Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

HYS coach leads marathon effort for youth soccer

Hopkinton Youth Soccer coach Grant Van Ranst was tapped to run the Boston Marathon after the organization received its first bib this year.

Hopkinton Youth Soccer received its first Boston Marathon bib this year and is placing its hopes in Hopkinton resident Grant Van Ranst to raise $10,000 for the organization.

Van Ranst, who coaches for HYS, said the bib came to him following a conversation with president Michelle Midkiff. “I asked Michelle [about a marathon bib] and she said we’ve never had one,” he explained. He added he will be the first to run for the youth soccer organization, but there is plenty of interest from other parties.

“I hope we can have people going every year,” he said.

Money raised from Van Ranst’s marathon run will go toward things like scholarships, equipment, league fees and maintenance. He noted that some of the funds also will bolster HYS’ overall infrastructure as it continues to grow.

Van Ranst explained that HYS currently boasts a roster of 1,600 youth soccer players. “It takes a lot of extra effort from all our volunteers to keep us moving forward,” he stated in an email.

“Michelle … is doing an tremendous job of building HYS,” he added.

Van Ranst hopes to help build the organization through his own fundraising efforts. On Sunday, he is holding a soccer fundraiser at Forekicks in Marlborough. Children ages 5 and up are welcomed to participate in games, drills and exercises. Van Ranst said he is hoping to have special Hopkinton guest players there to join in on the fun.

The event will feature raffle prizes such as passes to Altitude Jump Park, Urban Air, Fun and Games and more. Those interested in signing up can contact Van Ranst via email.

Van Ranst also teased other upcoming raffles he has planned, including one for a signed Jaylen Brown Celtics basketball and a basket of gift certificates from local businesses. His hope is to give back to HYS and advance its mission forward.

“I’m not going to ask great things from the players and from the coaches and our board if I’m not willing to put myself forward and risk some of myself to get us where we want to go,” he said.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Public safety officials and the school superintendent joined the Select Board on Tuesday to advocate for an independent audit of the town’s emergency preparedness plans.

At its meeting Tuesday night, the Select Board continued discussions with town departments and the Community Preservation Committee about the fiscal year 2027 budget.

A Connecticut man was killed on Interstate 90 west in Hopkinton after being struck by a tractor-trailer Monday night.

This week’s Police Log features one arrest, along with reports of vandalism at the middle school, a noisy neighbor and teenagers walking in the middle of the road.

The latest Arts Residency features eighth grader Chloe Demirbilek, a visual arts student who isn’t afraid to explore her interests and has a clear sense of her own creative voice.

Town meetings tonight include the Cultural Council (6:30) and School Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

A don’t walk sign peeks out from a huge mound of snow across from Hopkinton Middle School.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR