[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",5978931,"mediaKeyId","5788844-a04ddddc7d987342e0aa34d012044826","parentId",5788844,"title","Tourism staff reports visitor-guide distribution and social metrics; coalition and Heritage Corridor updates shared","audioSeconds",313,"startMs",1185000,"endMs",1498000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5788844-a04ddddc7d987342e0aa34d012044826&start=1185&end=1498","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5788844-a04ddddc7d987342e0aa34d012044826/thumbnail_1185000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5978931/LaSalle-County/Illinois/Tourism-staff-reports-visitor-guide-distribution-and-social-metrics-coalition-and-Heritage-Corridor-updates-shared","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5978931-87238d7cea489ec0b74250d2397762cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1773605173&Signature=RoPnetxVMgMBTVMpRd4ccUw6dfbg1Jd8b8FcqcVxHCdQapJi18E9lUW7lUhziCFGQZd49XI0BT1BEDBMaDZ1p8jc8e1A4rWE035Jk9~veqG6OYh01w08bqOTqwravKvSyFUD8oE0NVerBln4OoEVIXhVPls4-DKu4nijolEw7WRHA7xJhQofquR-c2m3N71pbnMtSsMDzftNNOtfccb02ljSo2NDZwKpbOSUMCXp0AmUmWGuIT8BepsHm6gA-vjDOwDXaZVwsTM4ownItcotdYiBaOSlBOL0lBZCYbWzoT1BTAstvskIP24XsebXH3-57KkuHkqiBLpdsFMtWpZu~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","LaSalle County, IL","date","2025-09-18T15:39:09Z","article","LaSalle County Tourism Board staff reported distribution and digital metrics at the Sept. 19 meeting and coalition and Heritage Corridor representatives gave brief updates.

Staff member Ryan said 363 boxes of visitor guides have been distributed so far, leaving about 187 boxes on hand; distribution is slightly ahead of last year and an additional round is planned next month. Ryan reported social reach metrics of 12,871 accounts on Facebook, 10,293 engagements on Instagram, and 7,061 referrals to the tourism website; the top social post was a Camp Tuckabache video. Video voiceover recording is pending and staff expect more promotional video content to follow.

Kurt, serving as vice chair at a recent county tourism coalition meeting in Utica, summarized that coalition members were informed about the county-level meeting and heard from Bob Navarro about grants and the new director of the Illinois Office of Tourism. Kurt said the coalition will likely continue advertising into October because of the Chicago Cubs’ postseason play.

Heritage Corridor representative Kate said the \"Appetite for Adventure\" campaign concluded on Labor Day and passport participation data will be compiled for the next meeting. The \"Flocked to the Rock\" campaign will run lightly starting in December, with heavier activity in January and February. Kate also noted that the Enjoy Illinois fall/winter magazine cover features Starved Rock and that the Illinois Office of Tourism’s new director, Katie Sheehan of Springfield, may be invited to visit the area.

Board members also reported that several recent county-supported events — a food truck festival, Pluto Fest, Streeter, a Renaissance Fair and a barbecue-and-blues event in LaSalle — had strong turnout and good weather.

Why it matters: The distribution numbers and online metrics indicate current outreach levels; coalition and Heritage Corridor activity could affect next year’s promotional planning and grant opportunities.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Tourism 9-19-2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the Sept. 19 meeting, staff reported distribution of visitor guides and social-media reach; coalition vice chair and Heritage Corridor representatives gave brief updates about grant prospects, a new Illinois tourism director and upcoming Heritage Corridor guide work.","taxTitle","LaSalle County, Illinois","taxId",59330,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5978935,"Board funds billboard and social promotion for 10th-anniversary Kris Kringle Market",88,1068000,1156000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5788844-a04ddddc7d987342e0aa34d012044826&start=1068&end=1156","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5788844-a04ddddc7d987342e0aa34d012044826/thumbnail_1068000.jpg","/articles/5978935/LaSalle-County/Illinois/Board-funds-billboard-and-social-promotion-for-10th-anniversary-Kris-Kringle-Market","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5978935-bde79b00bf68f2f74a6b9445a264493a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773605173&Signature=S480nTVM9xMkUqgD3NtUQt79VLVuOVdK-mo3YyWapD4XtG22axk~nRN6Cd1EK2~1b-BsMJGa8pDgT-j9Y4KJOwUzFtwB3v~Qqll~LEXMdrruWn92o7l0~HknatgUaEQKifuYvQgfr9ru8VJVSs~wWfmuJm8WHQW55QklOCUWLmrn2ollYOisJpJj4GFFzcWJus8t0U67NB6iotY1Mj3Zl77DGPKCe3gieSqrA3S4my88iUc6MV2NbGhUVmS1kz5Q-iPH6ymA4hBWL4Rv0HBugFTw6IoxyTCsahZC0EeXktgpyFEl~tJ9uGFyYH9o6mrVF-z8Yi-pXKYbsFNLNIbmUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On Sept. 19, 2025, the LaSalle County Tourism Board approved funding for billboard and social-media promotion of the Kris Kringle Market, which is marking its 10th anniversary this year.

