Along The Rock

About Along The Rock

Along the Rock, a video podcast produced by The Radar Free Press. We speak with local people regarding nonprofits, upcoming events, awards and news for the areas of Dixon, Rock Falls and Sterling in northwest Illinois.

Publisher

The Radar Free Press

Category

news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Oct 2024

Latest episode

19 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

521 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Oct 2026

   Pat’s Table: Turning Love, Faith and a Home-Cooked Meal Into 45,000 Acts of Kindness

   On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long welcomes Larry Steward from Pat’s Table to share the inspiring story of a community ministry built on love, faith, and service. Created in memory of Larry’s late wife, Pat, the organization has served more than 45,000 meals to people in the Prophetstown community. What began as a leap of faith has grown into a lasting tradition of home-cooked meals, meaningful connections, and community support. Larry discusses Pat’s legacy of helping others, the volunteers and donations that keep the program going, and the powerful stories of people whose lives have been touched by Pat’s Table. From feeding hundreds during a local emergency to welcoming back former guests who now volunteer, the ministry continues to demonstrate the lasting impact of a simple act of kindness. In this episode: The story behind Pat’s Table and the woman who inspired it How the ministry grew from an idea into a community tradition More than 45,000 meals served through donations and volunteer support The importance of food, friends, and fellowship Heartwarming stories of guests who became volunteers How to attend a meal, donate, or get involved Visit Pat’s Table 📍 Prophetstown United Methodist Church 200 West Second Street, Prophetstown, Illinois 🗓️ Second Monday of each month during the school year ⏰ 5–6 p.m. 💚 Meals are free, and everyone is welcome! To learn more about donating or volunteering, contact the church at 537-2496. Watch this episode to discover how Pat’s legacy continues to bring people together, one meal at a time. 👉 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 to Pat’s Table 00:42 – The Story Behind Pat’s Table 02:09 – Getting Pat’s Table Started 02:44 – Building a Team of Volunteers 03:58 – Helping the Community During a Major Fire 05:50 – 13 Years of Serving the Community 06:16 – How Pat’s Table Operates Today 07:46 – The Impact of a Home-Cooked Meal 08:55 – The People Who Keep Pat’s Table Going 10:13 – A Story of Two Young Volunteers 12:30 – Food, Friends and Fellowship for Everyone 13:37 – The Lasting Impact of Pat’s Table 14:47 – Serving More Than 45,000 Meals 15:14 – Donations and How Pat’s Table Is Funded 16:18 – How to Donate or Volunteer 17:08 – The Personal and Spiritual Rewards of Volunteering 18:32 – When and Where to Enjoy a Meal at Pat’s Table 19:17 – Music, Fellowship and Free Community Meals 20:05 – Thanking Larry Stewart and Wrapping Up Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #PatsTable #FoodFriendsAndFellowship #Community #CommunityService #FoodForAll #Volunteer #FaithInAction #GivingBack #HomeCookedMeals #ProvincetownIllinois #SaukValley #LocalStories #ActsOfKindness

2. 

