Good morning, Springfield.

A local group is set to host a hot chocolate run to build community spirit.

The event will start soon on a local route and invite neighbors to join and enjoy warm treats.

Longtime Western Mass News anchor Chris Pisano released his first novel, The Secret Spirit Society: The Legend of Captain Shanks, a thriller set in a fictional coastal town.

He will host a book signing at A New Chapter bookstore in West Springfield on Oct. 17 from noon to 2 p.m.

State officials reported Friday that drought warnings across the Connecticut River Valley ended after recent rains improved water conditions.

However, they urged continued conservation because rainfall year-to-date is still below average (27.4 inches measured at Westfield) and other areas remain in drought.

UMass quarterback Pop Watson III (a Springfield native) is out with an ankle injury, so true freshman Aedan McCarthy will start Saturday at 2 p.m. at McGuirk Alumni Stadium as the team faces Miami.

Chicopee & Springfield Central played a tight soccer match on Saturday; Chicopee’s Griffen Wrisley scored after an assist from Abdulwahhab Alnuaimi and Springfield Central’s Elisha Smith tied the game as both teams relied on strong goalkeeper plays.

The Springfield Thunderbirds lost 5-2 to the Laval Rocket Saturday night at MGM Springfield in front of a sellout crowd.

They will host Kids Opening Day today at 3:05 p.m. as part of a four-game homestand.

Hampshire Regional won the team meet while Westfield’s Raina Szenda scored a 9.8 on floor at All-American Gymnastics in Wilbraham on Saturday, Oct.

10 (senior night). The event featured strong performances from multiple schools and honored senior athletes.