Strategic Steps Counseling is helping kids start the school year with confidence.

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Matthew Pearlman, owner and clinical director of Strategic Steps Counseling, to discuss his newly opened counseling practice and a free Back-to-School Support Event designed to help children navigate school-related anxiety.

Learn why Pearlman created the event, what families can expect, how children can benefit from learning healthy coping skills, and why creating a safe, welcoming environment is so important before the school year begins.

Whether your child is feeling nervous about a new classroom, making friends, or adjusting to a new routine, this conversation offers valuable insight into supporting their mental well-being.

Event Details
📅 Thursday, August 14
🕔 5:00–6:00 p.m.
📍 Strategic Steps Counseling
603 First Ave., Suite 202
Sterling, IL

✅ This event is FREE, but pre-registration is requested. Contact Strategic Steps Counseling by phone, text, email, or through their social media channels to reserve a spot.

👉 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

0:43 – About Strategic Steps Counseling

1:21 – Why Host a Back-to-School Event?

2:15 – Creating a Safe Space for Kids

3:19 – Goals of the Event

4:04 – Coping Skills for School Anxiety

5:02 – Event Date, Time & Location

5:35 – Why the Event is Free

6:02 – How to Register

6:34 – Final Thoughts & What to Expect

6:57 – Closing

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On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Jennifer Slaney, director of the Sterling Public Library, to discuss more than $75,000 in grant funding that will improve accessibility, expand library services, and bring new opportunities to residents.

Learn how a major construction grant will renovate the library's historic Carnegie building with an ADA-accessible restroom, how additional funding will help grow the library's collection, and why a new outreach book van will soon bring library materials directly to seniors and others who can't easily visit the library.

Jennifer also shares details about the library's new digital literacy grant, efforts to help bridge the digital divide, the value of interlibrary loans, and a few fascinating pieces of Sterling Public Library history that many residents may not know.

Whether you're a longtime library supporter or haven't visited in years, this episode highlights how today's public libraries continue to evolve to meet the needs of their communities.

📚 Topics Covered:

• Sterling Public Library receives more than $75,000 in grants
• ADA restroom renovation planned for the historic Carnegie building
• New mobile outreach book van coming to Sterling
• Digital literacy classes and technology assistance
• Books, eBooks, audiobooks and interlibrary loan services
• Hidden history inside the Sterling Public Library
• How public libraries continue serving the community

👉 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

00:23 Meet Jennifer Slaney

00:46 $75,000+ in Library Grants

01:06 $52,000 Construction Grant Explained

03:27 Bathroom Accessibility Improvements

04:26 Grant Process & Timeline

04:35 How the Per Capita Grant Helps

06:07 Viewer Message

06:26 Impact of the Grants

07:21 Introducing the New Book Van

10:04 Bringing the Library Into the Community

11:00 The Importance of Public Libraries

14:05 Hidden History Inside the Library

16:52 More Than Just Books

17:09 Interlibrary Loan Services

21:05 Upcoming Programs & Digital Divide Grant

22:59 Closing

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Is a higher salary always the better job offer? Not necessarily.

On this episode of Cash and Coffee, hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman discuss why your first job offer should be about more than just the salary. They break down the importance of evaluating a total compensation package, including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, sign-on bonuses, flexible schedules and workplace culture.

Whether you're graduating from high school, college or a trade program, this episode offers practical tips to help you compare job offers and make informed career decisions.

☕ In this episode:

• Why salary is only one piece of a compensation package
• Understanding health, dental and vision insurance benefits
• What FSAs and HSAs are and how they can save money
• The value of paid time off and work-life balance
• Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment programs
• Sign-on bonuses and retirement benefits
• Flexible schedules and hybrid work options
• Why company culture matters when choosing an employer

If you enjoy practical financial conversations like this, be sure to like this video, subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

👉 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 - Introduction

00:28 - Comparing Two Job Offers

01:40 - Looking Beyond Salary

02:01 - Health Insurance & Fringe Benefits

03:11 - Paid Time Off (PTO) Matters

03:58 - Tuition Reimbursement & Student Loan Assistance

04:47 - Sign-On Bonuses & Total Compensation

05:18 - Flexible Schedules & Hybrid Work

06:27 - Why Company Culture Matters

06:52 - PTO Rollover Explained

07:21 - Final Thoughts

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Get ready for one of Sterling's favorite summer traditions!

