Welcome to 5 Things You Need to Know Today, your place for useful facts. We'll provide this early morning digest each weekday to keep Salemites and Salem Patch users in-the-know.

1. Best of luck to the boys basketball Witches, who will face off against Burlington tonight at home. The first round game in the MIAA Div. 2 North sectional tournament is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Salem’s home court. Go Witch!
2. We’ve got an exciting follow-up story coming to you later today. Be sure to check in at 1:30 p.m. for a story that is sure to make your day.
3. It was a wet and icy one yesterday. Today, the National Weather Service is predicting clear skies and a high of 34 degrees.  In fact, it’s looking pretty clear throughout the week.
4. Did you have the chance to check out Jerome Curley’s story on Leslie's Retreat? If you’re a newer resident, read up to learn more about your City. If you’ve been here for life, enjoy a story you’ve probably known since childhood.
5. The new Salem Ferry is anticipated to draw 250,000 more visitors to Salem annually with expansions to the City’s wharf. Officials are predicting  the project will help jumpstart the local economy. What are your thoughts on the issue? Be sure to let us know.

To find out what else is happening today in Salem, check out our events calendar.