Natural Disasters Top Year in Bridgewater

In just a few short days, 2011 will come to a close and we will welcome in a New Year—which means this is the time to take a little walk down memory lane.

We asked you what you thought were the biggest stories of the past 12 months, and you responded to our with your thoughts.

Here are your results out of a total of 39 votes:

• : 10 votes (25 percent)
• : 6 votes (15 percent)
• : 0 votes
• : 23 (58 percent)

And here are five more stories, in no particular order, that were big news in Bridgewater this past year:

1. The township mourned the loss of , who was killed in his store on Route 202 in February after Bridgewater resident Michael Koury, 19, attempted to rob the store. Koury killed himself as well. Former patrons of the store said they were shocked by what happened, and remembered Devoe as someone who valued each individual customer.
2. Although this story technically began in 2010, there was no shortage of information on it as at the . With residents concerned about diminishing property values, a because of the tower and continued hearings, this story will last into 2012.
3. Teachers in Bridgewater have been without a contract since it expired in June. Between a, and the beginning of mediation between the board and the , the discussion continues into 2012 as negotiations resume.
4. With the economy still suffering the way it is, , including the one in Bridgewater on Commons Way. Readers lamented the loss of the giant bookstore, saying they are worried that more and more people are moving to electronics rather than using the traditional books.
5. One business closes, another one opens, as we celebrated the opening of everyone's favorite, , on Route 22 in July. The restaurant attracts hundreds of people every week looking to enjoy some good wings and a little bit of a professional sports game.

Do you agree that Irene and the October snowstorm were the biggest stories of the year? What other stories interested you this year? Tell us in the comments!