Good morning, Burlington.

Renovations for the Champlain Valley Exposition grandstand will begin after this year's fair in Essex Junction, with phase one upgrading seating and replacing the dirt track with concrete (cost $2 million) to be complete by mid-June.

The upgrades will enable more year-round concerts.

Blue Paddle Bistro closed after 21 years in South Hero following a sudden Facebook announcement citing a perfect storm of factors.

Community leaders say its loss impacts local employment and year-round appeal (with hopes that a new restaurant may soon open).

VermontBiz named 91 local influencers to honor leaders in business, education, and agriculture.

The annual recognition, sponsored by Community Bank (upholding local excellence), spotlights achievements that drive innovation and community strength across Vermont.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department reminded hunters that waterfowl hunting blinds cannot be set up on state waters until the first Saturday in September.

All blinds must display the owner's name and address and be removed by Feb. 15 on Lake Champlain or May 15 elsewhere next year (per state guidelines).

Onyx Tonics Specialty Coffee in Burlington was named Vermont's best coffee shop by Chowhound because its menu features a rotating selection of local single-origin coffees and skilled baristas.

The cafe (established in 2016) is located at 126 College St.

May data shows Chittenden County's median home price rose 4.6% to $512,500 — single-family homes climbed to $550,000 as condominium and townhome prices fell 19%, with overall recorded sales increasing to 173 totaling $95.6 million.

Two Mount Mansfield girls basketball stars announced their college commitments this month.

Aly Dorman secured a UVM walk-on spot after a key championship performance, and Maysa Long chose Minnesota State for Division II play.

The Vermont Lake Monsters pulled off a dramatic comeback in their FCBL semifinal game by scoring four ninth inning runs at Centennial Field to win 5-4.

Their victory (achieved on Friday, Aug. 14 at 6:35 p.m.) advanced them to a championship game against the New Britain Bees.