Hindsight is 2020

If 2020 vision existed, the past year may have turned out differently.

Or, maybe we needed this year to define our strengths and guide us toward a revision of what we deem as normal. The year 2020 caused us to slow down and realize what matters most.

While coronavirus - and all its implications - dominated the news cycle, other news items drew attention: groundbreaking for the new school site, cruise nights honoring graduates, new businesses opening and surviving a pandemic, pumpkin patches sprouting grand varieties, ultimate road trips, love and loss.

As 2020 comes to a close, the Summerland Advocate-Messenger looks at a compilation of history about an unforgettable year.

The following list comprises the most read articles on the SAM website. While not every article that appears in the print edition is posted online, more than 1,000 articles were featured on the SAM website.

Some of the top stories may surprise readers. Others speak for themselves.

2020 revealed who we are and who we can be.

As the new year begins, remember, every day is a new Page, every month, a new chapter, in the book named 2021.

1. Cornerstone Bank purchases The Tilden Bank - On Jan. 24, representatives from The Tilden Bank and Cornerstone Bank announced an agreement had been reached for Cornerstone Bank to purchase The Tilden Bank and its branches. The transition will be completed Jan. 7, 2021. With the acquisition of The Tilden Bank, Cornerstone Bank will have 46 facilities in 37 communities and 18 insurance agency locations. https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2020/01/30/news/cornerstone-bank-purchases-the-tilden-bank-and-branches/583.html

2. Convicted sex offender faces three felony charges - A 21-year-old Oakdale man was bound over to Antelope County district court on three felony counts by the Honorable Donna Taylor, May 19. Wesley D. Hattula, waived his right to a preliminary hearing and was bound over on charges including incest, a Class 2A felony; manufacture of child pornography, a Class 1D felony; and possession of child pornography, a Class 4 felony, all alleged April 21. https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2020/05/28/news/convicted-sex-offender-faces-three-felony-charges-in-district-court/979.html

3. Not your parents' home ec class - Despite articles circulating on social media calling for home ec classes to reappear, the truth is, they've never left. Ewing principal Greg Appleby said he was excited to start an FCCLA chapter in Ewing. "It would give another opportunity to join another extra-curricular activity that promotes great leadership among students." https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2020/02/06/school/not-your-parents-home-ec-class-family-consumer-science-focuses-on-community-leadership/603.html

4. In God's hands - Barb Roland, K-6 Title I teacher and literacy coordinator for Summerland Public School, in Ewing, has been battling various oral cancers for the past 11 years. Roland started wearing a portable microphone system to help her voice projection, noting she lives her life one day at a time. "My faith keeps me positive," she said. https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2020/08/27/school/in-gods-hands/1247.html

5. Leisy taught everyone how to win the day - When ESPN commentator Stuart Scott accepted the Jimmy V ESPY award in 2014, Scott said, about his fight with cancer, "I'm still here, I'm fighting. I'm not losing." Scott Leisy, PE instructor at Clearwater Public Schools and co-coach for the Summerland Bobcat girls' basketball team, said similar words to the Advocate-Messenger in July 2019. Leisy's fight with colorectal cancer lasted a little more than two years. The 34-year-old died early Monday morning, at the family's ranch, north of Atkinson. He entered hospice care April 2. https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2020/04/09/news/leisy-taught-everyone-how-to-win-the-day/813.html

6. Group travels Cowboy Trail on horseback - A group of horseback riders ventured along the Cowboy Trail, and occasionally, Highway 275, on Monday. Destination: Valentine. What initially began as a fundraiser for wildlife conservation in the state turned into a week-long venture for four college friends and the father of two of the riders. https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2020/05/14/news/conserving-the-american-spirit/915.html

7. COVID-19 case reported at Clearwater site - The North Central District Health Department, in collaboration with Summerland Public School, has been notified that a positive COVID-19 case has occurred with a student at the Clearwater site. Principal Mike Sanne confirmed a high school student has tested positive for the virus and has been asked to self-isolate. According to communication sent to patrons by the school, received by the Advocate-Messenger Monday morning, "Family and other close contacts are also being asked to self-quarantine (remain at home)." https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2020/08/20/school/covid-19-case-reported-at-clearwater-school-site/1243.html

8. 150th concert set - A popular country-rock band with nearly 30 years of experience wowing crowds will kick it up on Ewing's Main Street, Sunday, May 24. Little Texas will headline a main street concert concluding the village's 150th anniversary celebration. https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2020/02/06/news/little-texas-to-headline-ewing-150th-celebration/629.html

9. Unique pieces produced at Clearwater business - While reproducible, cheap furniture is an industry demand, Clearwater is home to a business that works against the grain and provides a unique, quality product. Clearwater Custom Cabinets, owned by Allan Drudik, can be found at 503 Main Street in Clearwater. Even though the name may suggest cabinets are the primary product, Drudik's business offers more than suggested. "I also offer laminate counter tops and have made tables, benches, furniture, end tables and whatever the customer wants. https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2020/01/09/news/one-of-a-kind-pieces-produced-at-clearwater-business/509.html

10. A lasting love story - Marvin and Maxine Haswell, from Orchard, are well-known for being high school sweethearts. Although the couple doesn't think their story sticks out, several young people hope to find love and develop a relationship, like these two have, and cherish for all their lives. The couple celebrated 70 years of marriage in August. https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2020/02/20/news/a-lasting-love-story/654.html