Season 2, Episode 96

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum welcomes Marc Tintori from the Optimist Club to share details about Buddy Ball, a brand-new baseball league designed for children with physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges.

Buddy Ball breaks away from traditional rules — no strikes, no outs, and no pressure — ensuring every child has the chance to bat, play the field, and feel the joy of the game. With the help of volunteer “buddies,” players get the support they need to fully participate, build confidence, and make lasting friendships.

Tune in to learn how Buddy Ball got started, how local students and volunteers can get involved, and why this program is about so much more than baseball.

👉 Learn more and follow Optimist Club of Sterling, IL on Facebook

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Along the Rock for more stories from our community!

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:

00:32 – Introducing Buddy Ball

00:43 – How the Buddy Ball League Works

01:08 – Differences from Traditional Baseball

01:40 – The Role of Buddies (Volunteers & Family)

02:19 – How Buddies Support Kids on the Field

02:41 – Why Bring Buddy Ball to the Sauk Valley?

03:43 – Call for Student Volunteers

04:20 – Volunteer Hours & Nonprofit Connection

04:33 – How to Sign Up & Event Details

04:58 – Ages & Participation Info

05:03 – What a Buddy Ball Game Looks Like

06:38 – Kaitlyn's Question

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#illinois #il #sauk valley #along the rock #podcast #the radar #radar free press #free news #local news #Sterling #Rock Falls #Dixon #Lee #Buddy Ball #Soft ball #accessibility #experience #fun #sport #exercise #volunteer #community

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Sauk Valley’s athletic directors — Derick Cox (Rock Falls High School), Roger Fegan (Dixon High School), Justin Stevenson (Newman Central Catholic), and Evan Wyllie (Sterling High School) — to talk about the new school year, behind-the-scenes prep for sports programs, and student safety improvements, including Rock Falls’ new full-time strength coach.

They also discuss how schools collaborate despite rivalries, the importance of multi-sport athletes, lessons in accountability and resilience, and how sports teach life skills that extend far beyond the field. Plus, the directors share their own high school sports experiences and insights into building community through athletics.

🎧 Listen to the full episode and explore more from Along the Rock: https://theradar.online/along-the-rock-s2-ep96-whistles-wisdom-athletic-directors-of-the-sauk-valley/

#AlongTheRock #SaukValley #HighSchoolSports #AthleticDirectors #StudentAthletes #Community

🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:

0:57 - Excitement for the New School Year

1:50 - New this Year

2:50 - It Takes a Community!

5:24 - Goals for this School Year

6:18 - Growing as an Individual through Sports

7:11 - Building bonds with Other Student Athletes

9:53 - Kaitlyn's Question of the Day

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Season 2, Episode 95

🎨 Host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Sandy and Dan Burke to preview the 76th Annual Grand Detour Arts Festival, a Sauk Valley tradition blending art, music, food, and history.

Held at the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour, Illinois, this free, family-friendly event takes place Sunday, September 7, from 9 AM to 4 PM.

In this episode, discover:

• Nearly 40 artists showcasing paintings, ceramics, jewelry & more

• Live music from Jim Hinkle, Jeff Kagay, Robbie LeBlanc, and Lynette Chamberlain

• Student art exhibits & blacksmith demonstrations

• Food vendors offering everything from kettle corn to chicken pot pies

• The history behind the festival and the Charles Kested Award

• A special raffle honoring Dixon artist Charlie K.

✨ Free admission. Family fun. 76 years of tradition.

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more local stories from Rock Falls and beyond.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:0:42 - What is the Grand Detour Arts Festival?

3:16 - The History of the Grand Detour Arts Festival

4:16 - What's New this Year?

7:32 - Want to Attend?

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Season 2, Episode 94

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum welcomes Floyd Dunn, veteran and founder of the Valor Support Project, a nonprofit dedicated to giving back to veterans and first responders in need.

Floyd shares the story behind starting the organization, the powerful impact it’s had on families facing crisis, and details about the upcoming Riding for Valor fundraiser—a 133-mile community ride beginning September 6 at the Rock Falls American Legion. Whether you ride a motorcycle, drive a car, or simply want to join the post-ride celebration with food, raffles, and live music, everyone is welcome to support this mission.

Learn how the Valor Support Project is offering a “hand up, not a handout” through financial aid, crisis support, and community connection—and how you can get involved.

📅 Event Date: September 6

📍 Starting Point: Rock Falls American Legion (Registration 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Kickstands up at noon)

🎶 Post-ride music: Time Bandits, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

👉 Learn more and support Valor Support Project: https://valorsupportproject.com

👉 Follow Valor Support Project on FacebookDon’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Along the Rock for more stories from our community!

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:

0:37 - What is the Valor Support Project?

1:28 - What do they do?

2:07 - Success Stories

3:02 - Overview of Upcoming Fundraiser

5:09 - Want more Information?

6:05 - Kaitlyn's Question of the Day!

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In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum chats with Bruce Black from the Illinois Extension about the power of gardening, nature, and volunteerism. Discover how the Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs are helping people across Illinois grow their skills and give back to their communities.

