LATEST NEWS & UPDATES:

NEWSLETTER | Paradise City

[March 1, 2026] A busy, exhausting week and a chance to read to some second graders on my birthday tomorrow. Check the latest news and a preview of what’s ahead in this week’s newsletter. READ MORE

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OPINION | A Charter Moment for Biddeford

[March 1, 2026] Biddeford’s city charter is much more than some archaic document intended only for historical purposes and collecting dust. It is a vibrant, living document that impacts every corner and aspect of our community. Voters recently approved establishing a charter review commission to review the charter. READ MORE

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OPINION | Mayor explains new UNE committee

[Feb. 28, 2026] Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain explains the role and function of the newly formed Institutional Zone Review Committee that will be reviewing UNE development. READ MORE

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LETTER | Re: UNE . . . Let’s Focus on Collaboration, Not Division

[Feb. 28, 2026] In his letter to the editor, Biddeford resident Mark Porier makes the case to support a deliberative and thoughtful review process of UNE’s future plans. READ MORE

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INTERVIEW | Councilor David Kurtz: attorney, long-distance hiker and public servant

[Feb. 28, 2026] Our interview with David Kurtz. “Sometimes people just need to grab a shovel and help pick up some shit.” READ MORE

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OPINION | Former resident blasts city for biased UNE committee

Diane Snow of Cumberland says having UNE’s campus in Biddeford is a ‘privilege’ that should be respected. She says she was “shocked” to learn that a new review committee is heavily weighted with Hills Beach residents READ MORE

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OPINION | Affordability is a concern for all of us

[Feb. 27, 2026] In his monthly column for the Gazette, State Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford) discusses the issue of affordability, how it is impacting Mainers and what the Legislature can do to help. READ MORE

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NEWS | BRCOT students rack up awards at state competition

[Feb. 26, 2026] With the pressure of a Top Chef-style showdown—and none of the usual kitchen comforts— students from Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT) Culinary and Hospitality program recently competed in the Maine ProStart State Invitational. READ MORE

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FEATURE | OFFERING HOPE | ‘What they’ve done is not who they are’

[Feb. 26, 2026] Inmates at the York County Jail have access to Catholic church services thanks to a program that was launched in 2018. READ MORE

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OPINION | Biddeford should keep Harry Center

[Feb.25, 2026] We offer three reasons why the City Council should not hire an ‘in-house’ attorney | Experience, Local Knowledge and Financial Considerations. READ MORE

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NEWS | Adams Point family housing project will open in April

[Feb. 25, 2026] The new Adams Point family housing project will offer stunning views, competitive rental rates, included utilities and free internet service for residents. READ MORE

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NEWS | Republican Salamone withdraws from Maine Senate Dist. 32 race

[Feb. 23, 2026] The political newcomer from Hollis said he and his wife just welcomed a newborn daughter to their family and said an aggressive campaign would take too much time away from his family .READ MORE

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NEWS | Biddeford sidewalks & snow removal

[Feb. 23, 2026] Jeff Demers, Biddeford’s public works director, explains city policies and priorities regarding snow removal from city sidewalks. READ MORE

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INTERVIEW | Heather Paquette, Biddeford native and president of the Good Sheperd Food Bank

[Feb. 23, 2026] Cy Cyr, publisher of Brick + Tides, interviews Heather Paquette about her role as president of the Good Sheperd Food Bank of Maine. READ MORE

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VIDEO | Blizzard Blasts Biddeford

[Feb. 23, 2026] Biddeford City Hall? Closed. Schools? Cancelled. Public Works? Doing the good Lord’s work. Stay safe and off the roads during this significant winter storm.

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OPINION | When newspapers compete, readers win

[Feb. 23, 2026] Biddeford news consumers fell into a bit of a media vacuum, but thanks to some scrappy entrepreneurs — the media landscape in York County’s largest community is once again thriving, READ MORE

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NEWSLETTER | ‘Looking for a place to happen’

[Feb. 21, 2026] UNE interns? New media partnerships and expanding technology will all help the Biddeford Gazette continue its mission to deliver the local news that matters to you. Check out this week’s newsletter. READ MORE

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[Feb. 20, 2026]

NEWS | Are Republicans using fraud cases to target Democrats?

