EVENTS STAFF The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact throughout the world and it was no different in the Wisconsin Dells area. As the Dells Events looks back on the top five stories of 2020, the No. 1 newsmaker was quite obvious. The novel coronavirus impacted daily life, shutting down schools, businesses, and major events. Some people became sick and recovered. Many did not. Most bars and restaurants shifted to carry-out or curbside pickup service and limited in-person dining. Area schools closed in mid-March and eventually shifted to virtual learning. In the fall, schools struggled returning to in-person learning as virus outbreaks occurred in a few Dells schools. Parents grappled balancing work and helping their children with virtual classes.