Discover the incredible story of Anderson Taylor, the Guinness World Records' youngest male museum curator, on this episode of Along the Rock!

Host Kierstyn Long sits down with Anderson and his father, John Taylor, to explore the fascinating journey behind the Cambridge Natural History Museum. From finding his first fossil at just 3 years old to opening a museum at age 7, Anderson shares how a childhood passion grew into a world-record achievement.

The conversation dives into some of the museum's most incredible artifacts, including mastodon tusks, megalodon teeth, the mysterious Illinois state fossil known as the Tully monster, and other prehistoric discoveries. Anderson also discusses his dream of becoming a scientist, recent fossil discoveries, and the museum's plans for the future as it continues to grow.

If you love dinosaurs, fossils, natural history, or inspiring stories of young people making a difference, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

📍 Learn more about the Cambridge Natural History Museum in Cambridge, Illinois, and hear how the community is helping preserve this one-of-a-kind collection.

👉 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 Becoming the World's Youngest Museum Curator

01:44 How the Cambridge Natural History Museum Began

02:48 A Dad's Perspective on a Big Dream

03:37 Exploring the Museum Collection

03:57 Mastodon Tooth Discovery

06:33 Illinois' Mysterious Tullimonstrum

08:52 The Mystery Rock That Nobody Wants to Crack Open

10:59 Megalodon Shark Tooth

13:10 How Fossils Help Discover New Species

15:01 Why Fossils Are So Rare

17:24 Finding Fossils in Unexpected Places

18:13 The First Fossil Anderson Ever Found

19:02 Helping Save the Museum

20:04 Museum Hours & Visiting Information

21:35 Cambridge Natural History Museum Address

21:50 Future Plans for the Museum

23:09 Closing Remarks

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Needs vs. Wants: Are You Spending Wisely? | Cash and Coffee

How do you tell the difference between a need and a want? It sounds simple, but today's spending habits can make that line blurry.

On this episode of Cash and Coffee, Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman discuss why understanding needs versus wants is one of the most important financial skills you can develop. From choosing a reliable vehicle over a luxury model to resisting the pressure to buy the latest smartphone or laptop, they explain how making practical financial decisions today can help you build long-term financial security.

The conversation also explores:

• Why transportation is often a necessity in the Sauk Valley
• How to avoid lifestyle inflation
• Building an emergency fund before making major purchases
• Shopping smarter for clothing and electronics
• Lessons learned from traveling abroad and seeing different perspectives on consumerism
• How trends and social media can influence spending habits

Whether you're creating your first budget, saving for college, or simply trying to spend more intentionally, this episode offers practical advice to help you make smarter financial choices.

👉 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 – What Are Needs vs. Wants?

01:09 – Essential Needs in Everyday Life

01:40 – Choosing Practical Transportation

02:43 – Smartphones, Computers & Living Within Your Means

03:25 – MacBooks vs. Affordable Alternatives

03:47 – Saving Before Spending on Luxury Items

04:23 – Quinn's Japan Shopping Experience

04:55 – Emily's Perspective from Indonesia

06:06 – Viewer Message

06:26 – Affording Wants Without Sacrificing Needs

06:35 – Trendy Purchases & Financial Decisions

07:31 – Smart Shopping, Thrifting & Name Brands

08:22 – Closing Thoughts

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Discover the inspiring journey of artist Riley Wescott on this episode of Along the Rock! Host Kierstyn Long sits down with the former Rock Falls resident to discuss how a passion for art evolved into a full-time career after military service.

Riley shares how the Whiteside Area Career Center CEO program helped launch his first business, why serving in the military changed the way he approaches his artwork, and the meaning behind his personal motto, "Bet on yourself." He also talks about his powerful Worn collection, creating custom commissions, finding inspiration from fellow artists, and completing his very first mural at Cochran's Pub.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, veteran, or someone chasing a dream, this conversation is full of encouragement and creativity.

