Check Your Memory With a 2011 News Quiz

What a year 2011 was: the Arab spring, deadly storms, rollercoaster economic news, and Washington fumbles and foils.

And it wasn't much different in Warren, with many major news events during the course of the year. See what you can recall of the biggest news stories with this news quiz (we'll post the answers at 4 p.m.—and no fair searching our archives for the answers.)

1. Pamela Schmidt murder

Pamela Schmidt, 22, was looking forward to graduation at Rutgers, with plans to pursue a master's in the school's Human Resource Management program. News of her death March 13 saddened many in Warren—she was known for her outgoing and warm personality, and had many friends she was in regular contact with.

Her boyfriend, William Parisio, of Cranford, was charged with her murder and is awaiting a trial on the charge.

New quiz question: Some had suggested Parisio's use of a drug may have contributed to the death. What drug is associated with the case?

2. Hurricane Irene and snow leave township in the dark

Thousands of residents were left without power following the storms in August and October, as trees and utility poles toppled by the storms snapped power lines throughout town.

Customers of JCP&L were most seriously affected, as the company struggled to repair lines—many customers were without power until four or five days later.

News quiz question: Most problematic for residents was the inability to get information and updates from municipal and school officials. Why weren't officials able to communicate directly with residents?

3. Roofing company employee burned

A Jersey City man was taken to St. Barnabas Medical Center's burn unit in June after a flare-up on the roofing tar machine he was operating burned him ove rhis chest and arms.

New quiz question: Where was he working at the time of the incident?

4. Township Committee election

Mick Marion and George Lazo coasted to election to the Township Committee in November, outdistancing challenges from Democratic candidate Lisa Lontai and independent Anthony Sardis.

But the opened with a dramatic flair, when a resident challenged the filing petition of one of the candidates.

New quiz question: What was the claim made and who did it concern?

5. Frank Salvato dies

Some people get involved in local politics to address an issue of concern; some do it to help others—Frank Salvato was clearly in the second camp. Many people were saddened to learn of his death on Oct. 3.

Salvato, 93, served on the committee and on school boards for many years, helping to guide and shape many of the policies and institutions key to making Warren the township it is.

News quiz question: What year was Frank Salvato first elected to public office?

6. Teacher contract negotiations

Right now, negotiations for both Warren Township schools and Watchung Hills Regional are stuck, with talks officially at impasses. Both contract talks have consulted mediators, but no progress has been reported yet.

Parents have been anxious for settlements, but as the new year looms, there's no clear path to settlement in sight.

News quiz question: Which district will hear the report from a state-appointed fact-finder in January?

7. AusEm on "X Factor"

News that Austin Percario and Emily Wilson had earned spots on Fox TV's "X Factor" caused a lot of excitement in October. They had auditioned as a duo in the show's youth category, and enjoyed a tremendous run towards the show's $5 milion grand prize.

Show producer Simon Cowell combined the duo with several other young performers to create the 10-member group "InTENsity," which advanced until the Nov. 2 broadcast, the group was voted off. 

News quiz question: Which "X Factor" panelist guided the group through the semi-final performances?

8. Cleaning woman taken hostage

It was a hot, sunny and quiet morning in Warren Aug. 5—until two men made their way into a residence, tied-up the housekeeper and rummaged the Highmount Avenue house. 

The housekeeper was the only person on the house at the time of the incident, and was able to free herself of the binding and call police. Through she was very traumatized, no other injuries were reported in the incident.

News quiz question: What material was used to bind the housekeeper during the robbery?