5 Things You Need To Know Today: Thursday, March 22

Here are five pieces of information that won't help you tan in time for prom but will help you be the smartest person in line at the coffee shop.

1. Your 3-day Local Weather Forecast: According to the NWS, today will be sunny, with a high near 84. West wind between 3 and 10 mph. Thursday Night: A slight chance of showers after 1am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 52. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 73. Calm wind becoming northwest around 6 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. North wind between 3 and 6 mph.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.

2. It's Happening Today: The Tewksbury Business EXpo will take place this evening, starting at 5 p.m. at the Come meet local vendors and new potential leads in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Door prizes, raffles and much more. the event is sponsored by the Boston North Business Association.

3. Sunday Is The Deadline: Sunday, March 25 is the deadline to submit your application to participate in the truly awesome Citizen's Police Academy offered by the The Citizen Police Academy is a series of eight educational interactive classes. Participants are instructed by members of the Department as to the role and responsibilities of their various divisions. Citizens gain an understanding of the challenges facing law enforcement in today’s world. Students are not only given the opportunity to learn but to offer ideas and solutions as well. The goal of the Academy is to develop a unique partnership between citizens and their Police Department that benefits both.

4. Patch Business Survey: Patch recently surveyed dozens of local businesses from the region to get the views of owners and managers on the state of the economy and the direction things are going. The results of that survey can be found by clicking here. The results may surprise you.

5. Reader Comment of the Day: "I am not wealthy either. I did not enjoy the town putting in sewerage at a cost of at least $5000. per household with connection. Our schools were falling apart then. Our high school was in danger of losing its accreditation then but town leaders put the educational system on hold .(or in the toilet, pardon the pun). Now we all own property that no respectable person would purchase if they are interested in a quality education for their children. What were they thinking of???? This town is the bottom of the bucket." Reader PMitchell, commenting on the story, "Selectmen Candidates Q&A: Athletic Complex Debt Exclusion."