Our media partners at the Maine Monitor provide an in-depth examination of a strategy being used by Republicans in several key races. READ MORE

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[Feb. 20, 2026]

NEWS | UNE considers natural gas line extension along Pool Road

University officials announced this week that they are considering the project, which could allow more Biddeford residents to access natural gas. READ MORE

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[Feb. 19, 2026]

VIDEO | Gazette video reporting re: UNE

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[Feb. 19, 2026]

NEWS | UNE oversight committee begins work

Members of the newly created Institutional Zone Review Committee conducted their first meeting Thursday and tentatively scheduled their first public hearing for Monday, March 2. READ MORE

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[Feb. 18, 2026]

NEWS | York County officials testify in opposition to LD 2124

York County officials raised concerns about a new proposal that would shift money from county governments to the state for an emergency shelter funding proposal. READ MORE

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[Feb. 18, 2026]

NEWS | ‘You can spread the blame like peanut butter’

As they prepare for another major sewer update project, city officials continue to grapple with ongoing financial issues at City Hall, READ MORE

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[Feb.17, 2026]

NEWS | Council splits on bill now being debated by the Maine Legislature

The Biddeford City Council found itself tied Tuesday when asked whether to support a resolution in support of a bill that would transfer county revenues to the state to fund emergency shelters across the state. READ MORE

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[Feb. 17, 2026]

NEWS | Residents blasts Biddeford Council over skatepark

Several residents packed the Biddeford City Council Chambers Tuesday to once again — and forcefully — lobby the council to direct city funds to the repair and reopening of the city’s former skatepark at Rotary Park READ MORE

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[Feb. 16, 2026]

EVENT | The Secret Garden comes to City Theater

Biddeford’s City Theater brings the musical The Secret Garden to its stage, opening on March 13. READ MORE

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[Feb. 16, 2026]

NEWS | Angers considers a run for county commissioner seat

Roch Angers, a former city councilor and current member of the Biddeford Planning Board is considering a run against Doris Ortiz for a seat on the York County Commissioners board. READ MORE

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[Feb. 15, 2026]

NEWS | Ingwersen kicks off reelection campaign in Biddeford

State Sen. Henry Ingwersen licked off his campaign for a third term Sunday at Pizza By Alex in Biddeford. READ MORE

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[Feb. 15, 2026]

NEWS | State senate race heats up in Biddeford

At least three candidates are hoping to represent District 32 in the Maine State Senate. The candidates talk about the economy, healthcare and public education. READ MORE

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[Feb. 15, 2026]

NEWS | Black Balloon event coming to Biddeford

Maine’s annual Black Balloon event will be held in Biddeford this year, a fact that feels very rewarding to Ryan Paige, a Biddeford man who has been sober since 2019 and today runs the Access Direct Recovery Network with his wife, Cynthia. READ MORE

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[Feb. 14, 2026]

NEWSLETTER | Is the Gazette a lot like Reilly’s Bakery?

A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism. The Biddeford Gazette continues to lead in community news coverage. Check out this week’s latest local news stories. Fire at fire department, two-well known politicians may wrestle in November. Speaker Ryan Fecteau sounds off about ICE activity in Maine. READ MORE

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[Feb. 13, 2026]

NEWS: Councilor Lessard considering a run against State. Rep. Marc Malon

Marc Lessard– a well-known fiscal conservative and veteran Biddeford city councilor — is considering a challenge to incumbent State Rep. Marc Malon in Maine House District 133. READ MORE

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[Feb. 13, 2026]

NEWS | City is organizing small ward meetings for residents

Over the next few weeks, residents who live in various voting wards throughout the city of Biddeford will have the opportunity to attend intimate ward meetings with their respective city councilors to discuss various issues and provide feedback regarding funding priorities for the city’s recreational assets. READ MORE

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[Feb. 13, 2026]

NEWS | Biddeford firefighters fight small fire at fire department

A small fire that broke out in the building’s second floor was quickly extinguished but likely caused several thousands of dollars in smoke damages to ceiling tiles and the department’s HVAC system. READ MORE

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[Feb. 12, 2026]

NEWS: Biddeford man in jail, refused arrest

Wayne Roberts of Biddeford is facing multiple charges and was denied bail after refusing arrest. He was taken to the York County Jail in Alfred. READ MORE

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[Feb. 12, 2026]

OPINION | Speaker Fecteau | ICE activities do not match Maine’s values

“What has been happening outside the State House, and in our own community here in Biddeford, is anything but normal.” READ MORE

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[Feb. 12, 2026] NEWS: York County treatment center gets big boost from local banks

Two local banks with deep roots in York County are leading the way in helping build the York County Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Center. READ MORE

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[Feb. 11, 2026] NEWS: Former city councilor now hoping to be a county commissioner

“I know it may sound weird, but I actually enjoy digging into public policy and finding innovative ways to help people around me” the candidate said. READ MORE

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[Feb. 10, 2026] NEWS: BHS art students earn statewide recognition

Two Biddeford High School students are being recognized for their award-winning artwork in the prestigious Scholastic Art and Writing Awards at the Maine College of Art & Design in Portland next month READ MORE

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[Feb. 9, 2026] OPINION: City disrespected St. Joseph’s Covent nuns

