Five Things You Need to Know Today, Jan. 8

1. Today's weather: The National Weather Service is calling for a sunny day, with a high near 41. West wind 7 to 9 mph. On Tuesday night, it will be mostly clear, with a low around 25. West wind around 6 mph.

2. School Board meeting: The Portsmouth School Board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday night at City Hall at 7 p.m. A complete list of this week's municipal meetings can be viewed on the city's website.

3. New parking rates Thursday: The city's new downtown tiered parking rates that will charge $1.50 per hour on the highest density streets took effect last week.

4. Christmas tree disposal: Through Jan. 11, the city will collect Christmas trees from the curbside on trash and recycling days. Residents also may bring Christmas trees to the Recycling Center for disposal.

5. "Sell a cell" at PHS: The Portsmouth High School Environmental Change Organization has teamed up with Revolution Energy to help Portsmouth High School invest in solar panels via the "Sell a Cell" program. Local community members can purchase a cell of a solar panel for $5 or a whole solar panel for $300. The panels will be installed at the high school to help defer energy costs.