A look back at 2020 in Northeast Indiana in words and images

As we enter an unusual holiday season in Northeast Indiana, we're taking time to reflect on this historic year in words and images.

Here's a look back at powerful quotes from our top 10 stories of 2020.

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"We are at a severe shortage of testing supplies, yes. But for too many years now, we have also been at a critical shortage of the only professionals capable and trained to run these tests for the third-largest population in the world."

-Megan Ledford, Blog: COVID-19 testing supplies aren't the only shortage; we also need more testing professionals

Ledford

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“I couldn’t get rid of the feeling that I wanted to take a break and not feeling like I could. People aren’t used to closing because someone wants to work on their mental health, but that’s the gist of it.”

-Bo Gonzalez, What’s happening with Bravas? Entrepreneur Bo Gonzalez shares his plans

Bo Gonzalez is the founder of Bravas, a thriving burger and hot dog spot in the 46807.

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“No matter how much you try to change everything on the outside and seek this validation, if you’re not whole inward, I guess you find ways of self-preserving, self-medicating.”

-Justin, Emily’s Story: A deeper look at opioid addiction through the experience of one northeast Indiana family

Emily's Story follows a local dancer's tragic experience with opioid addiction.

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“I always wanted to be a doctor, and I finalized that plan these last few years.”

-Ashley Remy, Meet South Side’s Class of 2020 Valedictorian: A first-generation Haitian immigrant in Fort Wayne

Ashley Remy is Valedictorian for South Side's class of 2020.

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“When coming to Fort Wayne, definitely ask locals what they recommend. What better way to get a true Citizen Wayne experience?”

-Reneta Thurairatnam-Sandkuhler, 24 hours in Fort Wayne with Reneta Thurairatnam-Sandkuhler

Relax on the swings at Promenade Park.

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“I feel like Fort Wayne is finding a sense of community in small ways and in big ways. It’s in our DNA, and it’s why we are searching for a sense of purpose and how to help each other now. We’re seeing this because we already had that structure in place.”

- Mary Corinne “MC” Lowenstein, What's happening in Fort Wayne's food scene during COVID-19? Ask 2GoFW

Reservations are strongly recommended for seating on the patio and in the taproom.

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“Our community is only as healthy as its most underserved areas.”

-Janell Lane, Courageous Healing is opening a new, unconventional mental health center in Southeast Fort Wayne

Janell and Aaron Lane both grew up in Southeast Fort Wayne and want to give back to their community.

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“We’re still really optimistic about what this project is and what it means for the city.”

-Brendon Maxwell, There's a new coffee shop and brewery on the Landing in downtown Fort Wayne

Brendon Maxwell owns Utopian Coffee. His future coffee shop and brewery will occupy 118 and 122 W. Columbia St.

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“If you’d like a spooky story with your latte, ask the staff about the medical school that used to be next door! They still share a pillar that was part of the historical building.”

-Desaray Bradley, 12 must-try coffee shops in Fort Wayne to help you cozy up this fall



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“It seems like everyone our age is trying so hard to get out rather than make Fort Wayne a better place to live. That’s how I feel though. Fort Wayne is a good city. It’s nice. It’s big; we just want to make it a little bit better.”

-Trell Jones, Dare to Live Different: Why two young residents are giving back in Fort Wayne

Donovan McLeister, left, and Trell Jones, right, are the Co-Founders of Dare to Live Different Inc. 

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Read more articles by Kara Hackett.

Kara Hackett is a Fort Wayne native fascinated by what's next for northeast Indiana how it relates to other up-and-coming places around the world. After working briefly in New York City and Indianapolis, she moved back to her hometown where she has discovered interesting people, projects, and innovations shaping the future of this place—and has been writing about them ever since. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @karahackett.