In this episode:
• Riley's artistic journey from Rock Falls to Florida
• How military service shaped his creative perspective
• The story behind his Worn collection
• Creating meaningful commissioned artwork
• Completing his first public mural at Cochran's Pub
• Why "Bet on yourself" has become his personal motto

👉 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

00:41 – Discovering a Passion for Art

01:13 – Building a Business Through CEO

01:41 – Military Service & Returning to Art

02:03 – The Meaning Behind "Bet on Yourself"

02:49 – How the Military Influenced His Art

03:29 – The Story Behind "Worn Green"

04:00 – Artists Who Inspire Riley

05:21 – Favorite Painting: "Worn and Wild"

06:14 – Prints, Originals & Commissioned Artwork

07:31 – Where to Buy Riley's Artwork

07:52 – Creating His First Mural at Cochran's Pub

08:14 – Future Murals & What's Next

08:31 – Closing Thoughts

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

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🎉 Sterling Street Fest Debuts in Downtown Sterling | Along the Rock Podcast

Downtown Sterling is getting ready for an exciting new tradition! On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Janna Groharing of Sterling Main Street and Teri Sathoff from the City of Sterling to discuss the very first Sterling Street Fest.

Learn how this brand-new community block party came together, what visitors can expect, and why organizers hope it becomes a signature summer event for years to come.

In this episode, you'll learn about:
🎸 Live music from The Solution, Los Hills, and The Breakfast Club
🍔 Food from downtown restaurants and local vendors
🛍️ Shopping with local makers and downtown businesses
🎨 Free family-friendly activities including face painting, mini golf, inflatables, yard games, bubbles, and more
🤝 How the community and local sponsors helped make this free event possible
🌟 The vision behind creating a new annual tradition for Sterling

Sterling Street Fest
📅 Saturday, July 25
🕑 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
📍 Downtown Sterling, Illinois
💲 FREE Admission

Stay until the end to hear why organizers believe this event will continue growing and bringing the community together for years to come.

👉 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

00:36 – How Sterling Street Fest Began

02:17 – Event Details & Festival Schedule

02:52 – Live Music Lineup

04:11 – Kids Activities & Family Entertainment

04:35 – Food Vendors & Downtown Restaurants

06:25 – Free Activities for Kids

07:09 – Mini Golf & More Attractions

07:29 – Sponsors & Community Support

08:21 – Plans for Future Street Fests

08:55 – Volunteer Opportunities

09:15 – Shopping & Exploring Downtown Sterling

10:01 – Why Supporting Local Businesses Matters

12:30 – Event Date, Time & Location

13:18 – After Party at Brink's

13:49 – Where to Find More Information

14:14 – Final Thoughts

14:54 – Closing

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

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🎨 A lifelong dream becomes a lasting tribute.

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with local artist Ozell Taylor, the creator of the stunning new mural at Veterans Park in Rock Falls.

Ozell shares how he was selected for the project, the inspiration behind the patriotic design, and how he transformed a blank wall into a meaningful tribute honoring America's veterans. He also discusses balancing the project with his job as a school bus driver, his artistic work throughout local schools, and his hopes to create even more public murals across the Sauk Valley.

Plus, learn how Ozell's passion for art has inspired students, beautified the community, and turned a longtime dream into reality.

In this episode:

• The story behind the Veterans Park mural
• How the mural design evolved
• The challenges of painting a large public artwork
• Ozell's connection to military service
• Murals throughout Rock Falls, Sterling, and Rockford
• Future public art projects and commission opportunities

📧 Have a guest suggestion or topic you'd like us to cover?
Email us at [email protected]

👉 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

00:38 – How Ozell Taylor Was Chosen for the Veterans Park Mural

02:00 – Designing the Mural

03:39 – Painting the Mural

04:29 – Community Reactions During the Project

05:20 – Family Connections to Military Service

06:39 – Other Murals Around Rock Falls & Sterling

08:03 – Inspiring Students Through Art

09:32 – "Mr. T" the School Bus Driver

10:44 – Future Plans for the American Legion

12:12 – Commissioning Custom Murals

13:14 – Expanding Artwork Beyond the Sauk Valley

13:57 – Closing Thoughts

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

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Due to the full name of the YSJ golf tournament discussed in this episode, this video contains mild profanity. Viewer discretion is advised.

Two local golf outings are making a big impact in the Sauk Valley!

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Teri Crawford of Heroes of Hope of the Sauk Valley and Chris Schueler and Tony Walters of the YSJ Open to talk about two fun-filled golf outings that are raising money for great local causes.

Learn how Heroes of Hope was founded, why this year's golf outing is benefiting Path to the Future, and how the organization is helping support nonprofits throughout the region. The group also discusses unique attractions like the cannonball charity hole, volunteer opportunities, and how the community can get involved.