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long welcomes Janna Groharing, executive director of Sterling Main Street, to discuss everything you need to know about Hot Dog Day 2026.

Learn how this longtime community tradition began, how it has grown into one of downtown Sterling's biggest annual events, and what visitors can expect this year. From 25-cent hot dogs, chips and bottled water to sidewalk sales, family activities, local vendors and special promotions, there's something for everyone.

Janna also shares details about this year's cooking locations, the friendly rivalry between the Sterling Police and Fire Departments, commemorative Hot Dog Day T-shirts, and how Hot Dog Day leads into an evening full of fun with Rally on the Rock and Movie in the Park.

Whether you're a longtime attendee or planning your first visit, this episode has everything you need to make the most of one of Sterling's most anticipated summer events.

Event Details
🌭 Hot Dog Day 2026
📅 Friday, August 7, 2026
🕚 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (or until sold out)
📍 Downtown Sterling, Illinois
💲 Hot dogs, chips and bottled water are just 25 cents each.

🚗 Rally on the Rock
📅 Friday, August 7, 2026
🕕 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
📍 Sterling Marketplace
🎵 Live music by GED, classic cars and food trucks.

🎬 Plus, stick around for Sterling's rescheduled Movie in the Park later that evening.

👉 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

00:25 - What is Sterling Hot Dog Day?

01:04 - The History of Hot Dog Day

02:22 - What to Expect at the Event

03:19 - Family Activities & Downtown Fun

05:11 - Event Time & Getting There Early

06:15 - Hot Dog Cooking Sites & Friendly Rivalries

08:19 - Support the Show

08:50 - Date, Time & Event Details

09:53 - Why Hot Dog Day is a Community Tradition

10:10 - 2026 Hot Dog Day T-Shirts

11:15 - Rally on the Rock & Movie in the Park

12:19 - Closing

Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below:

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On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Mandy Dallas, Carie Ramirez, and Hele Rowley to discuss the annual Tools for School program. Learn how this volunteer-driven initiative provides backpacks, school supplies, and valuable community resources to local families before the school year begins.The conversation covers how the program has grown, the importance of community partnerships, volunteer opportunities, sensory-friendly shopping times, and how local residents can donate supplies or financial support to help students succeed.Whether you're looking to volunteer, donate, or simply learn more about this incredible community effort, this episode highlights the impact Tools for School continues to make for Dixon families.📅 Event DetailsTools for School 2026📍 Elks Lodge1270 Franklin Grove Road, Dixon, IL📅 Thursday, August 6, 2026Sensory-Friendly Shopping (Registration Required)🕗 8:00–8:30 a.m.🕒 3:00–3:30 p.m.General Distribution Hours🕘 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.🕓 4:00–6:00 p.m.Eligible families can receive backpacks and school supplies while connecting with community organizations offering additional resources and services.To donate supplies, volunteer, or learn more, visit the Tools for School Facebook page or contact the organizers through their social media.

👉 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

00:23 Meet the Tools for School Team

00:45 What is Tools for School?

01:47 More Than Just School Supplies

02:05 Preparing for the Annual Event

02:33 Event Date, Location & Hours

03:23 Sensory-Friendly Shopping Times

04:38 Who Can Receive Supplies?

05:46 Serving Students Year-Round

06:39 How You Can Donate

08:28 Volunteer Opportunities

09:17 Meet the Organizers

11:22 Community Partners & Support

12:12 Closing Remarks

Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below:

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Learn how one local family turned tragedy into a mission that's changing lives across the region.

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Megan Carlson, Vice President of the Make a Farmer Foundation, to discuss how the organization was created in memory of Jaden Hansen and how it is helping students pursue careers in agriculture and the skilled trades through scholarships.

Megan shares the inspiring story behind the foundation, the incredible success of its first year, and details about the 2nd Annual Make a Farmer Festival, which raises money to support future scholarships. Find out what attendees can expect, including a car, truck, and tractor show, live music, bounce houses, a silent auction, family activities, and more.

