Along The Rock

The Radar Free Press

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.

  1. 1d ago

    From Strangers to Sisters: How Generations Woven Is Connecting Women Through Conversations

    Three women. Three generations. One shared mission. On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Tasha Garcia, Nerina Human, and Judy Randall from Generation Woven to talk about how an unexpected friendship became a podcast and a growing community focused on connection, authenticity, and personal growth. Generation Woven brings together women from different generations and backgrounds to have honest conversations about life, growth, relationships, navigating challenges, and finding ways to move forward. The conversation also explores Coffee and Connections, Generation Woven's free in-person gatherings where women can meet, share stories, participate in activities, build friendships, and simply spend time connecting with one another. ☕ NEXT COFFEE AND CONNECTIONS📅 Saturday, Sept. 26📍 Aurelio's⏰ Arrive around 9:30 a.m. | Event begins at 10 a.m.💰 Free to attend🌟 September theme: Gratitude Women of all ages are welcome. Bring your mom, daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend, neighbor, or anyone else in your life who could use some connection and community. Generation Woven is also looking beyond the local community, with plans for an international virtual Coffee and Connections gathering to connect with people around the world. Watch the full episode to hear how Generation Woven came together, what they hope to accomplish, and why authentic connection matters. 👉 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 Welcome to Along the Rock 00:40 How Generations Woven Came Together 01:35 From a Dinner Conversation to a Podcast 02:20 “What’s a Podcast?” 03:18 Three Generations, One Mission 04:24 Learning as They Go 05:11 Helping Women Through Shared Stories 05:43 The Power of Authenticity 06:44 You’re Not Stuck—You Can Move 07:44 Using the Platform to Help Others 08:13 How They Choose Podcast Topics 09:17 How the Podcast Has Evolved 10:18 Judy’s Storytelling Style 10:50 What Generations Woven Is Really About 11:28 Coffee & Connections 12:48 What Is Coffee & Connections? 13:38 September’s Theme: Gratitude 14:04 October’s Theme: Human Touch 14:54 Chair Massages & Reflexology 15:34 Coffee, Conversation & Community 16:29 The Power of Fellowship 17:33 Finding Your “Third Space” 18:13 Taking Coffee & Connections International 19:16 Connecting With Women Around the World 20:11 Learning From Women in Other Countries 20:42 Naraina’s Story 21:17 Details for the Next Coffee & Connections 22:08 Who Can Attend? 22:57 The Private Coffee & Connections Facebook Group 23:37 Final Thoughts 23:51 Closing 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 #GenerationsWoven #CoffeeAndConnections #WomenSupportingWomen #WomenEmpoweringWomen #FemaleFriendship #WomenInBusiness #PersonalGrowth #Authenticity #CommunityConnection #WomenOfAllAges #LifeAfter40 #LifeAfter50 #LifeAfter60 #Podcast #WomenAndCommunity #ConnectionMatters #SaukValley #RockFallsIllinois #RadarFreePress

  2. 2d ago

    Tacos, Wrestling & Fall Fun! Taco Throwdown Returns to Rock Falls | Along the Rock