A reader says the city of Biddeford’s recent decision to enact a six-month moratorium on development at the University of New England’s Biddeford campus was a slap in the face to the nuns of St. Joseph’s Convent. READ MORE

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[Feb. 8, 2026] NEWS: Bennett brings campaign to Biddeford

Independent gubernatorial candidate Rick Bennett says Maine’s political system is broken and that partisan bickering is a big part of the problem. Bennett visited Biddeford Saturday and said he was “blown away” by the city’s downtown revitalization. READ MORE

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[Feb. 7, 2026] NEWSLETTER: Warm thoughts on a cold day

Check out WinterFest, and learn what brought me close to tears this week, plus our weekly recap of what you need to know in Biddeford. READ MORE

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[Feb. 7, 2026] OPINION: Is Graham Platner more than just image?

“I also find myself questioning why many people readily frame him as inherently virtuous.” READ MORE

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[Feb. 6, 2026] NEWS: It’s all about the smiles!

Students from UNE’s dental school and State Rep. Ryan Fecteau each put extra emphasis this week on childhood dental care in Maine. READ MORE

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[Feb. 6, 2026] NEWS: How Biddeford is using its opioid settlement funds

The city of Biddeford received roughly $378,000 last year as its share of a national opioid settlement agreement. The council received a presentation Tuesday about how the funds are being used. READ MORE

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[Feb. 5, 2026] OPINION: Biddeford’s ongoing gentrification impacts its annual winter festival

What’s in a name? The transformation of Biddeford’s downtown area is exciting, but it does have some unintended consequences. READ MORE

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[Feb. 4, 2026] FEATURE: Biddeford City Manager: Cheering for Seattle in the Superbowl??

Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever, who moved here from a Seattle suburb last year, said she is expecting to be cheering for the Seattle Seahawks during Sunday’s Superbowl game. READ MORE

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[Feb. 4. 2026] NEWS: Council debates controversial parking program

“Small potatoes” or a significant breach of spending protocols? The Biddeford City Council debated a controversial downtown parking program that was launched last year. READ MORE

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[Feb. 3, 2026] OPINION: How AI can help cities serve better

Former Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman argues that AI can be successfully leveraged to help communities save money and increase efficiency. READ MORE

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[Feb. 3, 2026] NEWS: Firefighters tackle blaze at former Sleepy Hollow motel

Firefighters from several communities tackled a structure fire at the former Sleepy Hollow motel in Biddeford on Tuesday morning. Elm Street near the scene is blocked to traffic in both directions. READ MORE

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[Feb. 3, 2026] NEWS: IRS will waive $700k in fines against Biddeford; assessor leaving

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has agreed to waived more than $500,000 in fees and penalties and will refund $200,000 that the city already paid in fines regarding failure to file an employee insurance form. Also, Assessor Deanne Vail will be leaving the city later this month to accept a new position in Scarborough. READ MORE

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[Feb. 2, 2026] NEWS: York County sheriff facing challenge from political newcomer

Brian Pellerin — currently the deputy sheriff in Cumberland County — says the sheriff’s office should be above partisan politics. READ MORE

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[Feb. 2, 2026] NEWS: Biddeford students advance to York County Spelling Bee

Two Biddeford Middle School students will be advancing to the York County Spelling Bee next week. READ MORE

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[Jan. 31, 2026] NEWSLETTER: Help us with a tagline, score some goodies from Reilly’s Bakery

To celebrate our one-year anniversary, we are asking readers to help us come up with a tagline. If your original suggestion is chosen, you will score a $20 gift certificate to Reilly’s Bakery Plus a recap of the week’s news READ MORE

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[Jan. 30, 2026] NEWS: Biddeford lawmaker’s bill addresses online gambling addiction

State Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford) has introduced a bill to prohibit the use of credit cards in online sports betting. READ MORE

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[Jan. 29, 2026] NEWS: City seeks public input on recreation priorities

The city of Biddeford is asking residents to weigh in using an online survey about which projects should get funding priorities from a $6.1 million bond that was approved by voters in November. READ MORE

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[Jan. 29, 2026] OPINION: Helping parents with childcare

In his monthly column, State Sen. Henry Ingwersen discusses his efforts to make childcare more accessible and affordable for Maine families. READ MORE

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[Jan. 29, 2026] NEWS: UNE, SRCC ask court to dismiss Biddeford’s complaint

Both the University of New England and the Saco River Corridor Commission say the city of Biddeford was wrong to file a complaint against them about a controversial pier in Superior Court. READ MORE

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[Jan. 28, 2026] NEWS: Biddeford facing $500k in IRS penalties, fines

City Manager Truc Dever told the city council that she and others in City Hall are now working with staffers in Sen. Susan Collins’ office to rectify an error the city made in 2021 that resulted in significant IRS penalties and fines. READ MORE

