Technically speaking, it’s still autumn but it sure feels like winter here in southern Maine.
We’re now deep into the holiday season, and you probably have a growing laundry list of chores and preparations for the season.
But there is also lots of fun and joy to be had in Biddeford. Check our EVENTS page for the latest updates, including Santa’s planned visit on Sunday, Dec. 14 at Biddeford’s Central Fire Station on Alfred Street.
We experienced the first significant snowstorm of the season and the Biddeford Public Works Department once again stepped up to the plate to make sure the roads were cleared as soon as possible.
I learned a lot this week about our city’s public works department from our exclusive interview with Jeff Demers, the city’s public works director.
For example, did you know that Jeff and his crew plow 292 miles of roadways in Biddeford? That’s the equivalent of driving from City Hall in Biddeford to Albany, New York. Also, the city is expecting to use as much as 250 tons of salt on roadways this winter season.
Tuesday’s storm also impacted local politics. For the first time, the city’s biennial inauguration ceremonies were not held in City Theater. The event was online only because of slippery driving conditions and an active snow parking ban.
The University of New England’s controversial pier project is back in the news. The city has filed a formal complaint against the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) in York County Superior Court.
Our in-depth story revealed that even SRCC commissioners did not know about the court action, almost two weeks after the city filed its complaint.
After reading several complaints on social media, Contributing Writer Jim Krause did some investigating about the frequency and volume of train warning whistles and horns.
And even single-digit temperatures didn’t stop this year’s ‘Merry & Bright’ night in downtown Biddeford, complete with a tree lighting ceremony and a visit by Santa Claus.
Speaking of holiday celebrations, consider yourself invited to the Biddeford Gazette’s first holiday party!
Actually, the party is an open-house, community event that Laura and I have held for eight years on Christmas Day.
We provide a fully-stocked bar, my famous Bloody Mary cocktails garnished with shrimp and bacon and lots of yummy food throughout the day.
Learn more about the Seaver Christmas Chaos party here. BIDDEFORD GAZETTE/SEAVER CHAOS HOLIDAY PARTY
We have more exclusive news stories on deck. We’re also working on a retrospective of the news and events that shaped 2025 in Biddeford, including our list of the year’s Top-Ten local stories.
Also, we are going to keep tradition alive, and publish our exclusive interview with Santa Claus on Christmas eve.
Stay warm and be safe!
THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 