Five Things You Need to Know Today, July 8

1) Thursday's opening of the production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at Whitecliff Summer Playhouse and Family Dinner Night at the Sunset Hills Aquatic Center were both canceled due to last night's heavy rains. Patch will provide an update later as to whether rain dates have been scheduled.

3) Meanwhile, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is scheduled to run tonight through July 10. The event will be held at the Whitecliff Summer Playhouse in Crestwood.

3) Traffic woes: MoDOT will close the eastbound Interstate 44 exit ramp to southbound Interstate 270 today through July 12. We'll provide more details on the lane closures shortly.

4) A nice, dry day is expected for the start of your weekend. Friday's forecast calls for partly sunny skies with a high of 87 degrees and a low of 69, according to the National Weather Service. 

5) Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month? What's your favorite flavor? Tell us in Comments.