    🌮 Tacos, Wrestling & Fall Fun Are Taking Over Rock Falls! 🤼 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Melinda Jones from Rock Falls Tourism and Ryan Zschiesche from ZOWA Live to preview the return of the Taco Throwdown at RB&W Park. The third annual event is bringing together 10 taco trucks, a taco-eating contest, live wrestling, music, and plenty of community fun along the Rock River. 🌮 Taco Throwdown📅 Friday, Sept. 25📍 RB&W Park, Rock Falls⏰ 4-10 p.m. Find out how the best taco competition works, how to enter the taco-eating contest, and what to expect from ZOWA Live's action-packed wrestling lineup. 🏆 The taco-eating contest gives competitors 10 minutes to eat as many tacos as possible, with last year's winner finishing 16 tacos and taking home $100 and a trophy. 🤼 ZOWA Live will feature approximately seven bouts, including a championship tournament semifinal, with the wrestling action split around the taco-eating contest. The episode also looks ahead to more fall activities in Rock Falls, including the lumberjack show, women's skillet throwing contest, and Halloween Lighted Golf Cart and UTV Parade. 👉 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 Welcome to Along the Rock 00:34 Taco Throwdown Returns 00:43 When & Where to Go 01:00 Ten Taco Trucks & Lots of Food 01:17 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 01:38 The Taco Eating Contest 01:50 Vote for the Best Taco 02:35 Wrestling at the Taco Throwdown 03:03 What to Expect From ZOWA 03:28 Seven Wrestling Bouts 04:04 A Jam-Packed Night of Action 04:28 A Bigger & Better Taco Throwdown 05:09 How to Enter the Taco Eating Contest 05:39 What Makes the Contest Tacos Different? 06:16 The Strategy Behind Taco Eating 06:52 $100 & Trophies Up for Grabs 07:07 Ten Taco Trucks Are Sold Out 07:36 More Fall Events From Visit Rock Falls 07:43 Lumberjack Shows & Skillet Throwing 08:08 Halloween Golf Cart & UTV Parade 08:44 ZOWIE’s Fall Wrestling Events 09:07 Family-Friendly Wrestling 09:28 Why You Should Check Out ZOWIE 09:47 Final Thoughts 10:03 Closing 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 #TacoThrowdown #RockFalls #RockFallsIllinois #VisitRockFalls #Tacos #TacoEatingContest #TacoTrucks #Wrestling #ZOWA #LiveWrestling #HispanicHeritageMonth #FallEvents #FallFestival #LumberjackShow #SkilletThrowing #HalloweenParade #UTVParade #SaukValley #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress

  3. 2d ago

    7,500 Varieties of Apples?! The Surprising World of Apples | Along the Rock

    🍎 APPLE SEASON IS HERE IN NORTHWEST ILLINOIS! 🍎 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long welcomes Bruce J. Black from Illinois Extension for an apple-filled conversation just in time for fall! Did you know there are approximately 7,500 varieties of apples grown worldwide, with about 2,500 grown in the United States? Bruce breaks down the fascinating world of apples, from how new varieties are developed to why modern apple trees are much smaller than the 40-foot trees they can become naturally. Kierstyn and Bruce also explore: 🍏 How long apples can actually be stored🍎 Why bruising can shorten an apple's shelf life🍏 The tiny Rocket apple and its lunchbox appeal🍎 What makes Honeycrisp such a challenging apple to grow🍏 Why Cosmic Crisp apples are less likely to brown after being cut🍎 Which apples are better for snacking, baking, cider, and preserving🍏 The history of the Red Delicious apple🍎 Early-season varieties available around the Sauk Valley🍏 Why an apple tasting can be a lot like a wine tasting With apple harvest season underway and fall quickly approaching, it's a perfect time to visit a local orchard, try a new variety, grab some fresh cider, and enjoy everything apple season has to offer. What is your favorite apple variety? 🍎 Let us know in the comments! 👉 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 Welcome to Along the Rock 00:40 It’s Apple Harvest Season 01:31 How Many Apple Varieties Are There? 03:12 2,500 Apple Varieties Grown in the U.S. 03:47 The Apples You See at the Grocery Store 05:44 The Rocket Apple 07:24 How Are New Apple Varieties Created? 08:39 Why Apple Trees Used to Be 40 Feet Tall 10:21 How Apples Are Harvested 11:24 How Long Can Apples Be Stored? 13:27 Are You Eating Last Year’s Apples? 14:05 What Apples Are in Season Right Now? 15:23 Finding the Right Apple for You 17:40 Meet the Pink Lady 18:16 Why Honeycrisp Is an Apple Diva 19:26 The Amazing Cosmic Crisp 23:27 Exploring Local Apple Orchards 24:34 Bruce’s Favorite Apple 25:35 What Happened to the Red Delicious? 27:11 Apple Tasting Like a Wine Tasting 28:31 Will There Be an Apple Tasting? 29:22 The Apple Joke 30:15 Closing 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 #Apples #AppleSeason #AppleHarvest #AppleOrchard #Honeycrisp #CosmicCrisp #PinkLadyApple #GalaApple #RedDelicious #AppleTasting #Gardening #IllinoisExtension #FallInIllinois #SaukValley #RockFalls #RockFallsIllinois #LocalFood #FallHarvest #RadarFreePress

