In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Parker Zimmerly, a student from Amboy Junior High School who competed in the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee, and Tom Wadsworth, recently named Volunteer of the Year for his 43 years of service to local spelling competitions.

Parker shares what it was like to step onto the national stage in Washington, D.C., the excitement of competing, and the behind-the-scenes experiences that most viewers never see. He also reflects on the word that ended his run and the friendships he built along the way.

Tom offers insight into the dedication behind volunteering, the pride of watching students succeed, and the enormous production that makes the National Spelling Bee possible.

Together, Parker and Tom highlight the hard work, perseverance, and community spirit that make spelling competitions more than just a test of words.

👉 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 - Competing at the Scripps National Spelling Bee

2:10 - The Best Part About Volunteering

2:59 - Clip from "2025 Regional Volunteer of the Year"3:46 - Behind the Scenes at the Scripps National Spelling Bee

5:29 - Memorable Words

9:05 - Advice for Future Competitors

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  #scrippsnationalspellingbee #regionalspellingbee #spellingbee #alongtherock #podcast #radarfreepress #sterlingil #dixonil #rockfallsil

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Rock Falls City Administrator Robbin Blackert to answer YOUR questions about how the city really works.

From attracting new businesses and managing empty storefronts to funding road repairs and running city-owned utilities, Blackert explains the challenges and opportunities shaping Rock Falls. She also clears up common questions about utility bills, liquor licenses, and what the city can—and can’t—control when it comes to development.

Whether you’re curious about local government, invested in Rock Falls’ future, or just want to hear directly from a city leader, this episode gives an inside look at the decisions that affect residents every day.

👉 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:

0:24 - What is a City Administrator?

1:41 - How Much Control does the City have Over New Businesses?

4:31 - Overview of Businesses with Slots/Liquor Licenses

8:00 - Loves Truck Stop

9:08 - What Can the City do with Unused Storefronts and Buildings?

10:53 - The Future of Road Repairs in the City

12:30 - Utilities and Fees22:00 - Kaitlyn's Question of the Day!

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#rockfalls #illinois #cityadministrator #citydevelopment #alongtherock #radarfreepress

Golden Meals has been serving seniors across northwest Illinois since 1974, providing more than just nutritious food—it delivers connection, dignity, and care. In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum speaks with Diane Randecker and Kelli Keefer from the Northwestern Illinois Community Action Agency’s Golden Meals program.

Together, they discuss the history of the program, its shift from congregate sites to mostly home-delivered meals, and the life-changing impact it has on seniors who often live alone and depend on daily visits from meal drivers. The episode also explores the financial challenges Golden Meals faces, the growing demand for services, and the upcoming fundraiser on Sept. 6 at Brinks in Sterling, IL.

Listeners will learn how a simple $15 donation can sponsor a week of meals for a senior, and why community support has never been more critical.

📅 Event Date: September 6

📍 Location: Brink's, Sterling, IL

👉 Learn more and support Golden Meals: https://nicaa.org/service/golden-meals

👉 Follow Golden Meals Whiteside County 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:

00:00 – Welcome to Along the Rock

00:25 – What is Golden Meals?

01:00 – Early History & Expansion of the Program

02:05 – Congregate Meals at the Senior Center

02:38 – What Do the Meals Look Like?

03:05 – Life-Saving Impact of Home-Delivered Meals

04:11 – Upcoming Fundraiser Details

05:08 – Other Ways to Support Golden Meals

05:51 – How to Get More Information (Facebook & Website)

06:30 – Funding Challenges & Program Struggles

09:18 – Kaitlyn's Question

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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

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#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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#athletelife #athleticdirectors #rockfallshighschool #dixonhighschool #newmancathlichighschool #sterlinghighschool

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?

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

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#localartists #artexhibition #artsale #granddetour#johndeere #illinois

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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#valorsupportproject #saukvalley #rockfalls #dixonil #sterlingil #veteran #firstresponders #alongtherock

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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  #MasterGardener #IllinoisExtension #GardeningPodcast #AlongTheRock #CommunityGrowth #VolunteerPrograms #NatureStewardship

🎧 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