LaSalle County license panel hears presentations from High Tide Campground and Acre 17; no licenses issued

Don Jensen, chair of the LaSalle County License Committee, opened the April 7 meeting and invited two liquor-license applicants to present. Neither applicant received a license at the meeting.

Jenderich, who represents High Tide Campground in Leland, said the campground operates seasonally for weekenders and long-term seasonal campers and that a Utah investment company plans about $2,500,000 in improvements over the next several years to expand sites, renovate the store, redo the mini-golf course and add a playground. "They are looking at putting $2,500,000 into the park over the next several years," Jenderich said. She also said Justin Hines and herself will help manage the property and that, since serving alcohol there last year, the campground has experienced "nothing major" in terms of problems.

Janet Lindy, representing Acre 17 (the former Pit Sticks pavilion), described the venue as an events and wedding site with a warming kitchen and a preferred-caterer list; she said the venue plans to open in September and already has five October bookings. Lindy told the committee, "No swimming in the pond," when asked about guest access to water features, and described venue spaces including the Grand Acre Ballroom, a smaller flex space, a forge bar area and bridal and groom suites.

Committee members asked both applicants routine operational and compliance questions, including how state liquor licensing through the Illinois portal was handled and whether the venues would prepare food (both said they will rely on caterers and that a member of their LLC handled most state paperwork). Chair Jensen reported, "No license issued" at the meeting for either applicant.

The committee approved routine items and adjourned. The applicants were encouraged to leave materials and to contact county staff with follow-up questions about inspections and state requirements.