Chris and Tony also share what has made the sold-out YSJ Open one of the area's most popular charity golf events, from Happy Gilmore-inspired challenges and creative course games to their mission of creating a fun experience for golfers while giving back to the community.

⛳ In this episode:

• Heroes of Hope of the Sauk Valley
• Supporting Path to the Future
• Aug. 8 charity golf outing
• Cannonball charity hole
• Volunteer opportunities
• Inside the sold-out YSJ Open
• Happy Gilmore-inspired golf challenges
• Raising thousands for local charities

Event Information

Heroes of Hope of the Sauk Valley Golf Outing
📅 Date: Friday, Aug. 8
🎯 Benefiting: Path to the Future
⛳ Features the popular cannonball charity hole, contests, prizes, and opportunities to support a local nonprofit.
📝 Registration: Early bird pricing is available through July 18, with limited team spots remaining.
🌐 More information: https://heroesofhope-saukvalley.org

YSJ Open
⛳ The tournament has officially sold out for this year.
❤️ This year's event will benefit Heroes of Hope of the Sauk Valley and includes unique course challenges, charity contests, and plenty of fun for participants.
🌐 Learn more: https://yousuckjackass.com

👉 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

00:39 – What Is Heroes of Hope of the Sauk Valley?

01:46 – Benefiting Path to the Future

03:07 – The Cannon Charity Hole

04:12 – Registration & Early Bird Deadline

05:05 – Volunteering & Supporting Heroes of Hope

05:54 – You Suck Jackass Charity Golf Outing

06:31 – Why Their Tournament Sells Out

07:19 – Making Golf Fun for Everyone

08:10 – Charity Hole & Fun Course Challenges

08:50 – Happy Gilmore Hole

09:16 – Tournament Prizes & Stories

10:14 – Bringing the Cannon Hole to Another Tournament

10:50 – Closing Thoughts

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

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Can you really plant a second garden in July? 🌱 Bruce Black from the University of Illinois Extension joins Kierstyn Long on this episode of Along the Rock to explain why midsummer is the perfect time to start planning your fall harvest.

Learn which vegetables thrive when planted later in the season, why cooler temperatures create sweeter produce, and how to protect your garden from wildlife before they beat you to your tomatoes. Bruce also shares practical tips on harvesting, washing fresh produce safely, storing your vegetables, and getting the most from your home garden.

Plus, get an update on the Along the Rock pizza garden as Bruce checks in on the tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and succulent garden while offering advice for keeping plants healthy all season long.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or planting your very first vegetable garden, this episode is packed with research-based advice to help your garden flourish.

🌿 In this episode:

• Why July is ideal for planting a fall garden
• Best vegetables to plant for autumn harvest
• When to harvest tomatoes for the best flavor
• Tips for washing and storing fresh produce
• Garden updates from the Along the Rock pizza garden
• Free gardening resources available through University of Illinois Extension
• Preview of next month's discussion on tomato diseases

👉 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

00:43 – Transitioning Your Garden for Fall Vegetables

01:54 – Why Fall Vegetables Taste Sweeter

03:25 – Preventing Bolting in Summer Heat

04:30 – Favorite Fall Garden Harvests

06:57 – Customizing Your Garden Harvest

07:27 – Tomato Harvesting Tips

09:13 – Protecting Your Garden From Wildlife

09:50 – Pizza Garden Update

11:21 – The Return on Investment of Gardening

12:29 – Using Pesticides & Herbicides Safely

14:02 – How to Properly Wash Garden Produce

15:41 – Strawberry Season & Ever-Bearing Varieties

16:32 – Best Ways to Wash Fruits and Vegetables

18:38 – Apple Harvest Tips & Preventing Worm Damage

20:37 – Composting Damaged Produce

21:00 – Getting Gardening Help From University of Illinois Extension

23:00 – Upcoming Tomato Disease Segment

23:54 – The Search for the Perfect Tomato

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

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Join host Kierstyn Long on this episode of Along the Rock as she talks with Sam Meier of the Optimist Club of Sterling about the organization's mission to support local youth through scholarships, leadership programs and community service.

Learn how the Optimist Club impacts students across the Sauk Valley, why its annual Bucket Brigade fundraiser is so important, and how the money raised helps fund scholarships for Sauk Valley Community College students. Sam also shares details about the club's family-friendly trivia fundraiser, the Optimist of the Month program, and an international speech competition that offers students the chance to earn thousands of dollars in scholarships.