Kate, substituting for organizer Donna, asked the board to fund a billboard and social-media advertising; she said the market features vendor huts with local artists and makers and typically includes a bonfire. The presenter said the market has been funded in prior years for billboard and social promotion but that rack cards had not been used previously. Board member Ron Blue moved for approval and Ally Brayboy seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.

Why it matters: The market is a recurring local event that organizers say draws shoppers and supports makers. The transcript records approval of promotional funding but does not show specific dollar amounts or detail the selected ad placements.","The LaSalle County Tourism Board approved funding for billboard and social-media promotion of the Kris Kringle Market’s 10th anniversary after a brief presentation by Kate, who substituted for organizer Donna.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5978940,"Board OKs marketing support for Hegler Terrace Mansion holiday programs",90,948000,1038000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5788844-a04ddddc7d987342e0aa34d012044826&start=948&end=1038","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5788844-a04ddddc7d987342e0aa34d012044826/thumbnail_948000.jpg","/articles/5978940/LaSalle-County/Illinois/Board-OKs-marketing-support-for-Hegler-Terrace-Mansion-holiday-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5978940-cee3f8ad438305882b760da85254a94d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773605173&Signature=SsT69DLEmBc4mCRTEs1~3BaaECTYfuCqqk9tnQJdfIcpmFAVy3ayDWOWidsv~r80ZFhEut5sl1r~3bfDNME8N0zWSt9cXHopJpDVDoo52Hnh6VPxby0A2AQAWIvFO0ErXKOXCfEBRLPaciRmCg5RYouMw7tU-~K1kDAGnOTJ-sTQkNUTxSjtacus0ckI9CKR2cYkYMpvZ9-r7SeUM25-T67jP3gOYyLuFAqnR8l3E8C6iYUee5D9IRaWkTvHFinoXVEEnP6anTnfbMfEzStYNwpPp5~1VDyLYe2w6M6PmP8iINl9ZBT8c~aK5y50jf9hoUM9PL7dSwdH4V-PSJFnqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Sept. 19 meeting, the LaSalle County Tourism Board approved funding to support marketing for Hegler Terrace Mansion’s holiday programming, presented by Laura Walker of the mansion.

Walker described the second year of coordinated holiday programming, which includes the traditional Christmas tree tours and a new \"More the Merrier\" tour that reaches six of seven mansion levels and the cupola. The mansion will again offer a Saint Nicholas appearance with cookies and cocoa, a Christmas brunch catered by local businesses, and live music from Manderley Strings on the balcony, Walker said.

The presenter requested funding options (a, b and c) for marketing the seasonal offerings. After brief questions, the board moved and seconded the request and approved it by voice vote; the meeting record does not show a roll-call tally or specific dollar figures.

Why it matters: The funding will support marketing for a cultural and heritage attraction that uses local vendors and performers; specifics of the approved option and dollar amounts were not included in the transcript.","The LaSalle County Tourism Board approved marketing funding for coordinated holiday programming at Hegler Terrace Mansion, including expanded tours and brunch, after a presentation by Laura Walker; the board carried the motion by voice vote.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5978944,"Tourism board approves advertising support for Celebration of Lights",333,598000,931000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5788844-a04ddddc7d987342e0aa34d012044826&start=598&end=931","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5788844-a04ddddc7d987342e0aa34d012044826/thumbnail_598000.jpg","/articles/5978944/LaSalle-County/Illinois/Tourism-board-approves-advertising-support-for-Celebration-of-Lights","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5978944-b29a80f8191f4166d2c5cc5406419a80/orig.mp4?Expires=1773605173&Signature=drKmWA6H9TejW0YD5pOi2mC1S8zF1Vx860sGzL9avlLTOXKwPJCcEcO2HWBbH3BqDAhuu7mphBs39esiFeajCwGA5Ie3KRpjopsRAwRUrVA9ahHWSnKjdU8TcwTGz~j7apwIHmFftjizMD4j8UNvLl6b7TqZW0XzdIvMlb49FMfYv0pU7bsRvxiu1Iytodc4PUuCVfEx3-scIzdISz1e50MEOKqi4oEUOht7tVYy395b4cutoiAOfcyV9OAERCDWBIrExeDgUNp4sSD86QeJJshw-JZ4sXHZFK-8KNQWGeCtoBZYt7GfAfRrJff3Zt2k5wOZPraukd7Zv66abtfvXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its Sept. 19, 2025, meeting, the LaSalle County Tourism Board approved a funding request to support advertising for the Celebration of Lights, a seasonal drive-through light display near LaSalle.

Kurt Corbidi, development director for the City of LaSalle, presented the funding request and described the event as a nearly 3-mile drive-through with about 300 displays and regional draw. Corbidi said the attraction runs from mid-November through Jan. 1 and regularly attracts thousands of cars; he cited last year’s Run Rudolph 5K and fun run, which drew about 600 participants. Corbidi said sponsors include area businesses across the region and that the city uses PlaceRight AI and an on-site car counter to measure traffic and interest.

