A small group — including some other legislators — gathered Sunday at Pizza By Alex in Biddeford to help State Sen. Henry Ingwersen (D-Arundel) launch his campaign for a third consecutive term in the Maine State Senate.
State Sen. Henry Ingwersen (right) shares a laugh with State Rep. Malon (D-Biddeford) during Ingwersen’s campaign kickoff party in Biddeford (Seaver photo)
Among those attending were State Sen. Jill Duson (R-Portland) and Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford). Biddeford City Councilor David Kurtz attended the event with him mother, and Richard Lambert, a former Biddeford City Councilor, said he was happy to be supporting Ingwersen.
“He’s been doing some good stuff in the Legislature,” Lambert said of Ingwersen.
Ingwersen chats with River Trudo (10) of Biddeford and her mother Rochelle Trudo (Seaver photo)
Kayla Lewis — an associate member of the Biddeford Planning Board — told the crowd that she is serving as Ingwersen’s “campaign captain” in Biddeford and drew rousing applause when she addressed the gathering.
“This meeting shows the collective power and the collective impact that happens when small groups gather,” Lewis told the crowd as she formally introduced Ingwersen.
Kayla Lewis (right) chats with a fellow supporter during Ingwersen’s campaign kickoff party (Seaver photo)
“It’s great to see so many friendly faces,” Ingwersen said.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE |A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism
This year’s District 32 State Senate race could become a crowded affair.
So far, three candidates have announced their intentions to seek the senate seat that represents Biddeford, Arundel, Dayton, Lyman and Hollis in the Maine Legislature.
The Gazette learned this week that there is a possibility more candidates may be coming forward in the near future for that seat.
The declared candidates now include incumbent Democrat Henry Ingwersen of Arundel; Republican newcomer John Salamone of Hollis; and Independent Jason Litalien, an unenrolled attorney from Biddeford.
IngwersenLitalienSalamone
We spoke recently with Ingwersen and Litalien, but Salamone was unavailable for an interview at press time, saying he would contact us in the near future.
Ingwersen, a retired public-school teacher and a beekeeper, is now serving his second consecutive term in the senate. He is senate chair of the Health and Human Services Committee and also serves on the on the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee.
He previously served one term in the Maine House of Representatives from 2018 to 2020, saying he got into politics because of his “frustration” with President Donald Trump, a brash and outspoken Republican.
Ingwersen, 75, says he hopes to win a third term in the senate in order to continue working on issues that matter to his constituents.
“I’m running to continue the work that I’ve always done to build a stronger, more affordable and caring Maine that brings our communities together,” Ingwersen said. “Now, in these impossible times, I feel more strongly than ever before that I am called to support affordable, accessible health care for all, fight for funding for affordable child care for Maine families, take on food insecurity by supporting universal free school meals, and much more.”
He said he enjoys listening to my constituents, and helping them when he is able. “It is what I do, and will keep doing.” Ingwersen said.
Litalien, 50, told the Gazette that he places a strong value on community service.
“Ever since I was a little boy, I have wanted to serve the public,” he said. “Right now, the political climate is so toxic, and that’s why I’m running as an independent candidate. We have to stop pointing fingers at each other and focus on meeting the needs of Maine people.”
Litalien, a veteran who served in the United States Air Force, made his name well-known in the city by running a very strong challenge against former Mayor Alan Casavant in 2019, losing that race by only 107 votes (2,234-2127).
Two years prior, Litalien ran against Casavant as a write-candidate and received only 78 votes.
In 2023, Litalien challenged and lost to former police chief Roger Beaupre for the Ward Three seat on the city council.
Litalien said his number one issue is public education.
“We need to take a serious look at why our students all across Maine are scoring below national averages,” he said.
But education is not Litalien’s only concern.
“It is an atrocity to see all the new taxes that our representatives are approving in Augusta,” Litalien said.
Litalien blames many of Maine’s problems on what he described as a fractured and dysfunctional two-party system.
“What matters to me is fixing the problem, not the color of your necktie,” he said. “Too many people are now blinded by party lines and party allegiance.”
Litalien said today’s publics school students are being taught what to think rather than how to think.
“We have some of the highest per-pupil costs in the country and some of the lowest student test scores,” he said. “That just doesn’t make sense to me.”
Both Ingwersen and Litalien are running as Clean Election candidates as opposed to traditionally funded campaigns.
“I don’t like owing anyone, and this way I am not beholden to anyone or any special interest,” Litalien said.
Ingwersen has previously described Maine’s Clean Elections program as “a valuable tool” that opens the doors to more candidates who might not otherwise be able to seek public office. “It levels the playing field,” he said.
Ingwersen said he is proud of his accomplishments over the last four years in the senate, pointing to his commitment to fully funding MaineCare and sponsoring a bill to create a network of regional resource hubs to connect child care providers, employers, and families.
