Paramus in 2012: A Look Back on January Through June

January

Student Death Shakes School

The Paramus school district was in mourning after the death of a Paramus High School junior. Eric Micheo was discussing political cartoons in social studies in room 802, when he asked to go to the nurse. While waiting for his teacher to write him a pass, Micheo collapsed in the teacher's arms, Acting Superintendent Joseph Lupo said in a press conference.

Soda Bottle Led Police To Alleged Arsonist

A bottle of Crush soda led investigators to the Lodi teen police charged with committing arson at synagogues in Rutherford and Paramus. After allegedly tossing Molotov cocktails through the bedroom window of Rabbi Neil Schuhman and his wife, Anthony M. Graziano, 19, left a number of the bottles behind, said Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli.

Detective Morgan Returns to Work

Rachel Morgan ended her long and trying journey back to active duty on the Paramus Police Department on Monday, nearly a year after she was shot on a snowy Parkway onramp. It's a moment, however, that she's been thinking about and working towards since she first regained consciousness days after the Super Bowl Sunday shooting, scrawling "Tell me I'm coming back to work." on a piece of paper to Police Chief Christopher Brock.

February

Council Moves School Election to November

The Borough Council voted Tuesday to move the school election to November, overriding a Board of Education resolution to keep the race in April. Councilman Joseph Lagana, who is chair of the Council budget committee, said the Borough should look for even small savings, given the dire budget situation it faces.

Soldier Hill Project Dealt Another Blow

A developer who hoped to build a 144-unit affordable housing complex off Soldier Hill Road has been struck another blow. But Project Manager Louis Kaufman said Shamrock Creek would press on with plans to develop a 35-acre parcel after Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin rejected the builder's proposal to build within 300 feet of Soldier Hill Brook, a protected waterway that drains into the Oradell Reservoir.

Harlem Wizards Sell Out Paramus High School

The Harlem Wizards basketball team defeated a team of more than 30 Paramus Community All-Stars, 86-82, before a sellout crowd in the big gym at Paramus High School, despite the Paramus team playing five-on-one and having its baskets count for 20 for a stretch. The game, which benefited the Paramus Rotary Club, the Paramus High School National Honor Society, the West Brook Middle School React Club and the Paramus Public Library, drew so much interest that it was simulcast in the high school auditorium.

March

School Board Approves 2012-2013 Budget

The Board of Education approved a budget Monday that will increase the average property tax bill by $45. The budget increases the tax levy by 1.7% to $70 million. The budget also collects $9.3 million in non-tax revenue.

Man Who Murdered Woman He Kidnapped From Paramus Mall Up For Parole

A man who raped and murdered a New Milford woman in 1976 is up for parole for the fifth time since 1976, and her family is asking the public's help to once again make sure he doesn't become a free man. Christopher Righetti is eligible for parole on April 16, nearly 36 years after he killed Kim Montalero, a 20-year-old college student who he kidnapped from the Paramus Park Mall on Aug. 31, 1976 and stabbed to death in a secluded area of the Pine Lake Swim Club in Washington Township.

Lacrosse Parents Feel 'Marginalized' Over High School Turf Field

The Paramus High School lacrosse team isn't getting equal access to the turf field at the school, several parents alleged at a March Board of Education.  In response, the Board of Education athletic committee, athletic director Don Roll and members of the Paramus Lacrosse Association planned to meet to hash out parents' concerns.

April

Suburban Diner Undergoing Facelift

The Suburban Diner on Route 17 North closed in April for renovations with plans to give it a new urban look. It had been 20 years since the diner had been renovated, according to the project manager.

Twenty-three people no longer work for the Borough or the Board of Education, but still make more than $100,000 a year from state pensions. Former police chiefs Richard Cary and Frederick Corrubia, along with former superintendents Janice Dime and James Montesano, are just a few of the names who made New Jersey Watchdog's list of retirees earning six-figure pensions.

Syriac Church Agrees to Lower Dome Height

The Syriac Church will rise over West Midland Avenue, though not as high as originally intended. The church received the last piece of approval it needed from the Zoning Board of Adjustment in April.

May

School Board Names New Superintendent

Kenneth J. Rota will serve as the new superintendent of Paramus Public Schools effective July 1, after the Board of Education appointed him to the position Monday. Rota will be the permanent superintendent after James Montesano resigned for the superintendent job in Nyack more than a year ago.

Residents Open Let's Yo Franchise on Route 17

A pair of Paramus residents are making an entry into the growing self-serve frozen yogurt market with Let's Yo, a new franchise from the founder of Retro Fitness.

Locicero Resigns from Council

Tom Locicero resigned from the Borough Council Tuesday, after the state Department of Community Affairs ruled that his work presents a conflict of interest with his position on the council.

June

A large group of parents, teachers, students and local leaders crowded a June school board meeting to the point of standing-room only to ask the Paramus Board of Education to renew high school principal Kurt Karcich's contract.

Cuban Restaurant to Open at Old Fuddruckers Spot

Fuddruckers stood on Route 4 for more than two decades, providing many diners with a convenient place to have a meal before seeing a movie at the Cineplex Odeon theater next door. The theater closed in 2007, and now the owners of the building on Route 4 plan to offer something completely different: the biggest Cuban restaurant in Bergen County.

Paramus High School Seniors Reach Milestone Graduation Despite Excessive Heat

Families and friends gathered at the Pitkin Educational Center at Bergen Community College to watch the 300 gradudating seniors of Paramus High School get their diplomas.  The ceremony was originally scheduled to take place on the George W. Hodgins Stadium turf field, but a heat wave driving temperatures up to 100 degrees forced the district to relocate. 

Be sure to check back later in the week for the continuation of the look back on the year from July to December.