Editor: I have mixed feelings about how the Biddeford Gazette reported the news regarding Guy Gagnon and the Biddeford Housing Authority. |.Housing authority dismisses its executive director, April 17, 2026 I would like to add some context that I think has been missing from the community conversation about this story. Learning about Guy Gagnon’s departure … Continue reading LETTER | Guy Gagnon deserved better from the Gazette, and should be thanked for his years of service
Category: BIDDEFORD NEWS
Spring sports season is underway in Biddeford
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor It's finally time to put away the snow shovels and grab the lawn rakes. But if you need a break from your spring-cleaning chores, we have some good news to share. The Spring Sports Season in Biddeford is about to kick into high gear. Here is our weekly roundup of … Continue reading Spring sports season is underway in Biddeford
‘There’s no crying in lacrosse’
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor The University of New England Nor’Easters club lacrosse team was full of enthusiasm and high spirits during their warm-up stretches in the moments before their final game of the season Saturday against the St. Anslem Hawks. But unfortunately, the Nor’Easters walked away with a disappointing 5-4 loss. While a cold … Continue reading ‘There’s no crying in lacrosse’
NEWSLETTER | Dance this mess around
Another busy week. This seems to be a pattern. This week, we are busy planning for two upcoming events that are especially relevant to our mission of providing an “embedded-approach” to community journalism. On Thursday, we will host our third quarterly meeting of our Community Advisory Council (CAC). We put this group together last year … Continue reading NEWSLETTER | Dance this mess around
Can you hear me scream | the rise and fall of the Lincoln Mill clocktower
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor This is a piece that was first published in 2012 on my blog, All Along the Watchtower (Today known as Lessons in Mediocrity | Outlaw Journalist). This story has a very sad ending, but it provides a detailed account of what happened to the former Lincoln Mill clocktower that once … Continue reading Can you hear me scream | the rise and fall of the Lincoln Mill clocktower
Third graders take former mayor’s idea to heart
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor At the suggestion of former Biddeford Mayor Michael Cantara, current Mayor Liam LaFountain organized an early Arbor Day celebration on Wednesday at the J.R Martin Community Center, where some third-grade students helped plant a tree in the new playground area. According to event witnesses, the students from Ms. Lecler’s class … Continue reading Third graders take former mayor’s idea to heart
LETTER | Perennial candidate offers thoughts about social services funding
Bob Mills -- a former city councilor and York County treasurer who resigned both positions in April 2024, -- lost his 2025 bid to return to his Ward Four council seat and is now again running to recapture his county treasurer seat and is also running to represent Ward 4 on the city's Charter Review … Continue reading LETTER | Perennial candidate offers thoughts about social services funding
Walmart plans to upgrade, expand its Biddeford store
The company is also planning to upgrade two of its other locations in Maine and says the renovation will provide significant economic impact and provide numerous community benefits [ Contributed story via Walmart ] According to a corporate press release, Walmart plans to remodel three stores in Maine this year, including its Biddeford location on … Continue reading Walmart plans to upgrade, expand its Biddeford store
Housing authority dismisses its executive director
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Guy Gagnon – the longtime executive director of the Biddeford Housing Authority – has been placed on administrative leave and is no longer working for the non-profit agency, according to multiple sources. Amy Clearwater, chair of the BHA’s board of directors, confirmed that Gagnon was relieved of his duties earlier … Continue reading Housing authority dismisses its executive director
A Century | A Life Well-Lived | Still Going Strong
A Biddeford native is about to celebrate her 100th birthday and still lives on her own By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Priscilla Demers of Biddeford will soon celebrate her 100th birthday with her family. Ms. Demers is about to celebrate this landmark event the same way that she has lived her adult life with independence, … Continue reading A Century | A Life Well-Lived | Still Going Strong
Restored funds ease increase to proposed York County budget
The restoration of the $400,000 in state funding was good news at a time when expenses are increasing for everyone [ Contributed Story ] By TAMMY WELLS | York County Government media When York County Commissioners approved the proposed $31.64 million county operating budget for the next fiscal year April 8 and turned it over … Continue reading Restored funds ease increase to proposed York County budget
LETTER | Gazette story omitted context and key details
A University of New England spokesperson writes that an April 9 story -- regarding the school's real estate transactions and how it impacted public policy -- missed the mark and needs more context Editor: An April 9 Biddeford Gazette article [The city, the convent and the university: What happened?] suggested that the University of New England … Continue reading LETTER | Gazette story omitted context and key details
Biddeford Gazette announces three new advisory council members
John Gold, Kayla J. Lewis and Annika Sovetsky each bring a unique set of talents and perspectives to the Gazette's Community Advisory Council John Gold Kayla J. Lewis Annika Sovetsky ____________ By RANDY SEAVER | Editor The Biddeford Gazette is very pleased to announce that three more community members have joined our Community Advisory Council. … Continue reading Biddeford Gazette announces three new advisory council members
Council aims for ‘bare bones’ city budget
City Manager finds some significant savings while councilors consider deep cuts to social service funding requests; a public hearing will be held tonight By RANDY SEAVER | Editor At the start of the Biddeford City Council’s budget workshop meeting on Monday, City Manager Truc Dever walked members of the council through several pages of a … Continue reading Council aims for ‘bare bones’ city budget
NEWS | Local perspective on state budget
Democrats say the narrowly approved budget reflects Maine values and will help working-class families; Republicans say the spending package is irresponsible and not sustainable By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Maine lawmakers last week approved a supplemental budget of more than $500 million for the next fiscal year. Gov. Janet Mills signed the spending package -- … Continue reading NEWS | Local perspective on state budget
IN-DEPTH | The city, the convent and the university: What happened?
A weeks-long investigation by the Biddeford Gazette reveals a million-dollar real estate deal, a 25-year option on a large parcel of riverfront land and a lack of disclosure that has fueled negative public commentary By RANDY SEAVER | Editor As tensions between the city of Biddeford and the University of New England continue to boil, … Continue reading IN-DEPTH | The city, the convent and the university: What happened?
Westbrook Development Breaks Ground on Thatcher Brook Apartments in Biddeford
[Contributed Story] A new 40-unit affordable housing community at 37 Barra Road marks Westbrook Development's first project in Biddeford and the first phase of a broader housing partnership with the city Westbrook Development Corporation (WDC), in partnership with the city of Biddeford, is proud to announce the groundbreaking of Thatcher Brook Apartments, a new 40-unit … Continue reading Westbrook Development Breaks Ground on Thatcher Brook Apartments in Biddeford
Tensions increase between UNE and Biddeford
The city announced today that it will appeal the dismissal of a legal complaint filed in connection with the university's controversial research pier. UNE describes the move as "frivolous" and a waste of taxpayer money. By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Tensions between the city of Biddeford and the University of New England seem to be … Continue reading Tensions increase between UNE and Biddeford
Biddeford residents | ‘Please raise my taxes’
During Tuesday's public hearing about next year's municipal budget, a majority of those speaking supported increased spending and no cuts to social service programs By RANDY SEAVER | Editor More than 60 people – including many supporters of the McArthur Library -- packed the Biddeford City Council Chambers Tuesday to listen and speak at the … Continue reading Biddeford residents | ‘Please raise my taxes’
De La Torre Recipient of MPA Principal’s Award for Biddeford High School
The standout student receives high praise from her teacher and other community members By KAREN GARNETT | Biddeford School Department Biddeford High School (BHS) Senior Katarina De La Torre has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Principal’s Award. The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association (MPA), is given annually to a senior … Continue reading De La Torre Recipient of MPA Principal’s Award for Biddeford High School
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 