He also pointed to a bill he sponsored that would continue the Child Care Employment Award to help pay the child care tuition of those employed as child care professionals.
“I opposed proposed budget cuts to child care worker wage supplements, child care tuition coverage, and Head Start funding, making sure that they were put back into the budget,” Ingwersen said.
When it comes to Maine’s economy, Ingwersen said he worked hard to maintain the state’s commitment to cities and towns by keeping revenue sharing at five percent and funding 55 percent of K-12 education.
“Prior to 2018, revenue sharing was at two percent, and state funding for education was at 49 percent. We increased both of these things over the years and have embedded them in the budget,” Ingwersen said.
There’s a lot more that needs to be done to help the people of Maine, Ingwersen said.
Litalien said the Legislature needs to be “more creative” in addressing problems, and stop creating new taxes such as a recent new tax levied on streaming services such as Netflix.
“When it comes to Augusta, it’s just taxes, taxes and more taxes,” Litalien said. “It has to stop. It’s not sustainable for hard-working Maine families.”
For more information about Ingwersen’s campaign, you may visit his website, Henry for Senate.
For more information about Litalien’s campaign, you may visit his website, Jason for Maine
For more information about Salamone’s campaign, you may visit his website, Salamone for Senate.
This story will be updated as the campaigns continue and new information becomes available.
Correction:Prior to 2018, the state share local K-12 public schools was at 49 percent, not 55 percent which is today’s rate. It was a clerical error, and the story has been updated. We apologize for the mistake
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ABOUT THE AUTHORRandy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE |A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism
Ryan Paige of Biddeford sits behind a desk in his Main Street office and carefully considers his words while talking about the upcoming “Black Balloon Day” event that will be held on Saturday, March 7.
Black Balloon Day is an annual event to remember people who have been lost to drug addiction and substance use disorder – and to raise awareness and offer hope to those who may be struggling, their families and other members of the community.
This will be the sixth year that the event has been held in Maine, and this year the event will take place for the first time in Biddeford, at the New Life Church on the Alfred Road.
Paige, 44, is the co-founder of the Access Direct Recovery Network, a statewide non-profit organization that provides “direction and connection to individuals suffering with substance use disorder through fast access into a network of treatment facilities and recovery resources” throughout Maine.
Ryan Paige of Biddeford runs the Access Direct Recovery Network and is excited that this year’s Black Balloon event will be held in the same community where he grew up, struggled and began his recovery journey (Seaver photo)
Paige is a recovering drug addict who is now on a mission to provide support, service and resources to other people, regardless of where they are on their own recovery journey. He and his wife, Cynthia, launched Access Direct six years ago.
The first Black Balloon event held in Maine took place on the Eastern Promenade in Portland six years ago. It was organized by Paige and his friend, Randy Beard – a fellow recovering addict.
“It was a really small event,” Paige recalled. “We had maybe 50 people show up and we had one table set up with information about resources, and it was freezing cold.”
Over the years, the event continually grew.
“In true addict fashion, we decided to try it again,” Paige laughed. “It’s always been a grassroots type thing, but by year two we had between 150 and 200 people.”
Last year, the event was held in Bangor and more than 500 people attended to hear musical performances and share the memories of those who have been lost to addiction.
This is the first year that the Black Balloon event will be held in Biddeford.
“Having it in Biddeford this year means a lot to me,” Paige said. “This where I live. This is where I struggled. I have a strong personal connection to Biddeford.”
Paige says the Black Balloon event is designed to allow people to grieve and share the memories of those who have been lost to addiction. But is also an opportunity for community members, families and others to learn more about available treatment resources.
“We’re constantly working to get rid of the stigma that surrounds so many of these battles,” Paige said. “This event gives people information about resources and a chance to see the power of recovery.”
This year’s event will feature a variety of food trucks and musical performances by artists in recovery from all over the country, including Skyler Ray from Seattle; Colicchie from Pittsburg; Jordan Meyer from Florida and others.
Several community awards – named after people lost to addiction – will be presented to individuals and resource providers.
But there will only be a minimum number of actual black balloons at the indoor Black Balloon event. No balloons will be released.
“During our first year, we heard some concerns from people about the negative impacts that balloons have on the environment and wildlife,” Paige explained. “We want to be good neighbors.”
The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 11 a.m. Performances begins at noon.
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE |A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism
Biddeford City Councilor Marc Lessard confirmed Friday that he is considering a challenge against incumbent State Rep. Marc Malon to represent District 133 in the Maine House of Representatives.
District 133 includes the central and western area of the city. The upcoming election will be held in November.
If he does decide to run, Lessard says he will run as an unenrolled candidate.
