The year in headlines from West Milford Messenger

1. Pandemic-driven house frenzy hits local towns

As New Yorkers head north, real estate booms in Orange County.

2. ‘This is my community, too’

Sabrina Jennings’ first-hand account about racism in her hometown of Warwick, N.Y. spurred countless letters to the editor.

3. A look into the rare purple marriage

In an era of ever-more polarized politics, these couples have found ways to live with their differences.

4. Doctors and nurses feel alone and angry as they gear up for the next wave

Between public apathy and a stressed medical system, medical workers are left shouldering the burden of Covid-19 as cases reach new highs.

5. Pandemic’s silver lining: a fitter lifestyle

Some gained “the quarantine 15,” then shed “the Covid-19.”

6. The mad dash to keep society functioning

A story about the essential workers you don’t hear about, including a local funeral director who lost 25 pounds at the beginning of the pandemic due to a surge of COVID-19 deaths.

7. Quarantine Dogs

A look at the see-saw happening at local shelters throughout 2020: a surge of families stuck at home adopting dogs, contrasting with a spike in pet surrenders due to economic hardship.

8. Police officer delivers baby on Route 23

West Milford Police Department’s Amy Antonucci delivers a baby on the side of the road.

9. Meet the people at the front of the front lines

Often overlooked EMS workers, many of whom are unpaid and juggling full-time jobs, just want to help the community.

10. ‘I experience it way more than I should’

Local students speak out about racism in our community.