5 Things You Need to Know Today: July 12

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 free smartphone app, called Ping4Alerts has the endorsement of the Worcester County Sheriff's Office. The app, once downloaded, will broadcast safety, traffic, weather and school alerts from the Sheriff's Office directly to a user's smartphone. The address for downloading it is www.ping4.com.

2. The Milford Police Department has darkroom equipment that is obsolete because the employees now use digital equipment. At the request of the police chief, the town selectmen agreed Monday to surplus this equipment, which will be given to a Milford High School junior, who is building a darkroom. Chief Thomas O'Loughlin said he had tried unsuccessfully to find a buyer for the old equipment for about 10 years.

3. Spraying for mosquitos in Milford will continue on Monday, between 9 p.m. and midnight. You can call on that day, after 3 p.m., or visit the website of the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project, to find out which streets. Spraying in town also is tentatively scheduled for July 22 and 29.       

4. A benefit for the United Way of Tri-County, the largest contributor of operating funds to the Milford Youth Center, will be held Wednesday, July 17 at the TCan Center in Natick. The Comics Unite 2013 event will feature three well-known comedians. See the announcement for more details.

5. The "Buy, Sell, Trade" board on Milford Patch is open for business. Do you have an item you want to shed but don't want to have a yard sale? Here is where you can post a photo and a description. One reader, for example, wants to sell a portable air conditioner for $200, or best offer.