Five Things: Challenger Explosion Anniversary

1. TODAY'S FORECAST: A high of 33 is expected today followed by some evening snow and a low of 29 tonight. Snow and sleet will be mixed tonight with about one to two inches expected.

2. CASINO ADVISORY COMMITTEE FINALIZATION: Selectmen fill finish up hashing out and approving the makeup of a Casino Advisory Committee in Salem during tonight's meeting, scheduled to start at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. For the complete agenda, visit here.

3. FOUR MORE DAYS TO FILE: This is the last week that interested candidates for public office can file. For school positions, you can file at the Superintendent of School's Office at 38 Geremonty Road. For town, you can file at the Town Clerk's office located in Town Hall. You have until the close of both offices on Feb. 1.

4. THIS DAY IN HISTORY: At 11:38 a.m. EST, on January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger lifts off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and Christa McAuliffe is on her way to becoming the first ordinary U.S. civilian to travel into space. McAuliffe, a 37-year-old high school social studies teacher from New Hampshire, won a competition that earned her a place among the seven-member crew of the Challenger. She underwent months of shuttle training but then, beginning January 23, was forced to wait six long days as the Challenger's launch countdown was repeatedly delayed because of weather and technical problems. Finally, on January 28, the shuttle lifted off.

5. DELIBERATIVE SESSION THIS WEEKEND: Mark your calendar for this Saturday's town deliberative session, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Salem High School.