[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6239040,"mediaKeyId","3340097-c067f9c50208242dfd1e815c7ed9276d","parentId",3340097,"title","Committee approves LaSalle County end‑sound for videos with softer riser","audioSeconds",388,"startMs",1218000,"endMs",1606000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3340097-c067f9c50208242dfd1e815c7ed9276d&start=1218&end=1606","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3340097-c067f9c50208242dfd1e815c7ed9276d/thumbnail_1218000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6239040/LaSalle-County/Illinois/Committee-approves-LaSalle-County-endsound-for-videos-with-softer-riser","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6239040-9000ae9f9d41d615d0b77bf9d68fbecf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770438939&Signature=M67ZOnYwRN~yMpiTMafJ3Poidz8HZ-TlalejCLBVSOzBj~krrwhJjR-ocrDpJrxttmHiz50loPgpmIzRzBc8cBxdJpdg43vVUZlEkAPlwCzD0JE1A8ZuQbLTph8iiqZJMjD9U2uQpvDD5EYLO28ypUqpkVirvDokiFEkNTiIncD21664EIzC6fp1P4OVuNLYEIg0znVur9t3w8M5qHv1DkWiSl~dciUwgASm1PoQi8UhFRPBxgdvt52Z~ZnxLWbgkeEVC8CHNfNClPfETi3LWQo6zFslDWPkwbzn3jKo6ibXon8mN5vL2YdvjONYHaqvnEZ3blL2983GQy4Hm-Kygw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","LaSalle County, IL","date","2025-05-17T02:36:13Z","article","The LaSalle County Tourism Committee voted at its May meeting to adopt a standard end‑sound for promotional videos, selecting option one with a slightly quieter riser.

The nut graf: committee members said they wanted a short, distinctive audio cue—similar to a streaming service “sting”—to brand county videos at the end of productions, and they approved a vendor’s revised version with one technical change.

Matthew, the vendor representative responsible for audio, played two revised ending sounds and answered questions about components such as flowing water, birds and a drawn‑out eagle call. Committee members debated the “riser” (a building, sustained sound leading to the ending cue) and the sharpness of the eagle call. One member said the chosen sound should be recognizable even if a viewer hears it from another room.

After discussion a committee member asked, “Is everybody in favor of number 1 with a tad, quieter, softer riser?” Committee members responded “Aye,” and the chair said, “Motion carried.” The committee directed Matthew to reduce the riser volume slightly and to soften the eagle call; no formal written contract action was recorded at the meeting.

Background: participants framed the audio cue as part of a consistent brand identity to run at the end of many county videos. The decision was a technical creative approval and does not by itself authorize additional production funding.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Tourism 5-15-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The committee voted to adopt the first of two proposed end‑sound options for county videos, requesting the vendor lower the riser volume slightly and remove or soften a harsh eagle call.","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},6239045,"Committee seeks state and park staff input on newly acquired Matheson parcel and trail access",724,1099000,1823000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3340097-c067f9c50208242dfd1e815c7ed9276d&start=1099&end=1823","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3340097-c067f9c50208242dfd1e815c7ed9276d/thumbnail_1099000.jpg","/articles/6239045/LaSalle-County/Illinois/Committee-seeks-state-and-park-staff-input-on-newly-acquired-Matheson-parcel-and-trail-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6239045-3046c038003f3c719061a9807dc6e531/orig.mp4?Expires=1770438939&Signature=MaLlrCYKWGCPBXP7s1pRnwqLDwZohlv9gZXtuqWLfoItkvmoTiKvNm4xsW9SBhbok7hx0Q1rrp8C7PimGgEP0d-vpv~-nn8YzNR-~97ZxWfDrTFLX2BEsb27BL7n9mT9xGNQy~AqiB5a0PHnV~bVkAZ4I-2jhpgE6Zit98Uw08bEuBawTzZ1Lzx2Dhx0t96-29FQzaNL-ffxk9zFP3GwqnBkBVPjrxS~YmS06x1czod446Ocpdfn6fi6c9pWRIFPBQ9j65iBQu5jA8uyPy9t3S9J3ShU~7nRq6Hug7iERRG3AxWWrgtFfnEwG33Tun8i4Cdhp0GzJvfKLnLF-GCwMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the LaSalle County Tourism Committee discussed a newly acquired parcel connected to Matheson Park and asked staff to seek clarification from state and park officials.