If you're looking for a fun community event while supporting the future of agriculture, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Event Details:

📅 2nd Annual Make a Farmer Festival
📍 Prophetstown, Illinois
🗓️ Friday, August 8
🕛 Festival begins at Noon
🎟️ Free daytime admission (Admission applies for vehicle show participants and the evening beer garden.)
🚜 Car, Truck, Tractor, ATV & Motorcycle Show
🎶 Live Music by Next Thing Smokin'
🏰 Bounce Houses & Kids Activities
🛍️ Silent Auction
🍺 Beer Garden opens at 6:00 p.m.

For raffle ticket information and updates, visit the Make a Farmer Foundation on Facebook.

👉 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

00:25 - The Story Behind the Make a Farmer Foundation

00:45 - Honoring Jaden Hansen's Legacy

01:36 - $23,000 in Scholarships Awarded

02:35 - 2026 Make a Farmer Festival Details

03:36 - Admission & Festival Information

03:58 - Support the Show

04:16 - The Foundation's Mission

04:49 - Supporting the Next Generation of Farmers

05:52 - Scholarship Success Stories

05:59 - Side-by-Side Raffle Fundraiser

06:21 - What's Next for the Foundation?

06:54 - Closing

Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below:

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Should you use a credit card or a debit card? While they may look the same in your wallet, they work very differently—and choosing the right one can have a big impact on your finances.

In this episode of Cash and Coffee, hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman explain the key differences between credit and debit cards, when each one makes the most sense, and how to avoid common financial mistakes. They discuss everyday purchases, larger expenses, rewards programs, interest charges, and why staying on top of payment reminders is essential for building healthy financial habits.

Whether you're getting your first debit card, thinking about opening a credit card, or simply want to make smarter money decisions, this episode provides practical tips you can start using today.

In this episode:

• How debit cards and credit cards work
• Why credit card purchases don't immediately affect your checking account
• When to use a debit card instead of a credit card
• How credit card rewards can benefit you
• The risks of carrying a balance and paying interest
• Tips for avoiding missed payments with reminders and alerts
• Building responsible spending habits

👉 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

00:23 - Credit Card vs. Debit Card Explained

00:45 - Buying Gas: How Each Card Works

01:33 - When to Use a Debit Card

02:06 - When a Credit Card Makes Sense

03:44 - Support the Show

04:03 - Credit Card Rewards & Responsible Spending

04:28 - Avoiding Common Credit Card Mistakes

05:00 - Setting Payment Reminders

05:17 - Final Thoughts

05:25 - Closing

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National Night Out is back, and both the Rock Falls and Dixon Police Departments are inviting the community to come out for an evening of family fun, education, and community connection!

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Rock Falls Police Chief Ryan McKanna and Dixon Police Officer Lucas Kammerer to discuss how National Night Out helps strengthen relationships between first responders and the communities they serve.

Learn about the history of National Night Out, what each local event has to offer, and why building positive relationships with law enforcement outside of emergency situations is so important.

Whether you're interested in free family activities, meeting your local first responders, or learning more about community safety resources, this episode has everything you need to know before heading out on August 4.

Event Details:

Rock Falls National Night Out:

📅 Tuesday, August 4, 2026
🕔 5:00 p.m.
📍 RB&W District Park, Rock Falls, Illinois

Enjoy:

• FREE hot dogs
• FREE ice cream
• Face painting
• Prize raffles
• Fishing poles and bicycle giveaways
• Community organization booths
• Cyber safety and scam prevention information
• Family-friendly activities

Dixon National Night Out

📅 Tuesday, August 4, 2026
🕔 5:00–7:00 p.m.
📍 The Facility at the Dixon Park District (Wooden Wonderland), Dixon, Illinois

Enjoy:

• Touch-a-Truck experience
• Police, fire, EMS, public works and specialty vehicles
• Playground and splash pad
• Community resource organizations
• Family-friendly activities
• FREE admission

👉 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 Introduction

00:40 Rock Falls National Night Out

00:56 What Is National Night Out?

01:39 Why It Matters for Small Communities

02:41 Rock Falls Event Highlights

03:33 Cyber Safety & Community Resources

04:31 Free Food, Prizes & Family Fun

05:25 Rock Falls Community Programs

06:01 Operation Santa Claus

07:21 Dixon National Night Out

07:37 What Is National Night Out?