  4. 3d ago

    Fall, Fantasy & Fun Are Coming to Rock Falls! | Fallen Fantasy Fest 2026

    Step into a world of fall, fantasy, costumes, and imagination on this episode of Along the Rock! Host Kierstyn Long sits down with Jake Wallin, Trent Johnson, and Jaclyn Sciacero to preview the third annual Fall and Fantasy Fest, coming to Centennial Park in Rock Falls on Sept. 26-27. The local pop-up Renaissance festival is moving to a new location this year, giving organizers more room to expand the event and bring even more entertainment, vendors, and activities to the community. 🎭 What can you expect?• Returning favorites like snail jousting and Shakespearean sword fighting• Historical reenactments and black powder demonstrations• Erin the Mermaid• Wandering fantasy performers, including a faun and potentially fairies• A new magician and musical performances• Deep Light LARP adventures• More than 50 vendors featuring fantasy-inspired merchandise, plants, potions, dragons, and more• Plenty of opportunities to dress up and embrace your imagination Costumes are encouraged but absolutely not required. Whether you're a seasoned Renaissance festival fan or someone looking for a fun new fall experience, there's something for everyone. 🎟️ AdmissionAdults: $10Children, seniors, and first responders: $5 📅 Event InformationFall and Fantasy FestSept. 26-2710 a.m.-6 p.m. both daysCentennial ParkRock Falls, Illinois The festival is also looking for volunteers, sponsors, and community members who want to help make the event a success. Learn more and get involved at fallandfantasy.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 Welcome to Along the Rock 00:25 Meet the Fallen Fantasy Fest Team 01:09 What Is Fallen Fantasy Fest? 02:08 When Is Fallen Fantasy Fest? 02:29 A New Location at Centennial Park 03:17 Room to Grow 03:42 What to Expect at This Year’s Festival 04:11 Returning Performers & Entertainment 04:34 New Performers & Magical Experiences 05:18 More Than 50 Vendors 06:02 Meet Aaron the Mermaid 06:25 Do You Have to Dress Up? 07:19 LARP Adventures & Family Fun 08:04 Admission Prices for 2026 09:00 Growing the Festival 09:12 Why You Should Come 09:47 How to Support Fallen Fantasy Fest 10:17 Sponsorship Opportunities 10:30 Volunteers Needed 11:41 The Community Behind the Festival 12:24 How to Find Fallen Fantasy Fest 13:04 Costumes, Fun & Final Thoughts 13:20 Closing 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 #FallenFantasyFest #FallAndFantasy #RockFalls #RockFallsIllinois #RenaissanceFestival #FantasyFestival #FallFestival #Halloween #Cosplay #LARP #RenaissanceFaire #Fantasy #Costumes #FamilyFun #CentennialPark #SaukValley #IllinoisEvents #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress

  5. 3d ago

    Step Back in Time: Experience an Old-Fashioned Fall Harvest in Northwest Illinois

    What did harvest season look like before modern farming technology? On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long talks with Katie Lewis from Bos Brothers Historical Farm about the upcoming Old-Fashioned Fall Harvest. The annual event gives visitors a chance to step back in time and experience traditional farming, crafts, skills, and trades. This year’s show will feature historic harvesting of corn and soybeans, along with demonstrations including rug weaving, quilting, blacksmithing, wood turning, wooden spoon carving, macramé, crocheting and pottery. Visitors can also see a sawmill, shingle mill, rock crusher, and historic plowing demonstrations in action. The corn harvest will even be followed through the milling process, with cornmeal used to prepare food that visitors can sample. 📅 Dates: Sept. 25-27📍 Location: Bos Brothers Historical Farm🏡 Address: 8105 Spring Hill Road, Erie, Illinois🎟️ Admission: Free Sunday Special Events:⛪ Church service at 9:30 a.m. in the barn🚜 Tractor pull at 1 p.m. All other demonstrations and activities will take place throughout all three days. The Old-Fashioned Fall Harvest operates through donations and support from sponsors, helping keep the event free for families and visitors. Watch this episode to learn more about the history behind Bos Brothers Historical Farm and why preserving these traditional skills and farming practices remains important. 👉 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 Welcome to Along the Rock 00:25 Meet Bos Brothers Historical Farm 00:44 What Is the Old-Fashioned Fall Harvest? 01:13 Farming Before Modern Technology 01:40 Traditional Crafts, Skills & Trades 02:27 The History of Bos Brothers’ Shows 03:13 From the Field to Your Table 03:57 Seeing Where Your Food Comes From 04:15 The Historic Cook Shack 04:58 Keeping Antique Equipment Running 05:47 Fall Harvest Dates & Location 06:26 Sawmills, Plowing & Other Demonstrations 07:07 Sunday Church Service & Tractor Pull 07:32 Why Preserving Old-Fashioned Skills Matters 08:23 The Value of Handmade Goods 08:43 Free Admission & Family Fun 09:32 How to Support Bos Brothers Historical Farm 09:53 Closing 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 #BosBrothersHistoricalFarm #OldFashionedFallHarvest #FallHarvest #HarvestFestival #FarmLife #AntiqueFarming #VintageFarming #Agriculture #FarmHistory #HistoricalFarm #OldFashioned #FamilyFun #NorthwestIllinois #ErieIllinois #SaukValley #IllinoisEvents #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress

