Our daily morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1) Fare hikes and service cuts were approved by the MBTA Board yesterday. Will this impact your travel needs? Let us know in the comments.

2) Looking to spruce up your fence this spring? Blogger William Carr offers tips in his recent blog. If you have advice to offer or simply need a forum for expressing yourself, blog on Patch, just like William does.

3) Who's enjoyed their first Casey's dog this spring? With the warm weather spells someone has gone to the window and ordered a couple, no doubt. Let fellow Patch readers know what you thought of your food and service on Casey's directory listing.

4) We only have one guess so far on this week's Where in Natick, but we know everyone has seen this decoration as it is pretty prominent. Do you remember where it is?

5) Natick Police are warning residents to lock their car doors. So far this year has seen nearly 20 break-ins, and in all cases, doors were unlocked.