Five Things To Know Today

1.  Today is Tuesday, July 12. It'll be a hot one. The National Weather Service predicts a slight chance of thunderstorms this morning and this afternoon, but otherwise sunny skies with a high temperature of 87 degrees. The low will drop to 66 degrees tonight.

2.  Groton sent out about 36,474 tax bills for real estate, personal property and motor vehicles this month, and the line at the tax office started forming almost immediately. Tax Collector Cynthia Small said it's not necessary to pay the bills in person, although some choose to do so. Groton taxes may be paid online through the town website, at the Groton branches of Chelsea Groton Bank, Webster Bank and Savings Institute or may be placed in the green mail box outside town hall, or in the brown locked box on the counter at the assessor's department.

3. As of Monday, 1,572 dogs were licensed in Groton, a bit less than the more than 2,000 registered in town during the course of last year. The deadline for license renewals was June 30, but late renewals can be processed for an additional $1 per month late fee. New dogs are also registered all year in the town clerk's office. Connecticut State law requires dogs 6 months or older to be registered.

4.  The Groton Town Police Department is hosting its second annual National Night Out from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on August 2 at Poquonnock Plains Park. The goal of the event is to strengthen the partnerships between neighborhoods and the police, heighten awareness of crime and drug prevention and send a message that communities are organized and fighting against crime. To get involved or to find out more, contact Investigator Kelly Crandall at (860) 441-6704 or by email at kcrandall@town.groton.ct.us.

5.  The Groton Town Council meets tonight and will discuss, among other items, a measure that would give preference to local companies during the bidding process. One possibility may be to give local companies the chance the match the lowest bid if they are close to it.