   19 Oct 2026

   Spooky Season on a Budget! 🎃 DIY Halloween Costumes & Money-Saving Tips

   🎃 Cash and Coffee: How to Save Money This Halloween! DIY Costumes, Thrifting & Budget-Friendly Tips Halloween doesn't have to haunt your wallet! 👻 On this episode of Cash and Coffee, hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman talk about their favorite Halloween costumes, childhood memories, and how families can celebrate spooky season without overspending. From DIY costumes and Goodwill finds to Facebook Marketplace bargains and clearance decorations, discover creative ways to stretch your dollars while making Halloween memories that last. ☕ In this episode: 🎭 Favorite childhood Halloween costumes and homemade creations 💸 Why store-bought costumes can come with a scary price tag 🛍️ Finding affordable costumes and decorations at Goodwill 🚗 How Facebook Marketplace can help you find unexpected bargains 🍬 Saving money on Halloween candy and seasonal decorations 🎄 Planning ahead to keep your budget on track for the holidays Sometimes, the best costumes aren't the most expensive ones. A little creativity, some DIY spirit, and smart shopping can help you save money while making memories with your family! 👉 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: 00:21 – Welcome to Cash and Coffee 00:35 – Favorite Halloween Costumes 01:12 – Childhood Halloween Memories 02:02 – Budgeting for the Holidays 02:21 – The High Cost of Halloween Stores 02:48 – Thrifting for Costumes and Deals 03:14 – Shopping on Facebook Marketplace 04:10 – Cash and Coffee: Viewer Questions 04:30 – Finding Affordable Deals on Marketplace 04:45 – DIY Costumes and Saving Money 05:28 – Creating Lasting Halloween Memories 06:09 – Are Expensive Halloween Decorations Worth It? 06:31 – Affordable Halloween Decorations 06:48 – Making Your Money Stretch Further 07:07 – Final Thoughts and Thanks Follow us on all social media platforms below: https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #CashAndCoffee #RadarFreePress #HalloweenOnABudget #BudgetFriendlyHalloween #DIYHalloweenCostumes #HalloweenSavings #MoneySavingTips #Thrifting #FacebookMarketplace #HolidayBudgeting #PersonalFinance #Halloween2026

3. 

   16 Oct 2026

   Nolan Kemp on Affordability, Utility Bills, Flock Cameras & Campaign Money

   Join host Kierstyn Long for a special political candidate edition of Along the Rock featuring Nolan Kemp, a candidate for Illinois State Representative in the 74th District.A Dixon native and emergency medical technician, Kemp shares how his experiences in emergency services inspired him to pursue public service and discusses the issues he hopes to address if elected.In this episode, hear Kemp discuss:• Affordability: His ideas for addressing economic challenges and improving government efficiency.• Utility Bills: His support for the proposed No More Utility Bill Ripoff Customer Protection Act and stronger consumer protections.• Campaign Financing: Why he has pledged not to accept corporate PAC money.• Government Surveillance: His opposition to Flock cameras and his proposal to ban these surveillance systems statewide.• Mental Health and Substance Abuse: How his experiences in emergency services have shaped his priorities.• Voting and Civic Engagement: His message to voters about participating in the democratic process.Watch this special episode to learn more about Nolan Kemp's background, policy positions, and priorities as a candidate for Illinois House District 74.For more local stories, interviews, and community conversations, visit The Radar Free Press at https://theradar.online/.SPONSORED EPISODE DISCLAIMERThis is a sponsored episode of Along the Rock. Paid for by Nolan Kemp for Illinois House. A copy of Nolan Kemp's report is (or will be) available on the Board’s official website, elections.il.gov, or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, IL. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this interview belong solely to the candidate and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of Along the Rock, The Radar Free Press LLC, Around Ptown LLC, Stahr Media LLC, or its staff, management, or owners. 👉 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 – Introduction: Nolan Kemp 00:38 – Background and the Dixon Community 01:02 – The 2018 Dixon High School Shooting 02:03 – Experience in EMS and Public Service 02:25 – Mental Health and Substance Abuse 02:52 – Addressing Affordability and Rising Prices 04:10 – Bipartisan Solutions and Government Spending 05:09 – Utility Bills and Consumer Protection 06:49 – Why He Rejects Corporate PAC Money 08:27 – Flock Cameras and Government Surveillance 10:08 – Closing Remarks and Election Day Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #NolanKemp #CandidateInterview #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #IllinoisPolitics #IllinoisElection #LocalPolitics #CostOfLiving #UtilityBills #CampaignFinance #NoCorporatePACMoney #FlockCameras #GovernmentSurveillance #CivilLiberties #DixonIllinois

Who has been a guest on Along The Rock

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Shane Bielema
• Maggie Wike
• Andrew Hofer
• Brittany Devereueawax
• Tom Myers

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

44,291

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 69 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

88

Social presence

97

YouTube

76

Engagement

0