After brief questions from board members about installation and storage of displays, a motion to fund the advertising (the presenter had offered options a, b and c) was made and carried by voice vote. The board did not record a roll-call tally in the meeting minutes available on the record.

Why it matters: Board funding supports a long-running regional attraction that the presenter said brings visitors and business to LaSalle and the surrounding region. The transcript does not specify the dollar amounts requested or the option the board specifically approved; those financial details were not provided in the meeting record.","LaSalle County Tourism Board voted to fund advertising for the Celebration of Lights display after a presentation from Kurt Corbidi of the City of LaSalle; board approved the requested option by voice vote.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5978949,"Residents raise county takeover idea for I&M Canal boat as owner weighs sale",322,97000,419000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5788844-a04ddddc7d987342e0aa34d012044826&start=97&end=419","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5788844-a04ddddc7d987342e0aa34d012044826/thumbnail_97000.jpg","/articles/5978949/LaSalle-County/Illinois/Residents-raise-county-takeover-idea-for-IM-Canal-boat-as-owner-weighs-sale","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5978949-63a89f022b555f0e5ac2b7a9e24b4d85/orig.mp4?Expires=1773605173&Signature=WdNUk09TK9nROJ4649FXqUSigGCWOUxy9xVM5LmE1ynxByz3HN~2Jxz9ltGV2rmVfvo7t8Onq67pdxUtxYGlLwhfqCy5ZcjDT9sa~~mOp32u0sVW~AC788oxabRwcBlXdd6UmyP7KiZPE7rCTL7DJOgYNjITCdayuw5R4mCsnGwN8h8KHKYsDCrvY-6JU8q~G249VYFpMjMpfW~onqM-8PASEPSmceNlsl3bGRe6UwPINnbjqqxVkCWASYCPe0C~u29kLwHO4Wqm54YKf0Z0L9X37ToWDmrHVZ9EHapcsIiMDh4u29WEn4OwzHDZUWbxMmjJuoBRYBYtGneP7HMqNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Sept. 19, 2025, meeting of the LaSalle County Tourism Board, board member Ally Brayboy raised a public suggestion that the county consider taking ownership of the I&M Canal boat. The item came during the public-comment portion of the meeting; the board did not take formal action.

The suggestion prompted a detailed update from a speaker identifying themselves as a representative of the Canal Corridor Association, which the speaker said is a 501(c)(3) that owns the boat. The representative said the association paid nearly $1 million for the boat and that the boat is insured for about $1 million, but that the overall local project — including the dock, a renovated visitor center and related studies — cost about $2.8 million. The representative said the association received about $400,000 through the U.S. Department of Transportation and raised the remainder privately.

That speaker said the association is carrying debt and therefore must sell the boat rather than give it away, and that an appraiser is being engaged and will provide a market-value estimate in a few weeks. “We can’t give away our assets if we have debt,” the Canal Corridor Association representative said.

Board members asked operational and infrastructure questions. William Brown asked whether the city had paid for the boat; the association representative replied that the city of LaSalle helped with reports and some insurance costs but did not provide purchase funds. Board member Brian Dose asked who maintains the canal; the representative said the Illinois Department of Natural Resources maintains most of the I&M Canal unless a municipality has an agreement. The representative described navigation problems caused by silt and a leaking aqueduct that was filled with dirt years ago, leaving sections of the canal shallow and occasionally causing the boat to get stuck.

The speaker described other operational constraints: the access road and mule pen flood, there is no dry dock to store or repair the vessel in winter, and portions of the canal currently carry only inches of water in spots. The representative said the boat is “in the water about 15 inches” where it normally sits, and that water depth at the dock “could be 6 or 7 feet” although the speaker did not provide exact measurements. The representative also said the DNR pumps water into the canal in dry conditions; local DNR staff have been responsive to maintenance requests such as fallen trees.

The association representative also discussed the two mules used in the attraction, saying Moe is retired and Larry — purchased last year — is a potential sale asset; some community members have offered to donate or to provide medication funding for Moe. The representative said they have received inquiries about both mules and expect to find suitable homes.

No motion was made and no vote was taken on county acquisition or any other formal action. The association representative said an appraisal and further insurance information are forthcoming; board members did not direct staff to pursue acquisition during the meeting.

Why it matters: the I&M Canal boat is described as an existing local attraction that could generate visitor revenue but is constrained by debt, insurance costs and canal infrastructure limits. Any transfer of ownership or public acquisition would hinge on the association’s appraisal, debt status and the board’s future deliberations.","At the Sept. 19 LaSalle County Tourism Board meeting, a public commenter asked whether the county could acquire the I&M Canal boat. A representative for the Canal Corridor Association said the association owns the boat, has outstanding debt and is pursuing an appraisal; no action was taken.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Tourism staff reports visitor-guide distribution and social metrics; coalition and Heritage Corridor updates shared

Board funds billboard and social promotion for 10th-anniversary Kris Kringle Market

Board OKs marketing support for Hegler Terrace Mansion holiday programs

Tourism board approves advertising support for Celebration of Lights

Residents raise county takeover idea for I&M Canal boat as owner weighs sale