“Honestly, I don’t feel that comfortable with any political party,” Lessard said during an exclusive interview with the Gazette. “Many people tell me they are tired of partisan politics.”
Biddeford City Councilor Marc Lessard (City Photo)
Lessard, 62, is a well-known fiscal conservative on the council and said there are several issues prompting him to consider running for state office.
“There are so many things that need our attention in Augusta,” he said. “Our public schools are underperforming; our utility costs are skyrocketing, and too many families are having a hard time just paying their basic bills. To me, this is unacceptable.”
In addition to serving as an at-large representative on the city council, Lessard also serves on the York County Budget Committee.
“I have a full-time job, grandchildren and responsibilities as a city councilor,” Lessard said, noting that is he planning to retire at the end of this year.
Lessard has served on the city council — off and on — for more than 30 years. He is historically one of the city’s biggest vote-getters in municipal elections
Lessard is planning to begin conversations with people who might be interested in supporting his campaign if he ultimately decides to toss his hat into the ring.
“There are a lot of things to consider,” he said. “Should I run as a Clean Elections candidate or as a traditionally funded candidate? I haven’t yet figured out all the details.”
According to state law, Clean Election candidates for the Maine House of Representatives must raise $300 in 60 individual $5 donations in order to qualify for the program.
Malon, a Democrat, is hoping to secure a third term in District 133.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly 30 years. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE | A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism
Revising a concept that received mixed results from the public two years ago, Biddeford city councilors who specifically represent one of the city’s seven voting wards plan to host small, personal ward meetings to get resident feedback regarding various city issues.
See below for details regarding dates and locations about the upcoming meetings.
According to a press release distributed by the city, councilors are hoping to hear from residents about their concerns, most notably how they think a recently approved $6 million recreation bond should be spent.
The meetings are scheduled to take place over the next several weeks.
Organizers say the meetings are designed to provide residents with an opportunity for open dialogue and direct engagement with their elected officials.
Pat BostonRoger BeaupreDylan DoughtyDavid KurtzJake PiersonBrad Cote
Staff representatives from the city’s recreation department will also attend the meetings to hear input and questions about the city’s various recreational facilities.
Organizers say input from the community will help inform upcoming decisions about recreation investments and neighborhood priorities.
Schedule of Ward Meetings:
(All meetings will be held from 6 – 8 p.m.)
WARD ONE: (Councilor Patricia Boston) March 18, Biddeford Pool Fire Department
WARDS THREE & FOUR: (Councilors Roger Beaupre and Dylan Doughty: February 26, J. Richard Martin Community Center, Alfred Street.
WARD FIVE (Councilor David Kurtz) February 24, City Hall Council Chambers
WARD SIX (Councilor Jake Pierson) March 2, Club House at Rotary Park (Former Teen Center)
WARD SEVEN (Councilor Brad Cote) March 4, Biddeford Ice Arena
Note: The Ward Two meeting with Councilor Abigail Woods will take place in late March; meeting details will be confirmed at a future date.
A few Biddeford firefighters recently found themselves fighting a small fire on the second floor of the city’s Central Station on Alfred Street.
According to Fire Chief Lawrence Best, the small fire happened in the second-floor kitchen during the early morning hours of Saturday, Feb. 7 at approximately 3:15 a.m.
No one was injured in the incident, but Best said there was extensive smoke damage as the result of the fire.
Best said he is working with the city’s insurance company and estimates that the damage could total several thousand dollars because of smoke damage to ceiling tiles and the building’s HVAC system.
The fire broke out as the result of spontaneous combustion that occurred within a stainless-steel container of dish towels and cleaning rags, Best said.
“It’s actually not that uncommon,” Best explained. “Those towels — over time –soak up lots of oils and cleaning solvents. Thankfully, they were in a stainless-steel container. Otherwise, things might have been worse.”
Best said his employees regularly wash all kitchen towels in the department’s washing machine, which Best described as a “residential-type” appliance. Those types of units generally do not exceed 130 degrees of hot water. In order to effectively remain oils and solvents that build up over time, you need water that ranges between 160 and 170 degrees, Best said.
Because the incident happened in a fire station, Best said that the State Fire Marshall’s Office was notified and conducted its own independent investigation of the incident.
Best said such incidents also require review by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).
“It’s an inconvenience, but we’re really lucky that the damage was contained and that no one was injured,” Best said.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
Wayne Roberts, 54, of Biddeford, was arrested by the Biddeford Police Department after officers were called to a Hill Street residence on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
According to a press release, the Biddeford Regional Communications Center received a phone call reporting that there was a physical altercation going on inside a residence on Hill Street with screaming heard.
The individual involved was identified as Wayne Roberts, 54, of Biddeford. The other involved individual was a protected party in a set of bail conditions belonging to Roberts from a previous domestic violence arrest.
