5 Things You Need to Know Today: Feb. 3

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. A recent tragedy in Dudley where one person drowned after falling through the ice on a snowmobile serves as a somber reminder that the condition of ice on the Bay State's water bodies are currently unpredictable and treacherous. The Division of Fisheries & Wildlife urges outdoor enthusiasts to play it safe and check ice carefully before venturing onto ice-covered waters. A clear layer of 4-inch ice is a good, safe thickness for foot traffic. Find some good safety information at http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/safety/ice_safety.htm.

2. Today is the last day to register to vote in the Feb. 13 Special Town Meeting. For more information, call the Town Clerk’s office at 508-839-5335, ext. 195

3. A meat loaf dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow at

4. Oh, yeah, and we hear something about a game Sunday? Go Pats! And go local when picking a place to enjoy the Pats’ victory. Ooops, did we say that out loud?

5. Today’s forecast: Sun, high 39, low 23.