Season 2, Episode 72

🎙️ Hot Dogs, Classic Cars, and Community Fun — It’s All Happening August 1 in Sterling!

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum chats with Robin Duncan and Janna Groharin about two beloved Sterling traditions — Hot Dog Day and Rally on the Rock Cruise Night.

🌭 Hot Dog Day has been serving up fun since 1976, and this year it’s back on August 1 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM (or until they sell out). Head downtown for 25-cent hot dogs, chips, water, cookies, and ice cream, plus sidewalk sales and a Children’s Fun Fair with games and bouncy houses.

🚗 Then, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, don’t miss Rally on the Rock Cruise Night at Sterling Marketplace. It’s a free event featuring classic cars, live music by Todd Striley & the Noize, tacos from Medoza, drinks from Main Squeeze, and adult beverages from The Factory.

Both events are hosted by Sterling Main Street, an organization dedicated to supporting local businesses and creating community-centered events. Tune in for everything you need to know about this exciting day of family fun!

🔗 Learn more at sterlingmainstreet.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:

0:28 - What is Rally on the Rock?
2:51 - Want to Learn More about Rally on the Rock?
3:12 - The Return of Hot Dog Day!
4:38 - The History of Hot Dog Day
5:17 - How You can Get Involved
6:18 - Kaitlyn's Question of the Day!

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Season 2, Episode 71

Love, laughter, and a whole lot of 80s flair! In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Ashton Strange, Gianna Sagel, Owen Winters, and Trinity Pankey — four talented cast members from The Wedding Singer, opening soon at Centennial Auditorium.

From unforgettable characters to hilarious backstage moments, the cast shares what makes this musical comedy a must-see event. Hear their excitement, creative process, and how they're bringing big hair and even bigger heart to the stage.

🎭 Show Dates:
July 25 & 26 at 7:30 PM
July 27 at 2:00 PM at Centennial Auditorium

🎤 Interviews & Highlights:

0:28 – 4:39 | Interview with Ashton Stange & Gianna Sagel

0:28 – What is The Wedding Singer about? Who do they play?

3:35 – Favorite part of being in an '80s show

4:40 – 9:00 | Interview with Owen Winters & Trinity Pankey

4:48 – Favorite behind-the-scenes moment6:13 – What’s it like singing '80s music?

6:46 – Performing plans after high school

7:44 – Kaitlyn’s Question of the Day: What would their characters’ social media accounts look like?

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Season 2, Episode 70

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Terri Porter, Co-Pastor of Abiding Word Church, about the upcoming Beautiful Exchange Women’s Conference 2025.

This year’s theme is Brave: Being Courageous in a World of Chaos, and it features keynote speaker Alicia Hankins Moran, a powerful voice with a personal story of resilience, faith, and fearlessness.

Terri shares how the conference is more than an event—it’s a space for women to connect, grow, and support one another in meaningful ways. With six breakout sessions, community-led speakers, and a mission to give back through Grandma Bonnie’s School Supply Closet, BXE is designed to make a lasting impact.

💬 “You're not having your kids, and you can just focus on making a connection that could be life-changing for you.” – Terri Porter

🎧 Listen now to discover how faith, friendship, and bravery are coming together at BXE 2025.
🔗 Register or learn more at awc815.com

#BXEBrave #WomenOfFaith #FaithOverFear #AlongTheRock #SterlingIL #BeautifulExchange2025

0:25 — Brief summary of the event and the story behind the name Beautiful Exchange Brave

1:18 — What’s new this year at the conference

2:39 — Overview of the breakout sessions

3:27 — Charity focus: Which charity the conference is supporting and why

4:25 — Memorable moments from past conferences

5:38 — Why you should attend the conference

6:43 — Summary and additional information

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Season 2, Episode 69

Most people don’t realize you can build a high-paying career in engineering technology or network administration without spending four years in college.

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Mark Morris sits down with Morrison Tech’s leadership team: President Chris Scott, President of Academic Affairs Scott Connelly, and President of Admissions Jodie Eaker.

They discuss the college’s soon-to-be-completed Innovation Center, how they’re reaching students through hands-on programs, and why so many grads are thriving across the country.

Learn what makes this small, specialized college a hidden gem for students who know where they want to go.

1:02 – Morrison Tech Today

2:10 – What’s New

7:13 – Student Outreach

8:59 – What Sets Us Apart

14:25 – Career Opportunities

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Season 2, Episode 68

What do a beloved chicken dish, live music, and a downtown block party have in common? They're all part of George Fest — a brand new event coming to Rock Falls on July 26.