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[Jan. 26, 2026] NEWS: Eastern Fire Substation moving through review process

In an effort to reduce emergency response times in the growing eastern part of the city, city officials are now in the process of examining and reviewing options for the location of a full-time substation. READ MORE

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[Jan. 25, 2026] FEATURE: The ‘Great Fire of 1947’ and its devastating impact on Biddeford

Local author Susan Graham has published a book that details the devastating impacts of the Great Fires of 1947 on the city of Biddeford. READ MORE

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[Jan. 24, 2026] NEWSLETTER: Baby, it’s cold outside

A recap and a look ahead at some Biddeford news stories, plus a possible interview with the Mayor of Bideford, our sister city in England, an intro to journalism class and coffee with one of Maine’s most prolific reporters. READ MORE

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[Jan. 23, 2026] NEWS: Review begins regarding funding of a downtown parking program

Finance Committee begins review of how a temporary downtown parking program was funded, prompting sharp criticism of the how the program was launched and operated. READ MORE

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[Jan. 22, 2026] COMMUNITY: When the helper needs help

Don Creighton, a beloved security guard at Biddeford’s McArthur Library, has been sidelined by a serious spinal injury. His co-workers, library patrons and downtown merchants, are hoping that the community can help him on his road to recovery. READ MORE

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[Jan. 22, 2026] NEWS: Gazette creates ‘landing page’ for ICE info in Biddeford

The Biddeford Gazette has created a special landing page on its website to provide news and information regarding ramped up enforcement activities by the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) in Biddeford. READ MORE

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[Jan. 21, 2026] NEWS: City council rejects moratorium on mobile home park fees

The Biddeford City Council voted 6-3 Tuesday to reject a proposed moratorium on rental and lease fees in the city’s mobile home parks. READ MORE

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[Jan. 21, 2026] NEWS: City council unanimously approves UNE development moratorium

Despite the objections of some local nuns and UNE officials, the Biddeford City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to enact a temporary moratorium on all development at the university’s Biddeford Campus. READ MORE

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[Jan. 20, 2026] OPINION: Municipal Credit Enhancement Agreements are not the problem

Credit Enhancement Agreements can be a valuable economic development tool, as long as they are structured carefully. READ MORE

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[Jan. 19, 2026] NEWS: City is now investigating funding of a private parking plan

A plan hatched last year about how to help downtown business owners is now being scrutinized because more than $16,000 was spent without the knowledge or consent of the city council or its finance committee. READ MORE

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[Jan. 15, 2026] NEWS: Mayor proposes temporary development halt on UNE’s Biddeford campus

Mayor Liam LaFountain says the city needs some breathing room in order to address concerns about rapid development within the city’s Institutional Zone. READ MORE

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[Jan. 14, 2026] NEWS: Biddeford’s WinterFest is just around the corner

Biddeford’s annual WinterFest celebration offers a fun weekend of family activities for all ages in the downtown area. READ MORE

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[Jan. 14. 2026] NEWS: Dutremble will lead York County Commissioners

Richard Dutremble has served as a York County commissioner for 20 years and says he will not seek reelection after his current term. READ MORE

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[Jan. 14, 2026] OPINION: Biddeford’s pain can be treated

Guest columnist Sam Pecor makes the case about the importance of comprehensive planning. READ MORE

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[Jan. 13, 2026] NEWS: Several development projects are on Biddeford’s horizon

The Biddeford City Council is scheduled to receive a comprehensive update about a plethora of current and future development projects in the city. READ MORE

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[Jan. 11, 2026] NEWS: New chamber director is brimming with enthusiasm

Alex MacPhail, the new executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce is excited about the future and opportunities for robust economic development. READ MORE

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[Jan. 10, 2026] NEWSLETTER: From concept to reality

The Biddeford Gazette will celebrate its first birthday on Wednesday, and there are some exciting things happening behind the scenes. READ MORE

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[Jan. 5, 2025] FEATURE: Biddeford After Dark: Tough Guys Don’t Dance

A quarter century later and the 7-11 at the intersection of Alfred and Jefferson streets remains as the epicenter for late night activity in downtown Biddeford. READ MORE

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[Jan. 5, 2026] NEWS: Mayor proposes slight shakeup on Biddeford’s planning board

Mayor Liam LaFountain says “periodic refreshers” can be valuable tools in keeping pace with changes throughout the city. READ MORE

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[Jan, 1, 2026] FEATURE: West Brook Skating Rink is an enduring legacy in Biddeford

For more than 100 years, Biddeford’s West Brook Skating Rink has delighted skating enthusiasts and provided fond memories for generations of skaters. READ MORE

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