SONG OF THE DAY: "Lola" by the Kinks

Good morning, Salem! Here are five things you need to know today, Wednesday, Dec. 12:

1. BUDGET COMMITTEE: The Salem Municipal Budget Committee will begin their preliminary votes tonight on the 2013-2014 SAU 57 budget. They'll meet in the Knightly Meeting Room of Town Hall starting at 7.

2. SHOW OFF YOUR FAVORITE ORNAMENT: If you have a favorite holiday ornament, we'd love to see it. Upload it here.

3. ENTER DECK THE HOUSE TODAY: Do you have the best holiday display in front at your house in Salem? How about the state? How about the country?

Our annual "Deck the House" contest runs through Dec. 16 and the winner will receive $100,000 for their local schools. Enter your home today!

4. THIS DAY IN HISTORY: On this day in 1980, American oil tycoon Armand Hammer pays $5,126,000 at auction for a notebook containing writings by the legendary artist Leonardo da Vinci. Information courtesy of History.com.

5. TODAY'S FORECAST: Mostly sunny with a high of 40. Mostly clear tonight with a low of 27.