  6. 4d ago

    Turning Tragedy Into Fire Safety: The Hopkins Family’s Mission to Save Lives

    Fire safety starts long before an emergency happens. On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long is joined by Becca Mayberry of Hopkins Family Fire Safety, Rock Falls Fire Chief Kyle Sommers, and Sterling Fire Chief David Northcutt to discuss fire prevention, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, escape plans, candle safety, extension cords, and other ways families can prepare for an emergency. Becca also shares the story behind Hopkins Family Fire Safety and how a devastating house fire inspired her to create an organization focused on raising awareness and helping provide important safety resources to the community. The conversation also highlights ways residents can support local fire safety efforts, including donating smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, power strips, emergency care kit supplies, and other safety items. Plus, learn about upcoming opportunities to connect with Hopkins Family Fire Safety and local firefighters, including Taco Throwdown on September 25 and the Sterling Fire Department's A Block Party on October 4. Watch now to learn how simple steps taken today can help keep your family safer tomorrow. 👉 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 Welcome to Along the Rock 00:25 Meet the Hopkins Family Fire Safety Organization 00:42 The Tragedy That Started It All 02:15 Learning Her Family Was Gone 03:00 Turning Loss Into a Mission 03:32 Giving Back Through Fire Safety 03:55 The First Community Event 04:25 The Importance of Smoke Detectors 05:12 A Life-Saving Lesson About Smoke Alarms 05:52 Hopkins Family Fire Safety 06:05 How You Can Support the Organization 06:49 Emergency Care Kits for Fire Victims 07:22 Essential Smoke Detector Safety 07:55 Carbon Monoxide Detectors & Extension Cords 09:16 Candle Safety 10:00 How the Community Can Support Local Fire Departments 10:31 Fire Department Community Programs 11:04 Upcoming Fire Safety Events 11:39 Sterling Fire Department Block Party 12:20 Having a Fire Escape Plan 12:40 Teaching Kids What to Do in a Fire 13:22 Fire Safety Education in Local Schools 13:38 Fire Safety Is Important for Everyone 14:07 Closing 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 #HopkinsFamilyFireSafety #FireSafety #FirePrevention #SmokeDetectors #CarbonMonoxide #FireDepartment #RockFalls #RockFallsIllinois #SterlingIllinois #FireSafetyTips #CommunitySafety #FirePrevention #EmergencyPreparedness #Firefighters #LocalCommunity #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #SaukValley

  7. 4d ago

    How Horses Are Helping Kids Build Confidence, Trust & Faith | Sol's Legacy Ministries

