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Jan u ar y 7, 201 5 • $1 .0 0
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Sycamore’s Gilbert honored as all-time leading scorer after win over Morris / B1 HIGH
LOW
-5 -14 Complete forecast on page A8
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Genoa businesses are optimistic By DARIA SOKOLOVA dsokolova@shawmedia.com GENOA – Corner Grill on Main in Genoa owner Ted Aretos said he has seen more customers and was able to expand within the past two years. “Over time, we just keep getting busier and busier by word of mouth,” Aretos said, adding that his business has doubled in size over the past two years and now can accommodate up to 100 people. Aretos’ business was one of the 52 Genoa enterprises that participated in a survey organized by Genoa SOARing Project, a joint effort of Northern Illinois University, the Genoa
Chamber of Commerce and Genoa-Kingston School District 424, focused on revitalizing the town through various economic incentives. Project volunteers are divided into four groups: downtown, events, river and recreation, and industrial/infrastructure that are working toward making Genoa more attractive to residents and businesses whether through beautification, infrastructure, tourism or recreation, according to project participant Michael Cirone, Illinois Managing Broker Owner at 3 Roses Reality Inc. “The SOARing program is a positive approach that builds
on local strengths and assets rather than focusing on aspects of the city that need to be corrected,” he said. “The activities look to the future building on strengths already in the city or surrounding region.” Among them were businesses, such as newly opened Alan Browne Chevrolet and Corner Grill on Main located along the main drag of downtown Genoa. The survey conducted last year looked into businesses’ volume, financial performance and expectations for the future, according to Cortney Strohacker, Executive Director of Genoa Chamber of Commerce, who said most
businesses provided positive feedback. The survey included portions for customers and businesses where both parties could rate their reasons to shop in Genoa, overall satisfaction with the area and future outlook, Strohacker said. “It’s not just about what’s going to be the best for the businesses, but what’s going to be the best for the people that live here, too, and trying to figure those things out strategically,” Cirone said. Some of the project’s aspirations include diversifying Genoa’s economic base among
Danielle Guerra – dguerra@shawmedia.com
Alan Browne Chevrolet salesman Terry Pardridge clears snow off a row of Camaros at the dealership Tuesday in Genoa.
See SOARING, page A6
Abrupt change of plans
GOP takes charge of Congress, runs into veto threat By DAVID ESPO The Associated Press
Photos by Danielle Guerra – dguerra@shawmedia.com
Homeowner John Fabrizius’ cousin, Kelli Gerace, surveys the damage to the Fabrizius house Tuesday at 15520 Plank Road in Sycamore. A fire broke out about 4 p.m. Monday and fire crews were on scene until about midnight.
Sycamore couple regrouping after Plank Road house fire By ADAM POULISSE apoulisse@shawmedia.com SYCAMORE – At six months pregnant, Michelle and John Fabrizius knew where they would bring their first son to call home. Until Monday. Their home at 15520 Plank Road outside Sycamore caught fire about 4 p.m. Monday, leaving them and their 180-pound mastiff, Dozer, homeless. Now, the couple’s concerns have switched to finding a place to live other than with family members. With their house deemed structurally unfit, the couple also is busy assessing what they need to replace. John Fabrizius lived in the house for eight years and was frantically making and returning calls Tuesday to insurance agencies and family members. “I’m not dealing with any of that stuff,” Michelle Fabrizius said. “He doesn’t want me to have the stress.” Cynthia Fabrizius (right), the homeowner’s mother, and the homeowner’s cousin Kelli Gerace She said the couple is still shocked.
See HOUSE FIRE, page A6
look inside the living room from the side of the ice-caked home Tuesday at 15520 Plank Road in Sycamore.
WASHINGTON – In a blend of pageantry and politics, Republicans took complete control of Congress for the first time in eight years Tuesday, then ran straight into a White House veto threat against their top-priority legislation to build the Keystone XL oil pipeline. Republicans condemned the unexpected announcement, which came at the same time they were savoring the fruits of last fall’s elections and speaking brightly about possible bipartisan compromises in the two years ahead. “I’m really optimistic about what we can accomplish,” said Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, moments after he was recognized as leader of the new Republican majority on one side of the Capitol. At the other end of the majestic building, Rep. John Boehner of Ohio easily won a third term as House speaker despite attempts by tea party-backed dissidents to topple him. He said the 114th Congress would begin by passing legislation to “develop more North American energy” among top priorities, adding “We Mitch invite the president to support and McConnell sign these bipartisan initiatives into law.” It was an offer the White House could and did refuse – in advance. “If this bill passes Congress, the president wouldn’t sign it,” presidential press secretary Josh Earnest said before Boehner spoke. He said the measure would undermine a review process underway by the administration. The events spilled out rapidly on a day that offered a glimpse of the political forces at work in an era of divided government – the intraparty struggle among House Republicans, the coordination GOP leaders in both houses showed in pursuing a conservative agenda and the blocking power of a Democratic president. There was well choreographed pageantry as well on a day Republicans installed a 54-46 majority in the Senate and took 246 of the 435 seats in the House, the most in more than 60 years. Vice President Joe Biden presided over swearing-in ceremonies in the Senate, leading new senators and re-elected veterans alike in an age-old oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States.” He reserved his warmest greeting for former Vice President and Sen. Walter F. Mondale, 87, who accompanied Minnesota Sen. Al Franken down the chamber’s carpeted center aisle to an oath-taking. The House played host to a younger crowd as lawmakers were sworn in for two-year terms – children in their best clothes, babies in their parents’ arms. “Mommy, mommy,” yelled out one girl, no longer content to sit in the lap of her congressman-father. One powerful player was absent but eager to show he would be back soon. Democratic Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, now the
See CONGRESS, page A6
LOCAL
FOOD
LOCAL
WHERE IT’S AT
Farming frenzy
Full of flavor
Frosty freeze
Vendors prepare for Northern Illinois Farm Show / A3
Tofu may be the answer to your healthy-eating resolution / B8
Bitter forecast leads to school, VAC service closings / A3
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