On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts welcomes educator Kathy Book for an eye-opening conversation about what 4-H really is today. Brought to you by the Radar Free Press, this episode explores how 4-H has grown far beyond farm animals and tractors into a dynamic program focused on leadership, creativity, technology, and community service.

Kathy shares how youth can get involved in everything from visual arts, cooking, woodworking, and engineering to robotics, drones, and cultural learning experiences. The conversation also highlights how 4-H helps kids build confidence, leadership skills, and a lifelong connection to serving their communities.

You’ll also learn how adults can get involved through volunteering, judging projects, teaching workshops, or mentoring youth—whether for an hour or as a long-term commitment. Plus, Kathy explains who can join, including Clover Buds for younger kids, and how families can get started.

Whether you’re a parent, a potential volunteer, or someone curious about the modern impact of 4-H, this episode shows why the program continues to shape young leaders across our region.

Learn more about local 4-H programs and opportunities here:
https://extension.illinois.edu/clw

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On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Star speaks with Major Cameron Jones, a NASA Astronaut Candidate and Air Force test pilot from Savanna.

Major Jones shares how his dream of becoming an astronaut began at a young age, inspired by flying with his father, a private pilot, and fueled by a strong love of math and science. Growing up, he also found motivation in seeing a hometown hero succeed—fellow Savanna native Dale Gardner, whose shuttle mission photos reminded him that extraordinary goals were within reach.

In this conversation, Major Jones explains how reading astronaut biographies helped shape his path into engineering and the Air Force, and what it truly takes to train as an astronaut with NASA. From flying jets and learning foreign languages to geology training and spacesuit practice in giant pools, he offers an inside look at the intense, ever-changing demands of astronaut preparation.

Major Jones also talks about the camaraderie among astronaut candidates, the unexpected challenges of learning a new language, and the excitement of potentially serving aboard the International Space Station or participating in future lunar missions.

Most importantly, he shares an encouraging message for kids and dreamers everywhere: there is no single path to becoming an astronaut. With passion, research, and hard work, incredible careers—on Earth or beyond—are possible.

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🎤 Highlights:

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Struggling to budget when your income isn’t consistent? ☕💰
In this episode of Cash and Coffee, hosts Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes walk you through a step-by-step method for creating a budget when you don’t know how much you’ll make each month.
Learn how to find your baseline, plan for different pay frequencies, and turn extra income into progress toward your goals.
Read the full article here: https://theradar.online/cash-and-coffee-creating-a-budget-on-a-variable-income/
Subscribe for more financial insights!

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🎤 Highlights:

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On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with David DeVries, owner of The Classroom in Nelson, to talk about a powerful community fundraiser benefiting the Valor Support Project.

The conversation highlights the Tossing for Valor Bags Tournament, the 2026 kickoff fundraiser that brings together friendly competition, community connection, and meaningful support for local veterans. David shares how The Classroom became involved, the impact these events have had, and why giving back to veterans is so important.

🗓 Event Details

• Event: Tossing for Valor Bags Tournament

• Date: Saturday, February 21

• Bags Fly: 3:00 PM

• Sign-Up Begins: 2:00 PM

• Cost: $40 per team (bring your own partner)

• Payout: 70% prize payout / 30% donated to Valor Support Project

📍 Location
The Classroom (former Nelson School)
207 Pope Street
Nelson, IL

🎒 What to Expect

• Indoor bags tournament with multiple courts

• Round-robin play followed by double-elimination brackets

• Possible A & B brackets depending on turnout

• Food available on site

• Additional fundraising activities like 50/50 raffles

Events like this help grow the local bags community while making a real difference for veterans who have served our country.

👉 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:

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Season 3, Episode 24

Firefighters. Police officers. One chili showdown.

Nathan Stahr talks with Cameron Gonzalez and Chief Ryan McKenna about Rock Falls’ Battle of the Badges Chili Cookoff — how it started, how it’s grown, and why it continues to bring the community together.

Read more:
https://theradar.online/along-the-rock-s3-ep-24-battle-of-the-badges-chili-cookoff-rock-falls-police-vs-rock-falls-fire/

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🎤 Highlights:

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Season 3, Episode 23

Join host Emma Watts on this on-location episode of Along the Rock as she visits Northland Mall to talk all about winter fun, family resources, and community connection. Emma is joined by Kerrie Winge to preview the upcoming Frosty Fun Fair, a free indoor event designed to bring families and community organizations together during the cold Midwest winter.

Learn why the Frosty Fun Fair is becoming an annual tradition, what families can expect this year, and how local organizations are coming together to provide fun activities, helpful programs, and valuable resources all in one place. From hands-on experiences to learning about home visiting programs and Head Start enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year, this event offers something for everyone.