Event information:

🪣 Optimist Club of Sterling Bucket Brigade

• Date: Saturday, July 18
• Time: Beginning at 8 a.m.
• Location: Multiple intersections throughout downtown Sterling
• Purpose: All donations support scholarships for students attending Sauk Valley Community College.
• Ways to Donate: Cash, check, or Venmo (Optimist Club of Sterling).

🧠 Optimist Club Trivia Night

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
• Location: American Legion, Rock Falls
• Theme: Family-themed trivia
• Features: Silent auction with more than 100 donated baskets, prizes, and a fun evening supporting local youth programs.

Whether you're looking for ways to give back, support local students, or get involved in your community, this episode highlights how one organization is making a lasting difference.

👉 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

00:41 – What Is the Optimist Club?

02:10 – The Optimist Philosophy & Community Focus

02:42 – The Annual Bucket Brigade Fundraiser

03:57 – Supporting Local Students Through Scholarships

05:07 – How the Bucket Brigade Works

06:27 – Donation Options & Event Locations

07:16 – Bucket Brigade Date & Other Fundraisers

08:06 – Annual Trivia Fundraiser Event

10:10 – Other Youth Programs & Community Initiatives

11:02 – The Optimist Oratorical Contest & Scholarships

13:14 – How Students Can Get Involved

14:03 – Becoming an Optimist Club Member

14:15 – Closing Thoughts

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

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Discover how the next generation of farmers and entrepreneurs is growing right here in the Sauk Valley!

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Dallas Knack of the Sauk Valley Chamber of Commerce and Lori VanOosten of the Twin City Farmers Market to discuss the inaugural Youth Agriculture Market.

Learn how local youth ages 5-18 are showcasing their agricultural projects, handmade products, baked goods, flowers, and more while gaining valuable entrepreneurial experience. The conversation also explores the importance of agriculture in the Sauk Valley, how programs like 4-H and FFA inspire future careers, and how the community can support the next generation of local farmers and business owners.

You'll also hear about:

• The Sauk Valley Chamber's workforce development and agriculture initiatives
• The Sauk Valley Young Creators entrepreneurship program
• The Twin City Farmers Market's year-round schedule
• Upcoming events at the farmers market and opportunities for future vendors

If you care about supporting local agriculture, young entrepreneurs, and community events, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Also, stay tuned until the end to learn more about upcoming events at the Twin City Farmers Market and how local vendors can get involved.

👉 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

00:44 – What Is the Youth & Agriculture Market?

01:48 – Launching a New Agriculture Initiative

02:42 – Supporting the Next Generation of Farmers

03:20 – Why Agriculture Awareness Matters

04:17 – What Youth Vendors Will Offer

04:48 – Upcoming Sauk Valley Chamber Events

05:46 – Connecting Youth With the Farmers Market

06:03 – Twin City Farmers Market Year-Round Schedule

06:32 – Becoming a Farmers Market Vendor

07:12 – Closing Thoughts

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Get an inside look at everything that goes into the Lee County 4-H Fair! 🌽🐄🎨

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Katie Baker, Lee County 4-H Program Coordinator, to discuss how months of planning come together for one of the area's biggest summer traditions.

Learn how 4-H offers much more than livestock shows, with opportunities in art, STEM, gardening, woodworking, photography, sewing, leadership, and so much more. Katie also shares how conference judging helps young exhibitors build confidence, communication skills, and lifelong lessons that extend far beyond the fairgrounds.

You'll also hear some behind-the-scenes stories from fair week, including memorable animal escapes, creative projects from local youth, and the incredible volunteers who make the Lee County Fair possible every year.

Plus, stay tuned until the end to learn about a brand-new traveling science center that will be making its debut at this year's fair!

If you're planning to attend the Lee County Fair or simply want to learn more about 4-H and its impact on local youth, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

👉 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

00:42 – How Katie Baker Became Involved With 4-H

02:23 – What You’ll Find at the 4-H Fair

03:54 – Preparing for the Fair Year-Round

05:00 – Life Skills Learned Through 4-H

07:14 – Understanding the Judging Process

09:02 – Creative Projects That Stand Out

11:12 – The Volunteers Behind the Fair

12:36 – Memorable Animal Escape Stories

14:05 – The Open Show for All Ages

14:46 – What Makes Fair Week Special

15:32 – Entertainment and Events at the Fair

16:21 – Fair Dates, Information & Special Attractions

17:07 – Closing Thoughts

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