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with organizer Matt Prescott to talk about how this festival is more than just fun. It's a grassroots effort to bring energy, business, and community connection back to the heart of Rock Falls.

🎧 Hear about the all-you-can-eat Chicken George contest, the family-friendly fun, and the 21+ nightlife with live bands from Florida, Nashville, and right here in the Sauk Valley.

0:28 — What is George Fest?

3:50 — Celebrating Community

4:40 — Overview of Daytime Events

6:25 — Behind the scenes: What it takes to organize George Fest

8:05 — Overview of Evening Activities? (Everyone’s invited!)

8:45 — Music Lineup

10:11 — The community effort behind George Fest

11:06 — Why George Fest matters

12:54 — Chicken George Eating Contest

14:52 — Community Supporters Spotlight

16:08 — Ticket Info and Special Offers

18:37 — Where to get Tickets and Event Details

19:59 — Looking ahead: The future of George Fest and Community Events

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Season 2, Episode 67

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with The Rev. Dr. Scott Porter about Abiding Word Church’s 40-year journey — from humble beginnings and financial struggles to becoming debt-free. Hear how a strong focus on youth and children's ministry became the church’s “secret sauce” and what big plans are ahead, including a new youth building and classroom spaces. It’s a story of faith, resilience, and building for the future.

00:24 – How Abiding Word Church Began

2:57 – The Heart of Our Mission

4:15 – Why Moving Wasn’t Easy

6:41 – What’s Next for Abiding Word

10:03 – How to Connect with Us

10:39 – Kaitlyn’s Question of the Day

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from Along the Rock

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Season 2, Episode 66

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Matt Lillpop about the upcoming Farm to Table Fundraiser hosted by the Whiteside County Farm Bureau Foundation.

Set for July 20 at Selmi’s Farm in Rock Falls, this event features a locally sourced dinner, signature drinks from a horse trailer-turned-bar, and over $16,000 in scholarships awarded to local Ag students.

Learn how this fundraiser supports FFA programs, ag education, and the future of farming in Whiteside County.

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Season 2, Episode 65

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Mark Morris talks with Joan Johnson about Tampico’s upcoming Sesquicentennial Celebration. From being the birthplace of President Ronald Reagan to surviving devastating tornadoes and fires, Tampico’s story is full of resilience and pride.

Discover what’s planned for the four-day celebration happening July 17–20, including fireworks, live music, a fishing derby, car cruise, arm wrestling contest, and more.

🎧 Tune in to hear the fascinating history, unforgettable local stories, and how the community is coming together to celebrate 150 years of Tampico.

#Tampico150 #AlongTheRock #RonaldReagan #SmallTownUSA #TampicoStrong

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Season 2, Episode 64

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Terry Hicks about the exciting return of the Rock Falls River Chase, a high-speed boat race unique to the area.

Terry shares how he helped revive the event after it disappeared in the early 2000s, what it takes to organize a race with boats reaching up to 90 mph, and why this multi-generational tradition means so much to the community.

From 9-year-old racers to seasoned veterans, and everything from JClass boats to hydroplanes, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at one of Rock Falls' most thrilling summer events.

🎧 Tune in now and get ready for the roar of the river!

#RockFallsRiverChase #AlongTheRock #BoatRacing #CommunityStories #LocalEvents #Podcast

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#illinois #saukvalley #alongtherock #podcast #theradarfreepress #free news #local news #Sterling #RockFalls #Dixon #BoatRacing #FamilyFun #RiverChase #FreeEvent

Season 2, Episode 63

In this inspiring episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Shane Bielema to talk about Disability Pride Month and his personal journey living with Cerebral Palsy.

Shane opens up about the challenges he faced growing up, how he found purpose in helping others as a Direct Support Professional, and his unexpected role as a local wrestling manager. He shares what Disability Pride means to him, offers advice for those newly living with a disability, and reminds us all why understanding and inclusion matter.

🎧 Tune in for a powerful conversation full of heart, resilience, and pride.

#DisabilityPrideMonth #CerebralPalsyAwareness #Inclusion #DisabilityAdvocate #AlongTheRock #Podcast

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#illinois #saukvalley #alongtherock #podcast #theradarfreepress #free news #local news #Sterling #RockFalls #Dixon #DisabilityPrideMonth #SelfHelp