The Biddeford City Council was presented Tuesday with preliminary budget proposals from both the School Department and the acting city manager. There were a lot of grim faces in the room after both acting City Manager Brian Phinney and School Superintendent Jeremy Ray reviewed their budget projections with the council. Because of a technical glitch, … Continue reading Biddeford budget: ‘Saltines & Cauliflower’
Author: Randy Seaver
Randy Seaver is a veteran journalist who has been covering news and politics in the city of Biddeford, Maine for nearly three decades. He may be contacted at news@biddeford-gazette.com
Biddeford’s ‘Big Dig’ will begin in April
The seven-month project is expected to have a "significant impact" on local traffic No matter how you slice it, there is no denying that a major road repair project will significantly impact traffic in Biddeford and Saco. City officials are asking motorists in the two cities to prepare for significant delays, plan accordingly and try … Continue reading Biddeford’s ‘Big Dig’ will begin in April
Chamber director announces pending departure
After nearly seven years at the helm, Jim LaBelle announced Thursday that he will be stepping down as executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry. LaBelle, 60, said he plans to stay in place and help the Chamber with its transition to new leadership. “It’s not an easy decision because I really … Continue reading Chamber director announces pending departure
An evening of sophistication, a memory kept alive
Michael Goulet of Saco died on October 14, 2010. He was just 19 years old. While Michael’s cause of death was described as complications from a grand mal seizure, his struggle began roughly six years earlier when he suffered a traumatic brain injury while riding a snowmobile in northern Maine. Although Michael was wearing a … Continue reading An evening of sophistication, a memory kept alive
City responds to questions about financial problems
On Saturday, the Biddeford Gazette sent a list of questions to Biddeford's acting city manager regarding concerns about financial problems the city is facing. Less than 48 hours later, we received a detailed and comprehensive reply from Brian Phinney, the acting city manager. Below, you will find our list of questions along with the unedited … Continue reading City responds to questions about financial problems
Biddeford is facing ‘significant’ financial difficulties
During the March 4 Biddeford City Council meeting, acting city manager Brian Phinney provided the council with some concerning and significant updates regarding the finance department. According to Phinney's regular report to the council, the city could be facing: Potential penalties of $790,000 from the Internal Revenue Service; Penalties of roughly $350,000 from the federal … Continue reading Biddeford is facing ‘significant’ financial difficulties
Biddeford’s Housing Crisis, Part Three
Editor's note: This is the third and final installment of our three-part series regarding Biddeford's housing crisis. When discussing Biddeford’s housing crisis, the bulk of the conversation often settles upon issues of homelessness, low-income housing or so-called “affordable” housing projects. But there is another important piece to the puzzle. Over the last few years, pricing … Continue reading Biddeford’s Housing Crisis, Part Three
City denies FOIA/FOAA requests
The city of Biddeford has denied the Biddeford Gazette's request to release an internal email regarding the abrupt departure of former City Manager James Bennett on Feb. 20. The Gazette first learned that Bennett was leaving his post early by obtaining a February .20 email that was distributed to all municipal employees. The Gazette subsequently … Continue reading City denies FOIA/FOAA requests
OPINION | The Times, They Are A Changin’
The news was inevitable, but still sad. We learned yesterday that the weekly Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier will no longer be printed and now accessible only in digital form, online. This is just part of a global trend in the newspaper industry. Let’s face facts. The cost of printing and distribution are significant. But while technology marches … Continue reading OPINION | The Times, They Are A Changin’
Biddeford-Saco Courier will no longer be printed, online only
According to its parent company, the Biddeford-Saco Courier -- and several other weekly publications -- will no longer be printed and will only be available online. The Courier and many other newspapers throughout southern Maine, including daily and weekly publications, are owned by the Maine Trust for Local News. Carolyn Fox, executive editor of the … Continue reading Biddeford-Saco Courier will no longer be printed, online only
A season not soon forgotten: Coach Jeannine Paradis
More than 48 hours after the final buzzer, Coach Jeannine Paradis’ voice is still hoarse, and she jokingly said that her blood pressure has not yet returned to normal. Paradis is the head coach of the Biddeford High School Girls’ Basketball team, and unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few days, … Continue reading A season not soon forgotten: Coach Jeannine Paradis
Political gamesmanship threatens vulnerable Mainers
By HENRY INGWERSEN, State senator The last time I wrote to you, I spoke about the importance of MaineCare, our state’s version of the Medicaid program. MaineCare provides health care to low-income families and children, people with disabilities and pregnant women, and is overwhelmingly supported by Maine people. I also wrote about how Maine faces … Continue reading Political gamesmanship threatens vulnerable Mainers
Biddeford City Hall Secrecy: FOIA request sent
Earlier today, the Biddeford Gazette learned that an email regarding the abrupt departure of former City Manager James Bennett was sent from one member of the Biddeford City Council to Mayor Marty Grohman and every other member of the council. According to our sources, the email was sent at 7:05 a.m. today (Feb. 27, 2025). … Continue reading Biddeford City Hall Secrecy: FOIA request sent
Biddeford Deserves Better | OPINION
I honestly don't get it. Six days ago, I broke and published a news story that Biddeford City Manager James Bennett was abruptly removed from his post. Bennett, well-known in several communities throughout Maine, capped off his nine-year stint in Biddeford under a cloud of mystery. Six days ago. I understand why the city is … Continue reading Biddeford Deserves Better | OPINION
Councilor explains Biddeford budget process
By Liam LaFountain Every year, the city makes difficult choices about where to invest tax dollars — from public safety and road repairs to parks and essential services. Budget season is when those decisions take shape. The city budget is more than numbers — it’s a fiscal statement of what Biddeford values and how much … Continue reading Councilor explains Biddeford budget process
Local students shine at York County Spelling Bee
By KAREN GARNETT Local students demonstrated their spelling prowess at the York County Spelling Bee, held earlier this month at Massabesic Middle School. Twelve talented spellers in grades 5-8 from schools across southern Maine, including Biddeford, Saco, Bonny Eagle, and Wells, competed for the county title in a contest that came down to an intense … Continue reading Local students shine at York County Spelling Bee
NEWSLETER: Feb. 23, 2025
Just when you think things are going to slow down and become more manageable, some big stories come from out of nowhere and demand your immediate attention. Such was the case last week, with two stories that were both exclusive to the Biddeford Gazette. First, the plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the city of Biddeford, … Continue reading NEWSLETER: Feb. 23, 2025
BREAKING NEWS | City Manager will not return
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor According to multiple sources, embattled Biddeford City Manager James Bennett will not be returning to work after his brief vacation this week. Employees report receiving an email Thursday from Brian Phinney, the city's chief operating officer, that Bennett will not be returning to his post to finish out the remainder of … Continue reading BREAKING NEWS | City Manager will not return
Activists drop lawsuit against city, developer
A lawsuit filed against the city of Biddeford and a local real estate developer has been withdrawn by two residents who were upset about a proposed housing development near Clifford Park in Biddeford. According to court documents, the plaintiffs Loren McCready and Christopher Quint both own property that abuts the proposed housing development. The withdrawal … Continue reading Activists drop lawsuit against city, developer
Igniting student passions
By KAREN GARNETT Discovering what excites and motivates students can be a game-changer in education, boosting engagement, academic performance, and overall well-being. This month, Biddeford High School (BHS) hosted “Passion Classes,” a special day filled with a unique curriculum designed to help students explore new hobbies and interests while fostering meaningful connections with teachers. For … Continue reading Igniting student passions
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 