08:14 Meet Your First Responders

08:42 Touch-a-Truck Experience

09:48 Building Trust Through Community Events

10:52 Dixon's National Night Out History

11:41 Planning the Event

12:03 Free Family Activities

13:00 Event Date, Time & Location

14:02 Other Dixon Police Community Events

14:26 Cops & Bobbers

15:12 Community Engagement Year-Round

15:37 Closing Remarks

Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below:

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George Fest is back, and it's bigger than ever!

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Matt Prescott to talk about the second annual George Fest, happening Saturday, August 1. Learn what visitors can expect, from the 5K, Little Chick Dash, car show, and vendor market to an exciting lineup of live music throughout the day.

Matt also shares the vision behind George Fest, why supporting downtown businesses is at the heart of the event, how organizers are keeping the festival affordable for families, and the extensive planning that goes into making the event safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Whether you're planning to spend a few hours or the entire day downtown, George Fest offers something for the whole family.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, August 1

Location: Downtown Rock Falls, Illinois

Admission: FREE

Schedule:

• 8:00 a.m. – 5K begins
• Little Chick Dash
• Car Show
• Vendor Market
• Noon – Live music begins
• Family activities throughout the day
• Evening concerts until approximately 10:00–10:30 p.m.

Discover why George Fest is quickly becoming one of the Sauk Valley's premier community celebrations and how supporting local businesses helps strengthen the entire community.

👉 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 Introduction

00:34 What Is George Fest?

01:18 Affordable Family Fun

02:02 Events & Activities

02:55 Live Music Lineup

03:29 Date, Time & Location

04:32 Is George Fest Free?

05:03 Safety & Family-Friendly Atmosphere

05:31 Will There Be Chicken George?

06:33 Supporting Downtown Businesses

08:21 Why Everyone Should Attend

08:47 Shopping Local Matters

09:27 Community Support Behind George Fest

09:57 Event Safety & Security

11:33 Bringing the Community Together

12:20 Final Invitation to George Fest

12:56 Closing Remarks

Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below:

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🍦 Voted the Sauk Valley's Best Ice Cream! 🍦

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Jorge Brito, owner of Sundae Funday in downtown Rock Falls, to learn the story behind one of the area's favorite ice cream shops.

Jorge shares how his late father's dream inspired the business, what makes Sundae Funday unique, and why customers continue to vote it as the best place for ice cream in the Sauk Valley. The conversation also highlights the shop's family-friendly patio, specialty treats like mangonadas and acai bowls, signature ice cream nachos, and the launch of the new Sundae Funday ice cream truck.

Plus, Kierstyn samples some of Sundae Funday's most popular flavors, including the fan-favorite Munchie Madness, Rhubarb Crumble, Black Cherry, and seasonal Italian Ice.

Whether you're looking for your next favorite dessert or want to support a local business with a great story, you won't want to miss this episode!

📍 Sundae Funday
315 W. Second St.
Rock Falls, IL

🕒 Open 7 days a week
3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

🍦 Featured in this episode:
• How Sundae Funday got its start
• Why it was voted Best Ice Cream in the Sauk Valley
• Premium ice cream, mangonadas, acai bowls and more
• The famous ice cream nachos
• Seasonal flavors and dairy-free Italian Ice
• The new Sundae Funday ice cream truck
• Upcoming appearances at local events

Have a guest suggestion or question for a future episode?

👉 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 Introduction

00:35 Voted Best Ice Cream in the Sauk Valley

01:20 What Makes Sundae Funday Special

02:04 Signature Treats & Mangonadas

02:43 Healthy Açaí Bowls

03:02 How Sundae Funday Got Started

03:40 Location & Hours

04:01 Jorge's Favorite Menu Item

04:41 More Than Just Ice Cream

05:22 Award-Winning Ice Cream Flavors

06:37 Taste Test: Munch Madness

07:10 New Sundae Funday Ice Cream Truck

07:39 Whiteside County Fair Appearance

07:53 24 Flavors & Dairy-Free Options

08:21 Final Thoughts

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