Bruce shares expert tips for new gardeners, how to get kids involved, the surprising vegetables you can grow in Illinois—and why kohlrabi is his favorite!

🎧 Tune in for inspiration, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on what it means to plant roots in your community.👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more local stories from Rock Falls and beyond.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:

0:35 - What is the Illinois Extension?

2:01 - What is the Master Gardeners Program?

8:21 - How can You Get Involved?

14:05 - Children's Programs!

18:03 - Kaitlyn's Question of the Day!

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🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:

00:24 - What is Neurodivergence?

1:42 - Overview of Being Neurodivergent

3:30 - Misconceptions of being Neurodivergent

5:05 - Benefits of Joining

6:32 - Want more Information?

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In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum welcomes Dixon City Manager Danny Langloss to discuss how the city is transforming into a more walkable, connected, and thriving community. From the exciting Project Rock initiative to new business developments, expanded trails, and infrastructure updates—this episode is packed with insights into Dixon’s bold future.

🎙️ Topics include:

• The new 4-mile trail system and pedestrian bridge

• Expansion around Bloody Gulch Park

• What’s coming near Walmart (including a new Somkit restaurant!)

• Creative use of TIF funding to drive growth

• Long-term planning for walkability, recreation, and business

Whether you're a Dixon local or a fan of innovative city planning, this episode is a must-listen!

🎧 Listen now and take a step into the future of Dixon

#illinois #il #sauk valley #along the rock #podcast #the radar #radar free press #free news #local news #Sterling #Rock Falls #Dixon #Lee #2025 #Dixon City Manager #Danny Langloss

🎧 In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Heather Grobe, director of the Lovett Child Development Center in Dixon, Illinois—a newly expanded child care facility that's already making a big impact.

Heather shares how Lovett, a branch of the Dixon Family YMCA, is meeting a critical need for local families by offering care for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years, including a brand-new free preschool program in partnership with the Regional Office of Education.

From growing pains and staffing wins to the importance of early childhood routines and even favorite cartoons (spoiler: it's Bluey!). This conversation is full of heart and insight for parents, educators, and community members alike.

📍 Learn how this center is shaping young minds and building a stronger future—right here in the Sauk Valley.

🔗 More stories at TheRadar.Online

#illinois #il #sauk valley #along the rock #podcast #the radar #radar free press #free news #local news #Sterling #Rock Falls #Dixon #Lee #kids #annual event #Preschool #The Y #YMCA #Lovett Child Development Center #Education #Learning

🚜 Faith Meets Farm Life! In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Pastor Jim Miller to explore the heart and history behind the Farm Heritage Festival in Sterling, Illinois.

Now in its 18th year, this beloved community event features everything from vintage tractors and live demonstrations to goat milking, bouncy houses, rope-making, and a famous country breakfast. But it's more than just fun — proceeds help support UMCOR and the Sauk Valley Food Bank, making this festival a true celebration of faith, family, and giving back.

🎧 Hear how one small church has created a big impact through tradition, community, and love.

📅 Festival Date: Saturday, August 23
📍 Location: East Jordan United Methodist Church, Sterling, IL
🔗 Learn more: https://theradar.online/along-the-rock-s2-ep-89-faith-meets-farm-life-learn-about-the-east-jordan-farm-heritage-festival/

#FarmHeritageFestival #SterlingIL #FaithAndFarming #SaukValley #AlongTheRock #CommunitySpirit #LocalPodcast

🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:

00:17 - The History of the Festival

2:46 - What can you find at the Festival?

4:50 - Overview of Children's Activities

5:20 - New this Year

7:18 - Farm Equipment and Activities

8:23 - Want more Information?

8:56 - Kaitlyn's Question of the Day!

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

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In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum welcomes Melinda Jones from Rock Falls Tourism to talk about one of the city’s most anticipated events—Art in the Park!

Discover how this annual event transforms the RBNW District into a vibrant celebration of public art and community creativity. Melinda shares details about this year’s highlights, including:

🗿 8 brand-new sculptures from artists around the country
🎶 Live performances by Pat Jones, Jay Vonn, and James Perron
🔥 A new live glass-blowing demonstration
🎨 Over 20 local and regional artists
🚚 Food trucks with a variety of delicious options
🚗 Golf cart sculpture tours + the Otocast app for interactive experiences

🎧 Whether you're an art enthusiast, music lover, or just looking for a great day out—this episode has everything you need to know about Art in the Park 2025!

📅 Event Date: Saturday, August 23
📍 Location: RBNW District, Rock Falls, IL
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

🔗 Listen now and get inspired!

Check out The Radar Free Press at https://theradar.online/

🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:

00:21 – What is Art in the Park?

00:56 – Sneak preview of this year’s sculptures

01:17 – Inspiring kids through art

01:35 – Local & regional artists, food trucks, and music

02:10 – What’s new this year (glassblowing + pottery)

02:26 – Live music lineup announced

02:47 – Tourism impact on Rock Falls & local art trail

03:34 – Featuring local artists from Rock Falls & Sterling

04:06 – Visitors’ reactions and community growth

05:04 – Event details: Date, time, food, music & more

05:30 – Sculpture tour with golf carts & the Otocast app

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

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