2011 was a wild year, so just in case you spent the last 364 days living under rock, here's what you missed.

During the next five minutes, we're going to take you through the top stories, in central Georgia, as well as the rest of the state, then touch on the big news nationally and internationally.

First, let's look at what had the most impact right here in the mid-state.

The first story was a tragic tale of a life cut short as Mercer law student Lauren Giddings was brutally murdered.

In August, the 27-year-old's dismembered body was found outside her apartment at the Barristers Hall complex on Georgia Avenue.

Giddings neighbor and classmate, Stephen McDaniel was charged with her murder. He is now sitting in jail awaiting trial.

The next story had a significant impact right here in Warner Robins as the the US government announces plans to cut 13,500 civilian jobs from the Air Force. The impact was felt at Robins Air Force Base which looks to cut 600 jobs in 2012.

this next person was a story all by himself...talking about Warner Robins City Councilman John Williams. From dousing DDA Chairman Tony Robbins at a waffle house, to his grand jury indictment to his recent hospitalization from heart problems, 2011 may be a year Williams will want to forget.

This next story is a somber one as Former state Sen. Robert Brown of Macon committed suicide. Brown died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Senator Cecil Staton spoke about the tragic loss of colleague.

The final top story in central Georgia looks to have a big economic impact moving in 2012. It involves the passing of a referendum approving Sunday alcohol sales. And although people found themselves on both sides of the issue, the issue was ultimately decided upon the way it should be, on a vote by the people. A symbol of democracy truly at work.

Other stories that made our list, include the city employees waiting for the cost of living allowance pay raise, the journey toward building a new LEC, the city ushering in three new city councilman, and the closing of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon.

Now let's pull it back and take a look at the top stories in the nation and around the world.

The top story for many Americans has to be the killing of Osama Bin Laden, the terrorist behind the 9-11 world trade center bombing was killed in a special ops mission.

Th e next story was scary on several different levels. It involves the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that ravaged Japan, and the fear that followed while trying to contain the nuclear exposure at the Fukushima Plant.

2011 was also a year in which protesters took to the streets. From Occupy Wall Street movements all over the US, to protests in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. 2011 was a year in which people speaking many languages all spoke the same phrase...enough is enough.

This year also saw the end of war in Iraq as the final US troops came home after years of fighting for democracy in a free Iraq.

The death of two oppressive leaders also occurred in 2011. The first was the overthrowing and grizzly death of Moamahar Khaddafi, the second was the death of Kim Jung IL, who dies of heart failure. Both ruled their country with an iron fist for more than a decade.

Back in the states, presidential hopeful Herman Cain rose to being the republican favorite for the 2012 election, only to see numerous sexual misconduct allegations send his campaign crashing to the ground.

More politics in the US, this one involving Us Representative Gabrielle Giffords, who was the victim of a shooting near Tuscon Arizona. As tragic as the shooting was, Giffords recovery served as inspiration to so many.

2011 also saw the final space shuttle mission. US Astronauts must now a hitch a ride to space from other countries space programs. Weather also took center stage in 2011 in the US as the east coast was hit by an earthquake and a hurricane, in the same week.

As we look forward to 2012, here is a list of people who saw their light extinguish in 2011. They will be missed.