Daily Five: Blizzard Warning Issued for Groton

1.  Today is Friday, Feb. 8.  The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for Groton and the rest of New London County, effective from 6 a.m. Friday until 1 p.m. Saturday. The weather service predicts snow, strong winds of 22 to 27 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, heavy precipitation and a high temperature of 38 degrees. One to three inches of snow is expected during the day.

Another 11 to 17 inches of snow is possible tonight and the low will fall to 24 degrees. Winds of 29 to 34 mph are expected, with gusts of up to 60 mph.  Snow will continue until noon Saturday.

2.  The Groton Board of Education will continue its discussions of the proposed education budget at 7 p.m. on Feb. 13 in the school administrative office. Interim which represents a 5.54 percent increase over last year's spending plan.

The proposed 2013-14 budget includes money to cover negotiated pay raises, increased costs of employee benefits and higher transportation costs. The added transportation spending pays for eight additional school buses needed to accommodate redistricting.

3.  The Groton Open Space Association has been awarded a $256,750 grant to buy the 91-acre Candlewood Ridge property at Lambtown Road and Route 184. The group applied to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition program for the money. The property in north central Groton is known for its rugged ledge outcroppings, large wetlands and vernal pools, including a cranberry bog.

4. Habitat for Humanity of Southeastern Connecticut will hold a free training and orientation session at 10 a.m. on Saturday at 377 Broad Street in New London. All volunteers must take the training before they may work on a house, so if you're interested in helping out, this is a place to start.

5.  As a reminder, Groton town and city offices will be closed Monday, Feb.
18, in honor of President's Day. Offices will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 19.