New Planners Take the Helm Across Town
Hartford, VT · October 20, 2026
Frost is silvering the riverbanks this morning, but the sunshine should make quick work of the chill before noon. Keep an extra layer handy for the early commute, especially if you plan to head out for tonight’s municipal budget talks.
The Lead
Town Manager Gail Ostrout has finalized an overhaul of Hartford’s planning and development department as longtime Director Lori Hirshfield prepares to step down after 30 years at the helm. Following Hirshfield’s recent statewide Lifetime Achievement Award from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, Town Hall is ushering in a wave of new faces to guide growth across Hartford’s five villages.
A new Town Planner reported for duty yesterday, while an incoming Zoning Administrator takes over municipal permitting next Monday. The transition wraps up on November 9, when the next Director of Planning and Development officially takes the reins. With several downtown revitalization efforts, zoning updates, and regional housing initiatives underway, the incoming team faces an active docket right out of the gate. The Selectboard expects a formal introduction of the incoming leadership during regular November sessions.
Local Pulse
Selectboard Opens FY28 Budget Review Tonight City Hall Board members meet this evening to begin reviewing departmental spending proposals and municipal priorities for next year.
South Main Lot Adjusts Traffic Pattern Roads Drivers downtown will find newly marked one-way circulation lanes and updated signage guiding entry from Currier Street.
Today's Outlook
- High 60°F · Low 32°F — Partly cloudy
- Grab a heavy jacket for the freezing morning, but expect comfortable conditions by early afternoon.
What's On Around Town
Today
Predators of the Sky VINS Nature Center (149 Natures Way), 11:00–11:30 AM · $20 Live raptor flight demonstration showcasing native hawks and owls up close.
Sister Cities Committee Hartford Town Hall (171 Bridge St), 5:00 PM · Free Public meeting discussing future cultural exchanges and student partner initiatives.
Special Selectboard Meeting Hartford Town Hall (171 Bridge St), 6:00 PM · Free Town administration and department heads review preliminary municipal budget drafts.
Tomorrow
- Historic Preservation Commission Hartford Town Hall (171 Bridge St), 5:15 PM · Free
- West Hartford Library Board of Trustees West Hartford Library (5133 Route 14), 6:00 PM · Free
- Saw-whet Owl Banding Demonstration VINS Nature Center (149 Natures Way), 8:00–9:30 PM · Free
Thursday
- Board of Civil Authority Hearing Hartford Town Hall (171 Bridge St), 5:30 PM · Free
- An Evening with Amna Nawaz Lebanon Opera House (51 N Park St), Lebanon, 7:00 PM · Paid
Spotlight & Story
- Quechee Balloon Festival
- In spring 1978, promoter Ed Griskott drove a truck up to the Quechee Inn, pitching an idea to new innkeeper Mike Yaroschuk. The following June, six hot air balloons took flight over the green, establishing New England’s longest-running Father’s Day celebration.
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