The nut graf: committee members said the parcel is sizable but not yet open to the public, and they want state and park staff to explain plans for trails, parking and public access.

A committee member said the parcel appears to have been in state hands for years and had not been opened to the public: “We need to get our state rep… she needs to get involved in this,” the member said. Committee members proposed inviting the state representative and the Starbuck (Starbrack) site superintendent to the next meeting so the committee could press for timelines and a voice in planning.

Committee members identified the new site superintendent for the Starbrack complex as Monte Bernadoni (listed in the meeting as the new site superintendent overseeing Starbrack, Matheson and the nature preserve). One member raised a concern about imagery in marketing materials depicting a feature called Cascade Falls at Matheson, asking whether the photo showed an actual maintained trail or an off‑trail spot.

Direction: staff agreed to try to invite the state representative and park officials to a future meeting and to provide contact information for the new site superintendent. No formal motion or vote on land management or funding took place at the meeting.","LaSalle County Tourism Committee members discussed a recently acquired parcel associated with Matheson Park, raised questions about trail access and parking, and agreed to invite state and park officials to a future meeting for clarification.",{"_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},6239050,"LaSalle County launches summer marketing push, highlights festivals and new Route 66 souvenir shop",573,83000,656000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3340097-c067f9c50208242dfd1e815c7ed9276d&start=83&end=656","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3340097-c067f9c50208242dfd1e815c7ed9276d/thumbnail_83000.jpg","/articles/6239050/LaSalle-County/Illinois/LaSalle-County-launches-summer-marketing-push-highlights-festivals-and-new-Route-66-souvenir-shop","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6239050-08ade0efe15b4a66aac741851f545876/orig.mp4?Expires=1770438939&Signature=KlNADyBkhWNygapZCn7tH3EqRv~p3YbzyVv9g3k-KU3tatzGY9PSKm1-w9lvIL4S6y-n0aK6DSD~59cF4C6JZc0HjJmxGHtaGbfzSC0W6nRfHmr8Cu2oxDAzFqfSuFvlxico~bhDl3tOBPmLfXbI553e67P4uAkAxHwmCNcphprSn8TMOoNrUhmvH7ChVMzw5ADP2E9IGJZ3dbZIr~zhkZupEaKMcx4p9xs~kCSi7a2UujPWcJZuLM~Gg00EvZgBENd0GefSObsZSkaPMJyDdTLHqW8X6lXJx0krV2qD7idHZiekJERdygSgOcw8lFfMlaVKcGXLDIU~2ThzuJQCAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kurt, speaking for the county coalition, and Bob, a Heritage Corridor representative, briefed the LaSalle County Tourism Committee on summer marketing plans and a slate of upcoming events.

The nut graf: committee members were asked to support a summer campaign, called Appetite for Adventure, running from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, and were told about several large local events that bring visitors to the county.

Kurt said the committee’s next meeting will be June 3 at Gaetano’s Vault in Streator and listed a busy upcoming weekend in the county: “the TBM Avenger starting today, Strayer Food Truck Fest tomorrow, and Kites and Flights in Ottawa on Sunday,” he said. He thanked county staff and local media for advertising support.

Bob reviewed two printed travel guides produced by the Heritage Corridor: the Starbuck Country/Canal Town guide and a “First Hundred Miles” Route 66 guide (covering Chicago to Pontiac). He also announced a Route 66 souvenir shop ribbon cutting in Wilmington set for Thursday, May 22 at 11 a.m. at 110 South Park Street.

Committee members discussed how the Appetite for Adventure campaign will pair activities with restaurants and food businesses; Bob said new ads and collateral will begin rolling out at the start of the campaign. Committee members encouraged promotion of local sports and special promotion nights, and asked staff to circulate campaign materials where possible.

