One thing became especially clear for the Biddeford Gazette last week: Its editor – me – needs better time management skills. When you’re running a small operation on a shoe-string budget with an all-volunteer staff, it becomes quickly obvious that there’s just not enough time in the day. For example, our weekly newsletters are supposed … Continue reading NEWSLETTER | Moving in stereo
Month: March 2026
Editor’s Note | Ready for some fun?
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Have you – or someone you know – ever wondered what it’s like to be a journalist in today’s rapidly changing media landscape? Ever thought you would like to write news or feature stories for your community newspaper? Or would you just like to take a deeper dive and participate … Continue reading Editor’s Note | Ready for some fun?
Doug Sanford | A preacher’s son, developer
For nearly 50 years, Biddeford's most iconic 'bootstrap developer" has demonstrated a deep love for the city. By RANDY SEAVER | Editor When looking back over the last 50 years of Biddeford’s history, there is no question that Doug Sanford played an extraordinarily pivotal and significant role in resurrecting a community that was brimming with … Continue reading Doug Sanford | A preacher’s son, developer
Running on Empty | Jessica Johnson
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Just one month from today, Jessica Johnson of Biddeford will again be lacing up her sneakers and then taking in some giant breaths only moments before the start of the 130th annual Boston Marathon. On Monday, April 20-- Patriot’s Day, celebrated only in Maine and Massachusetts -- Johnson will again … Continue reading Running on Empty | Jessica Johnson
Biddeford author inspires young writers, artists at BIS
[CONTRIBUTED STORY] By KAREN GARNETT | Biddeford School Department BIDDEFORD, Maine – Biddeford Intermediate School (BIS) welcomed acclaimed author and illustrator Rebekah Lowell on the morning of March 19, 2026, where she led four engaging presentations for third and fourth grade students centered on storytelling, creativity, and art. Biddeford Intermediate School third grader Olivia Langill … Continue reading Biddeford author inspires young writers, artists at BIS
Pendleton takes on new role
A well-known community leader and volunteer, Craig Pendleton has joined the Biddeford Gazette’s board of directors CRAIG PENDLETON BIDDEFORD | Biddeford Gazette, Inc. – the parent company of the Biddeford Gazette -- is pleased to announce that Craig Pendleton of Old Orchard Beach has formally joined the Gazette’s board of directors as the corporation’s treasurer. … Continue reading Pendleton takes on new role
OPINION | Why History Matters
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor One of the coolest things about doing something for more than 30 years is the memories you make along the way. As a political junkie – especially in regards to the city of Biddeford – it is extremely rewarding for me to have an archive of local political news that … Continue reading OPINION | Why History Matters
City council will hear school budget proposal
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor School Supt. Jeremy Ray is expected to make his annual presentation of the proposed school budget before the Biddeford City Council this evening, March 17. The city council is already wrestling with a proposed municipal budget that was presented last week by municipal department heads. That early proposal – subject … Continue reading City council will hear school budget proposal
Saco has lost a former mayor; I have lost a friend
OPINION | RANDY SEAVER I am feeling so sad. I just learned from a reading a story in Saco Bay News that Bill Johnson – a former Saco mayor and city councilor -- recently passed away at the age of 92. This news leaves a gaping hole. I regret losing touch with Bill. He was … Continue reading Saco has lost a former mayor; I have lost a friend
Biddeford-Saco Music Hall of Fame inductees announced, ceremony scheduled May 3
Contributed Story | Molly Lovell MARCH 16, 2026 | The Greater Biddeford Saco Music Hall of Fame has announced its inductees for the class of 2026 among musicians throughout York County. The class of 2026 inductees include: J.D. Drown; The ID; Johnny Martinez’ Lower East Side; Armand Paquette and The Tidal Waves. The inductees will … Continue reading Biddeford-Saco Music Hall of Fame inductees announced, ceremony scheduled May 3
County’s Citizen Police Academy ‘intriguing, interesting’ grads say
By TAMMY WELLS | York County Government media ALFRED -- A couple of classes of the Citizens Police Academy conducted by York County Sheriff’s Office this winter included law and the US Constitution. It was part of the nine-week program that saw students learn everything from how to conduct a traffic stop to the role … Continue reading County’s Citizen Police Academy ‘intriguing, interesting’ grads say
NEWSLETTER | Amateur hour is over
It’s been another busy week at the Biddeford Gazette, capped off by last weekend’s annual spring conference of the New England Newspaper & Press Association (NENPA). NENPA is a professional organization supporting the work of more than 450 media outlets throughout New England, including daily and weekly print publications; radio and television stations and digital … Continue reading NEWSLETTER | Amateur hour is over
Tempus Fugit (Time Flies)
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Do these faces look familiar? They should. Earlier today, I spent some time with Chuck Cote at the Biddeford Community Center reviewing his amazing archive of local sports and political newspaper clippings and other fascinating memorabilia. We plan to publish a full story tomorrow, including an interview, some fun pictures, video … Continue reading Tempus Fugit (Time Flies)
Chamber congratulates Rousseau Insurance
The Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce congratulates Rousseau Insurance Agency on the recent purchase of the home, auto, and business insurance book of business from Maine Insurance Benefits Group, following the retirement of agency principal Rand Clark. As part of this transition, Rousseau Insurance has welcomed the clients of Maine Insurance Benefits Group and will continue … Continue reading Chamber congratulates Rousseau Insurance
Biddeford Tigers bring home another win
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Members of the Biddeford High School Tigers Unified Basketball Team faced their opponents Thursday with steely gazes and wide grins. The Biddeford Tigers take the court just before the start of Thursday's season final in Sanford (Seaver photo) It was a thrilling game that ended the regular season for the … Continue reading Biddeford Tigers bring home another win
OPINION | Biddeford should tie taxes to inflation
By BEN NEVEUX | Biddeford Over the past decade, Biddeford’s property taxes have steadily climbed. In 2013 the city’s total tax rate was $16.54 per $1,000 of valuation. By 2022 it had reached $18.23, with several years above $19 and even $20 along the way. That may not sound dramatic at first glance, but it … Continue reading OPINION | Biddeford should tie taxes to inflation
Officers recognized for ‘great work’
By TAMMY WELLS | York County Government media ALFRED, Maine -- An elderly man with dementia wandered into a garage and climbed to the second story, where the only “floor” was planks placed across the support beams. It was unclear whether he intended to harm himself or if he was merely confused, investigators said. He … Continue reading Officers recognized for ‘great work’
Biddeford City Clerk resigns
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor According to multiple sources, Biddeford City Clerk Robin Patterson will be resigning her position, effective April 10 this year. City Manager Truc Dever sent an email message to all city staff and elected officials, notifying them of Patterson's decision. City Clerk Robin Patterson (City photo) There was no information available at … Continue reading Biddeford City Clerk resigns
UNE president expresses frustration
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor University of New England President Dr. James Herbert today released a formal statement to the Biddeford community regarding the school's controversial research pier proposal. Herbert's statement was sent to area media outlets and city officials. Herbert's public statement is the first time he has publicly spoken about the research pier. … Continue reading UNE president expresses frustration
LETTER | Mayor’s column raises concerns
By DIANE SNOW | Cumberland, Maine Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain’s recent op-ed regarding the city’s new Institutional Zone Review Committee (Biddeford Gazette, Feb. 28, 2026) is very interesting. The mayor mentions that it is time to review the zone ordinance since it has not been updated in nearly 25 years. He refers to a … Continue reading LETTER | Mayor’s column raises concerns
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 