Event Information – Frosty Fun Fair

📍 Location: Northland Mall📅 Date: Saturday, February 21⏰ Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

👉 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 Frosty Fun Fair Overview

00:40 Why the Frosty Fun Fair Was Created

01:00 Indoor Winter Fun for Families

01:19 Last Year’s Turnout + Free Haircuts & Activities

01:42 Event Date & Time Details

01:53 How Many Organizations Are Participating This Year

02:20 How Nonprofits & Family Groups Can Join

02:33 Who Should Attend the Event

02:59 Featured Activities & Home Visiting Programs

03:24 Family Resources Available On-Site

03:41 Hidden Gem Programs Through Head Start

04:18 Start Head Start Enrollment at the Event

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Season 3, Episode 22

Join host Emma Watts as she sits down with Kaitlin and Ben from the Mosaic Theatre Troupe to talk about their upcoming stage production of Persuasion — a fresh adaptation written locally and brought to life through a uniquely collaborative, director-free rehearsal process. They share how the script was developed, what makes this Jane Austen story special, and why this production stands out in the local theater scene.

🗓️ Event Date: February 20–21 (7:30 PM) & February 22 (2:00 PM matinee — pay what you can)

🕙 Time: 7:30 PM evening shows / 2:00 PM matinee

📍 Location: Northwest Territory Historical Center (Old Dixon High School), Dixon, Illinois

If you love Jane Austen, Bridgerton-style period drama, slow-burn romance, or want to support original local theater, this episode — and this show — are for you. Hear directly from the writer and cast about what makes this adaptation heartfelt, funny, and approachable even for newcomers to Austen.

👉 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 / Chapters:

00:31 Why Write a New Stage Adaptation of Persuasion

01:16 Script Development & Workshop Process

02:00 What Makes Mosaic Theater Troupe Unique

02:40 Story Background for Non–Jane Austen Fans

03:29 Meet the Lead Characters

04:16 Rehearsing Without a Director — A Bold Approach

05:44 Actor Perspective on Collaborative Staging

07:17 Growth Through Experimentation in Theater

07:35 Show Dates, Location & Ticket Info

08:49 What Audiences Can Expect (No Spoilers)

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On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Ashley Richter from the Lee and Ogle County United Way and Keri Olson from the Whiteside County United Way to break down what United Way really is and how it supports our local communities.

The conversation goes beyond fundraising events and dives into the impact United Way has through funding more than 20 local nonprofits, supporting critical services, and running key programs like the summer lunch program and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Ashley and Keri explain how donations stay local and are used to create long-term solutions for families and individuals in need.

This episode also highlights the 211 helpline, a free, confidential, 24/7 resource that connects people to housing, food, childcare, mental health services, and more. Learn how to access 211 by phone or text and why awareness of this service is so important for our region.

Plus, hear about upcoming United Way events, including:

• 211 Day on February 11, featuring $2.11 specials at participating local restaurants

• Quarterly Nonprofit Coffee Collective workshops, with the next session focused on grant writing

• United We Bingo on February 26 at the Dixon Elks Lodge

• Bid United, an online auction supporting local United Way programs

Whether you’re looking for resources, ways to give back, or just want to learn more about the impact of United Way, this episode is packed with helpful information.

👉 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

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In this episode, we dive into creative and affordable Valentine’s Day ideas that help you celebrate without overspending. Hosts Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes share fun date suggestions — from discounted movie nights and scenic walks to dollar-store games and cozy nights at home. Whether you’re with a partner, friends, or family, discover meaningful ways to make Valentine’s Day special on any budget.
👉 Read the full article: https://theradar.online/cash-and-coffee-low-cost-valentines-day-ideas/
☕ Brought to you by The Radar Free Press — practical financial talks for everyday life.

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The rules were loose, the cuddles were frequent, and the football was mostly ignored in this special edition of Along the Rock. The Paws and Claws Bowl brought chaos, cuteness, and nonstop entertainment as shelter cats took over the field at Granny Rose Animal Shelter.

From Rosa’s referee bribery attempts to Himsby and his twin’s repeated escapes through the spirit tunnel, this game proved that cats play by their own rules. The second matchup introduced the legendary trio Tic, Tac, and Toe, delivering wrestling matches, overturned goalposts, surprise penalties, and plenty of treats.

Beyond the laughs, this event highlights the amazing animals waiting for loving homes and the important work done every day by Granny Rose Animal Shelter.

🐶🐱 About Granny Rose Animal Shelter
Granny Rose Animal Shelter is a no-kill shelter dedicated to rescuing, caring for, and finding forever homes for animals in need. Through community support, adoption programs, and events like the Paws and Claws Bowl, the shelter works to give every animal a second chance.

❤️ Interested in adopting or supporting the shelter?
Learn more about available animals, adoption information, and ways to help by visiting:
👉 https://grannyroseanimalshelter.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:

00:00 - Kittens play

09:14 - Puppies play

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