    🐴 What if a horse could help a child find confidence, responsibility and hope? On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Tonya Wells, executive director of Sol’s Legacy Ministries, to learn how horses are helping children in the community build confidence, develop leadership skills, learn responsibility and experience the power of trust. Based just outside Atkinson, Illinois, Sol’s Legacy Ministries uses horses as part of a faith-centered ministry designed primarily for children ages 8 to 14. From horsemanship lessons and Horse-Powered Reading to community visits with miniature horses, the organization creates hands-on experiences that help children grow. Tonya also shares how Sol’s Legacy got its start, the story behind its name, how the ministry works with children in foster and adoptive situations, and why prayer and gratitude are central to its mission. 🐎 In this episode: How Sol’s Legacy Ministries beganThe story behind the ministry’s nameHow horses can help children build confidence and trustLeadership and communication exercises with horsesThe importance of responsibility and hands-on learningHorse-Powered Reading with miniature horsesFarm visits and community outreachHow the miniature horses visit nursing homes, schools and community eventsVolunteer and donation opportunitiesThe Sept. 19 praise and worship nightThe annual Pick a Pony Raffle fundraiser 📍 Sol’s Legacy Ministries is located just outside Atkinson, Illinois. For more information about programs, volunteering, donations, farm visits, miniature horse visits, and upcoming events, visit solslegacy.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 – Welcome to Along the Rock 00:13 – What Is Souls Legacy Ministries? 01:37 – Why Horses Make a Difference 02:30 – The Story Behind Souls Legacy 03:59 – How the Ministry Got Started 04:44 – How Horses Help Kids Build Confidence 05:13 – The Power of Connecting With Horses 06:00 – Teaching Leadership Through Horses 07:27 – Responsibility, Communication & Trust 07:59 – Prayer, Faith & Finding Peace 09:00 – Helping Kids Learn to Trust Again 09:56 – Meet the Seven Horses 10:36 – Souls Legacy Programs 11:55 – Horse-Powered Reading Program 13:39 – Farm Visits & Community Programs 14:28 – Miniature Horses in the Community 15:36 – Teaching Kids Responsibility 16:05 – Where Is Souls Legacy Located? 16:31 – How to Get Involved 17:03 – Training Our Minds Through Gratitude 18:38 – The Importance of Volunteers 19:31 – Upcoming Praise & Worship Night 19:53 – The Pick a Pony Raffle 20:47 – How You Can Support Souls Legacy 21:50 – Becoming a Volunteer 22:13 – Closing 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 #SoulsLegacyMinistries #AlongTheRock #Horses #HorseMinistry #KidsAndHorses #YouthMinistry #Faith #ChristianMinistry #Confidence #Leadership #HorsePoweredReading #Community #Volunteers #AtkinsonIllinois #SaukValley #Illinois #RadarFreePress

  8. 5d ago

    Flock Cameras: What Can Police Really See? Rock Falls Police Chief Explains

    Along the Rock: Understanding Rock Falls’ Flock License Plate Reader System How much can Flock license plate reader cameras actually see? Can police track your every move? Who can access the information, and what safeguards are in place to prevent misuse? On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Rock Falls Police Chief Ryan McKanna for an in-depth discussion about the city’s Flock license plate reader system. Chief McKanna explains how the cameras work, what information they capture, how long that information is stored, and why officers cannot simply search a license plate without a legitimate reason. He also discusses auditing tools designed to identify suspicious searches and how information can be shared between law enforcement agencies. The conversation also looks at real cases where Flock cameras have helped Rock Falls police investigate hit-and-runs, stolen vehicles, and runaway juvenile cases. Most importantly, the episode explores the balance between using technology as a law enforcement tool and addressing legitimate public concerns about privacy, accountability, and how these systems could change through future legislation and court decisions. Topics covered include: What Flock cameras can and cannot trackWhether the system uses facial recognitionWho can access Flock informationRequirements for conducting searchesInternal auditing and safeguardsHow long camera images are retainedSharing information with other agenciesReal investigations aided by Flock camerasPrivacy expectations in public spacesConcerns about potential misuseHow laws and regulations could change 👉 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 – Welcome to Along the Rock 00:35 – Can Flock Cameras Track Your Every Move? 02:50 – Do Flock Cameras Capture Pedestrians? 03:11 – Can Police Search Your License Plate History? 04:32 – Can Officers Use Flock Cameras for Personal Reasons? 05:59 – How Internal Audits Catch Misuse 06:56 – How Long Is Flock Camera Data Stored? 07:42 – Who Has Access to Flock Cameras? 09:26 – Can Other Police Departments Request Access? 09:57 – How Flock Cameras Have Helped Investigations 11:34 – What Happens Without Flock Cameras? 12:46 – Flock Cameras Are Only One Piece of an Investigation 13:55 – The Biggest Misconceptions About Flock Cameras 15:16 – Privacy in Public Places 17:16 – Are Concerns About Flock Cameras Legitimate? 18:42 – Safeguards Against Misuse 19:28 – Could Flock Camera Laws Change? 20:31 – Why People Should Ask Questions 21:49 – The Importance of Listening and Dialogue 22:30 – Closing 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 #FlockCameras #FlockSafety #LicensePlateReaders #LPR #LawEnforcement #Police #RockFalls #RockFallsIllinois #Privacy #PublicSafety #CommunityPolicing #Technology #PoliceTechnology #Illinois #SaukValley #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress

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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.