Five Things To Know Today

1.  Today is Wednesday, June 22.  The National Weather Service forecasts partly sunny skies, then showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. The high temperature will reach 75 degrees, and the low will drop to 62 tonight.

2.  An online survey is available through the town website here for residents to weigh in on the best use of the former Noank Elementary School property.  The property covers about six acres and was valued at $1.145 million in 2009, according to the website. Options for the property include renovating the school building, which would cost $600,000 to $1.6 million, or demolishing it and cleaning up any environmental hazards, which would cost about $345,000.  The survey must be returned by July 29.

3.  The Town Council took another step Tuesday to try to fast-track a referendum and obtain access to state money. A public hearing will be held at 7:30 p.m. on July 5 in the Town Hall Annex on the referendum to approve $2.7 million in improvements to Groton's water pollution control facility. The hearing is necessary to hold the referendum in September. Groton town officials were told they are eligible for a $900,000 state grant and the balance in a low-interest loan for the project, but only if the spending is approved before the November general election.

4.  There’s an effort underway at the Mystic Depot to create an enclosed area where people can buy train tickets through automated machines rather than wait for the train station to be open.  Groton Town Manager Mark Oefinger said the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce recently moved its offices to the depot, and the station serves Groton residents.  A kickoff event to promote the electronic ticketing project will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday.

5.  A mobile state assistance program will be in Groton from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Groton Human Services building on Fort Hill Road. The Rx-Xpress Bus offers help with programs including food stamps, Medicare, Medicaid, Husky Insurance and prescription assistance. Appointments are recommended, and can be made by calling (860)441-6760.