5 Things to Know Today: Jan. 9, 2012

1. The weather

The National Weather Service says we can expect increasing clouds, with a high near 42. Monday night will be cloudy, gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 29.

2. Gas prices

According to DetroitGasPrices.com, the lowest reported gasoline price in the White Lake area as of Sunday night was $3.45 per gallon at the gas station.

3. On this day in history

According to History.com, on this day in 1493, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, sailing near the Dominican Republic, saw three "mermaids" – in reality manatees – and described them as "not half as beautiful as they are painted." Six months earlier, Columbus (1451-1506) set off from Spain across the Atlantic Ocean with the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria, hoping to find a western trade route to Asia. Instead, his voyage, the first of four he would make, led him to the Americas, or "New World."

4. In the news

Today's Ask the Chief is about the White Lake Citizens Academy.

5.

Auditions for Lakeland Players' presentation of the musical, 'The Titanic', take place from 7-9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, Tuesday, Jan 10 and Wednesday, Jan. 11 at Central United Methodist Church, 3882 Highland Road in Waterford. Adults, teens and children of all ages are needed for the cast; please come prepared with a song to sing and be prepared for a dance audition and to read from the script. Show dates are April 13, 14, 20, 21 2012 at 8 p.m. and April 15, 22, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Lakeland High School Center for the Performing Arts. For more information please visit www.lakelandplayers.net or email malikite9@gmail.com.