Each week we compile a list of the most read stories published at newtownbee.com. Here is a roundup of the week’s top five stories, based on the number of page reads.

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“As Schools Convene In A COVID Era, What Are The Best Mask Options?” by John Voket, published September 5. As local schools ready for reopening and a fair number of Newtown’s college students return to campuses across the country and beyond, it remains clear that face coverings will play a critical role in keeping COVID-19 transmission rates low. Read more at newtownbee.com/09052020/as-schools-convene-in-a-covid-era-what-are-the-best-mask-options.

“‘Miracle Man’ Liam Ferguson Vastly Improved Since August Brain Injury,” by John Voket, published September 27. “I know at one point I referred to Liam as Miracle Boy, but from now on I’m going to be calling him Miracle Man.” That was the sentiment of George Ferguson, who just over a month ago witnessed his son, Liam, being hit in the head by a falling tree at their Newtown home, resulting in a life-threatening traumatic brain injury. Read more at newtownbee.com/09272020/miracle-man-liam-ferguson-vastly-improved-since-august-brain-injury.

“Cut It Out: Proper Pruning Means More Than Cutting Back Outdoor Plants,” by Shannon Hicks, published May 10. Most homeowners need to prune trees, shrubs, bushes, and other plants in their yards on occasion. Not to be confused with trimming — or the straight cutting back of overgrown plants — pruning is essential to the health, beauty, and safety of plants. Read more at newtownbee.com/05102020/cut-it-out-proper-pruning-means-more-than-cutting-back-outdoor-plants/?q=cut%20it%20out.

“NHS National Merit Semifinalists Announced,” by Eliza Hallabeck, published September 29. Newtown High School students who earned recognition as semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s scholarship program were honored at the school on September 14 and September 18. Read more at newtownbee.com/09292020/nhs-national-merit-semifinalists-announced.

“Newtown COVID Cases Up By Two As State Positivity, Hospitalizations Climb,” by John Voket, published October 1. Newtown’s tally of coronavirus cases increased by two in seven days and the number of local residents lost to COVID-19 is holding at 45. Read more at newtownbee.com/10012020/newtown-covid-cases-up-by-two-as-state-positivity-hospitalizations-climb.