COVID, Remote School, Dining: Union County's Top Stories In 2020

UNION COUNTY, NJ — It's hard to deny that the coronavirus pandemic was the biggest local and national story of 2020, with the U.S. death toll reaching more than 340,000 Americans Wednesday.

On the local level, mayors suddenly were thrust into a new role: fielding questions, helping residents find tests (in short supply in spring), consoling those who lost loved ones.

After the initial state lockdown from March to June to slow the spread, what was next?

Union County, with its proximity to Manhattan, has attracted a diverse population of commuters who appreciate their downtown shops. Restaurateurs struggled to survive. And students had to learn via their computers.

But of course, there were other big stories:

• Protests against racial inequities after the death of George Floyd in June
• Crime (particularly stolen cars)
• And severe storms with flooding and downed trees.

Here are some of the top stories in Union County this year:

Coronavirus:

A local woman wrote to Patch in March, desperate for a coronavirus test when supplies were limited. Local doctors perished. Many of the towns' death tolls were high in part because of long-term care facilities (who waited for weeks for the state to call in the National Guard), provoking investigative reports in the press.

'I Cannot Get Air': When Garwood Woman Begged For Coronavirus Test In Summit

Father And Daughter Doctors From Springfield Die Of Coronavirus

Man Shares Timeline Of Cranford Dad's Death From Coronavirus

No Nursing Home COVID-19 Vaccines On Monday; NJ Missed Deadline

Schools:

To be remote, or not to be remote? In spring, schools suddenly had to figure out how to teach kids via computer. In fall, they had to figure out how to send them back safely. Some districts chose a hybrid plan, but had to close temporarily due to positive tests.

Cranford Mom Says: Let Special Needs Kids Back Into School

100 Students, Parents Protest Scotch Plains-Fanwood Virtual Shift

Westfield High School Football Parent Criticizes Sports Shutdown

Westfield Schools Worry That Teens Refuse To Quarantine

Summit Mom Talks About Back-To-School

Business stories in Union County:

The state released guidelines for outdoor dining. Local towns allowed restaurants and shops to sell outdoors, and many restaurants expanded their delivery and takeout options.

Some establishments had to close, both chains and local venues, while others opened.

Hurting Garwood Family Business Takes Another Blow With New Rules

Westfield Couple Keeps Maid Service Afloat, Safe Amid Coronavirus

Artisanal Taco Restaurant To Open In Cranford

Summit Responds As New NJ Indoor Dining Rules Start

Ann Taylor Store On Iconic Westfield Block Is Closed

Racial inequity:

Local police chiefs spoke out after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. But some were under fire themselves.

Governor Attends Westfield Teen's George Floyd Protest

Fanwood Police Chief Leaves After Alleged Racist, Sexist Comments

Kean: Garwood Candidates Should Step Down Over Racist Posts

Entertainment and the arts:

Musicians held virtual concerts, some for charity. John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls held two porch concerts from Westfield.

Goo Goo Dolls Singer Plays From Westfield Porch Amid Coronavirus

Crime:

In Westfield, folks were clucking their tongues at teens from that town and neighboring towns were apparently causing mayhem at Mindowaskin Park. The mayor said she knew kids were desperate to socialize, but police cracked down.

In towns including Summit, police sternly reminded residents to stop leaving their doors unlocked, particularly with key fobs inside. Westfield police collared car thieves, and Summit police reported that the same car was swiped two weeks apart — both times with a fob in it.

And don't forget puppies!

Puppies?

Yes, puppies were popular in lockdown, but that meant puppy scams, and in Scotch Plains, a puppy mill was shut.

132 Dogs, Cats Rescued From Illegal Puppy Mill In Scotch Plains

Westfield Police Report Puppy Scam

BWM With Key Fob Stolen In Summit, Returned, Then Stolen Again

Six Teens Charged Over 2 Weeks In Westfield Car Thefts

Stormy weather:

Several severe storms swept through the area, including Tropical Storm Isaias in August, which caused downed trees and power outages in several Union County towns.

Some Cranford Streets Still Closed Due To Storm Isaias

Provided A Port In A Storm: Summit Hero

1,640 Without Power In Westfield

And earlier this month, a nor'easter dumped more than 10 inches of snow on the area and closed most schools. But some residents submitted great photos, including a 10-year-old Summit girl.

Ten-Year-Old Photographer Shares Photos of Summit In The Snow

What's to come in Union County? Watch for Patch's previews in the new year: Development, business, more!

Got news? Email caren.lissner@Patch.com. To be the first to get news alerts with breaking stories in your town, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters.