple prize drawings. Participants only need 10 stamps to enter the first prize drawing, and everyone is welcome to attend the party. Learn more about Books on First: https://www.booksonfirst.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 🎤 Timestamps & Highlights: 00:00 Intro 00:24 Meet Elsie Gordon from Books on First 00:35 What is Find Waldo Local? 01:20 How the scavenger hunt works 02:20 Event dates and how to participate 02:43 Prize party and grand prize drawings 03:27 How many Waldos do you need to find? 03:42 Is Find Waldo just for kids? 04:19 Supporting downtown Dixon and local businesses 05:54 Summer events at Books on First 06:19 Final thoughts 06:30 Closing Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeart Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rumble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠ #FindWaldoLocal #BooksOnFirst #DixonIL #ShopLocal #DowntownDixon #WheresWaldo #FamilyFun #ScavengerHunt #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #IllinoisEvents #SummerFun #SupportLocal #ExploreLocal

Need a Ride? Learn How Public Transit Works in Lee, Ogle & Whiteside Counties

🚍 What happens when public transportation expands across three counties? On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Greg Gates, Marcus Cox, and Amy Robbins to discuss the upcoming annexation of Whiteside County Public Transportation into Reagan Mass Transit District. The conversation explores what the transition means for current riders, how services will continue after July 1, and why transportation access plays such an important role in rural communities. Topics discussed include: • The merger between Whiteside County Public Transportation and Reagan Mass Transit District • What riders can expect after July 1 • How on-demand public transportation works • Who can use the service • Transportation deserts and access to essential services • Ride scheduling and trip planning • Fare changes and pricing information • Accessibility services and mobility assistance • Future opportunities for transportation throughout Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties Officials explain how public transportation helps connect residents to medical appointments, employment, education, shopping, and other essential destinations while expanding access across the region. Learn how this transition aims to maintain reliable service while creating new opportunities for riders throughout northwestern 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 Intro 00:23 Meet the guests from Reagan Mass Transit & Whiteside County Transportation 00:53 Why Whiteside County Transportation is joining Reagan Mass Transit 01:20 Reagan Mass Transit history and service area overview 02:15 Expanding from two counties to three counties 03:03 How long has the merger process been underway? 03:56 The paperwork and planning behind the transition 04:24 Common misconceptions about public transportation services 04:55 Who can use public transit services? 06:00 Public transportation isn't just for seniors 07:11 What riders can expect after July 1st 07:41 Why advance scheduling is important 08:21 New booking flexibility for Whiteside County riders 08:42 Benefits of becoming part of a larger transit district 09:28 How on-demand transportation works 10:29 Challenges and surprises during the merger process 12:08 What is a "Transit Desert"? 13:26 Helping rural residents access jobs, healthcare, and services 15:10 Transportation challenges in rural communities 16:41 Current ridership numbers across the region 17:22 How much does public transportation cost? 18:00 New fare structure explained 19:11 Discounts for seniors, veterans, and riders with disabilities 19:50 Free rides for caregivers and aides 20:14 Accessibility features and wheelchair accommodations 20:35 Final thoughts on the future of regional transit 21:01 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 #AlongTheRock #PublicTransportation #ReaganMassTransit #WhitesideCounty #TransitServices #RuralTransportation #IllinoisTransit #SterlingIL #RockFallsIL #DixonIL #LeeCounty #OgleCounty #WhitesideCountyTransportation #CommunityServices #PublicTransit #TransportationAccess #TransitMerger #LocalGovernment #MobilityMatters #RadarFreePress