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

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

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spofity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeart Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rumble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠

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

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

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spofity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeart Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rumble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠

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

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

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spofity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeart Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rumble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠

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.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from Along the Rock!Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spofity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeart Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rumble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠

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

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

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spofity⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeart Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Rumble⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠

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

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

• ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Spofity⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠iHeart Radio⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Rumble⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠

#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

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

• ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Spofity⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠iHeart Radio⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Rumble⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠X⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Threads

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

Season 2, Episode 62

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Maggie Wike from NAMI Sauk Area to discuss the upcoming NAMI 5K and the essential mental health support available in our region.

They talk about free support groups, educational programs like Ending the Silence, and how NAMI is working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness in Lee, Whiteside, Carroll, and Ogle counties. Maggie also shares how the organization is helping youth, families, and individuals navigate mental health challenges.

🎽 Don’t miss the NAMI 5K on July 12 at Hoover Park in Sterling
🎟️ Register at NAMISaukArea.org and use promo code RADAR5 for $5 off

Even if you can't attend, you can still support the cause through donations or volunteering.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley!

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

• ⁠Facebook⁠
• ⁠YouTube⁠
• ⁠Spofity⁠
• ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠
• ⁠iHeart Radio⁠
• ⁠Rumble⁠
• ⁠TikTok⁠
• ⁠X⁠
• ⁠Instagram⁠
• ⁠Threads

#MentalHealthAwareness #NAMI5K #EndingTheSilence #AlongTheRock #SaukValley #CommunitySupport #YouAreNotAlone #Podcast

#illinois #alongtherock #podcast #theradar #freenews #localnews #mentalhealth #NAMI5k

Season 2, Episode 61

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum chats with Andrew Hofer from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Discover how FCA uses sports and faith to inspire and equip students across Western Illinois through small group huddles, leadership training, and summer camps. Hear about their upcoming Basketball Power Camp for 3rd to 8th graders and learn how you can get involved.

For more information, visit 3riversfca.org.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley!

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

• ⁠Facebook⁠
• ⁠YouTube⁠
• ⁠Spofity⁠
• ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠
• ⁠iHeart Radio⁠
• ⁠Rumble⁠
• ⁠TikTok⁠
• ⁠X⁠
• ⁠Instagram⁠
• ⁠Threads

#illinois #saukvalley #alongtherock #podcast #radarfreepress #freenews #localnews #Sterling #RockFalls #Dixon #Lee #Whiteside #Morrison #FCA #Sports #Fellowship

Season 2, Episode 60

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Mike Moris sits down with Brittany Devereueawax to share an exciting update on the SVCC Impact Program, an earned tuition initiative at Sauk Valley Community College.

Learn how students can earn up to three years of tuition by volunteering in their communities, how to get involved, and the long-term benefits the program offers for personal and professional growth.

Whether you're a student, parent, or educator, this episode breaks down everything you need to know about getting started.

Visit svcc.edu/impact to learn more and explore volunteer opportunities.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley!

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

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Spofity
• Apple Podcasts
• iHeart Radio
• Rumble
• TikTok
• X
• Instagram
• Threads

#illinois #il #sauk valley #along the rock #podcast #the radar #radar free press #free news #local news #Sterling #Rock Falls #Dixon #Lee #Whiteside #Morrison #svcc #impact program #svcc impact