Background: members noted that targeted campaigns—state and local—are part of broader efforts to sustain leisure and group travel to LaSalle County. No formal funding decisions were made at the meeting; tourism funding requests had been due the previous day and will be reviewed next month.","Committee members heard details of the county’s summer marketing campaign, local Memorial Day–to–Labor Day promotions, upcoming festivals and a May 22 ribbon cutting for a new Route 66 souvenir shop in Wilmington.",{"_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},6239055,"LaSalle County tourism leaders track state bill to limit diversions from hotel tax fund",509,226000,735000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3340097-c067f9c50208242dfd1e815c7ed9276d&start=226&end=735","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3340097-c067f9c50208242dfd1e815c7ed9276d/thumbnail_226000.jpg","/articles/6239055/LaSalle-County/Illinois/LaSalle-County-tourism-leaders-track-state-bill-to-limit-diversions-from-hotel-tax-fund","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6239055-c8adf185356f80f33ab2b58ce5b7fef0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770438939&Signature=Xx6qbaxV4U5duYZvlgtXoQOzr0VNTLK4AlyLQXMUP1lkBxj0UBkZOXct4TOVrd1Ti0-AHJshzwzbRIMPaqxMFLfMivwl03P20yl~ILdcpuafkCP3rcisU~7N5ZtfUvC7x90xuzuXcdHz5pl04pbA~O3E4j0Bm4S0mjpN3CbJ4rCzF9cu9mnkWXlP871S1oom8MmZPW2KJmAFsFeGUxprgrO~xhadTl9crvEoGrqIBkErvOZvLn6axWKL9RqZ3CShCFczH9IBw~c4S8D6FTALDsEt6Py~04MthuqaUNuIpuiGMdCT6YJLTALPgYEQt-vDDqY75XkZQYBbwhhZk-q~Fg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","LaSalle County Tourism Committee members discussed a state bill at their May committee meeting that staff said would tighten who can draw from the Illinois state hotel/motel tax fund.

Bob, a Heritage Corridor representative, told the committee that visitors to LaSalle County spent about $324,000,000 in 2023 and supported roughly 2,300 local jobs. “Visitors are generating $20.9 million in state taxes and $9.8 million in local taxes,” Bob said, citing the most recent statistics he had available.

The nut graf: the bill under consideration would narrow which entities can access revenue from the state hotel/motel tax so less of the fund is diverted to non‑tourism uses, supporters said. That matters because the county’s tourism promotion and grant programs draw on those state hotel tax receipts.

In discussion, Bob said the draft language would prevent several non‑tourism or indirectly related programs from drawing on the fund. “There’s so many people that are getting their hands in the state hotel tax,” he said, and listed examples committee members had heard: Build Illinois, Chicago sports renovations, state fairs, film offices and wine/brewers guilds.

Committee members asked how the tax is collected and who benefits. Bob explained that hotel guests pay a local lodging tax and a state hotel tax; the statewide state hotel tax rate cited during the meeting was 6.5%. County participants also discussed the county lodging tax (discussed in the meeting as 5% by one participant) and expressed some uncertainty about whether the county was at the local maximum; Bob said he would verify those details and follow up by email.

Committee direction: Bob said he planned to contact legislators immediately and over the next two weeks because the meeting was near the end of the legislative session. No formal motion or vote on a committee position was recorded at the meeting.

Background: committee members framed the issue as part of broader work to keep hotel rooms—and the local businesses they support—filled through group business, sports and leisure tourism. The committee did not adopt a formal resolution at this meeting.","At the May LaSalle County Tourism Committee meeting, Heritage Corridor staff described a pending state bill that would tighten who can draw from the Illinois state hotel/motel tax fund and said staff will contact legislators in the coming days.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee approves LaSalle County end‑sound for videos with softer riser

Committee seeks state and park staff input on newly acquired Matheson parcel and trail access

LaSalle County launches summer marketing push, highlights festivals and new Route 66 souvenir shop

LaSalle County tourism leaders track state bill to limit diversions from hotel tax fund