Roberts would not answer the door when officers arrived. With quick thinking by the officers on scene, a Biddeford Police officer was able to obtain a search warrant for the residence. With safety and efficiency, officers executed the search warrant and located Roberts in direct violation of his bail conditions.
Roberts refused to submit to arrest or detention. The victim was located unharmed.
Roberts was charged with Refusing to Submit to Arrest or Detention, Physical Force (Class D) and Violating Conditions of Release (Class E)
Due to the underlying charges of Roberts’ conditions of release, a bail commissioner deemed bail was not an option. Roberts was brought to the York County Jail.
The former Biddeford city councilor said she is excited about the prospect of returning to public service
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor
Doris Ortiz had to give up her at-large seat on the Biddeford City Council last year when she and her partner decided to buy a home in the adjacent town of Arundel.
During an interview with the Gazette this week, Ortiz said she missed being able to help her neighbors as a local government representative.
Today, Ortiz is hoping that she can once again have a meaningful impact on her community and another chance to help her neighbors.
Ortiz, 58, has formally announced that she is seeking the District Two seat on the York County Commissioners board. That seat is currently held by Richard Dutremble of Biddeford, who is now serving as the commission’s chair.
Former Biddeford City Councilor Doris Ortiz says there are a lot of similarities between serving as a city councilor and as a county commissioner (Contributed photo)
In January, Dutremble announced that he would not seek reelection after 20 years of service on the commission.
District Two includes the communities of Arundel, Biddeford, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.
Ortiz says there are a lot of similarities between serving as a city councilor and as a county commissioner. Both organizations address many of the same issues, from regional housing needs to infrastructure updates and improvements.
“I found serving on the city council to be very fulfilling,” Ortiz said. “It was a tremendous experience, and I learned a lot during my almost six years of being a city councilor.”
One of the things Ortiz learned was that county government has a big impact on the city of Biddeford.
“Whether you’re talking about the city’s share of the county’s budget or about shared resources, including emergency services and other things, what happens at the county level makes a big impact on the city of Biddeford and other communities.”
Because Biddeford is the largest municipality in York County, Ortiz says the city shoulders a lot of the burden for people who live just beyond the city’s borders.
“Biddeford is a service center community in York County,” Ortiz said. “As a result, the city gets a lot of traffic and growing demands for a variety of services.”
Those services include a regional hospital and state services, including the county’s combined district courthouse, the Department of Health and Human Services and a plethora of popular retail outlets.
The county, meanwhile, offers municipalities several services and facilities, including operations of the jail, a full-time sheriff’s department and support services for both emergency housing options and a regional food pantry.
Ortiz said she was intrigued by some of the things she has seen the county take on over the past few years.
“The new First Responders Training Center got me really excited,” Ortiz said. “It’s an excellent opportunity for collaboration between the city and the county, and will help municipalities as they struggle to find, hire and train emergency first responders.”
But Ortiz says the biggest reason she’s running again is because it could be another opportunity to give back to her community.
“It’s really a central part of who I am and what drives me,” Ortiz said. “I know it may sound weird, but I actually enjoy digging into public policy and finding innovative ways to help people around me.”
Ortiz is employed by Bernstein Shur, a Portland-based law firm, where she has worked as a client service specialist for nearly 13 years.
Ortiz was first elected to the Biddeford City Council in 2019 and was then twice reelected for successive terms as one of the city’s two at-large representatives.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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.
Junior Brynn Wilkinson earned a Silver Key Award for her “Drawn by Light”, an 8-by-10 acrylic still-life painting, and Sophomore Shayleigh Kennedy earned an Honorable Mention for her “Chromatic Shades of Me”, an 18-by-24 portrait.
The program honors the creativity of teens at both the regional and national levels through awards, exhibitions, publications, and scholarship opportunities.
Biddeford High School Junior Brynn Wilkinson’s artwork, “Drawn by Light,” has been recognized with the Scholastic Art and Writing Silver Key Award for her acrylic still-life painting.
Open to students in grades 7–12, the competition invites submissions across 29 categories in art and writing. All entries are reviewed through a blind judging process by leading professionals in the visual and literary arts, ensuring that work is evaluated solely on its merit. Evaluators look for pieces that demonstrate originality, technical skill, and a developing personal voice or artistic vision.
“I’m incredibly proud of these students—not just for the quality of their work, but for the courage it takes to share their creativity beyond the classroom,” said Elizabeth Ames, Biddeford High School Art Teacher. “Year after year, students from the Biddeford art program earn recognition through this program, reflecting the depth of talent, dedication, and creative risk-taking across our classes.
Biddeford High School Sophomore Shayleigh Kennedy’s artwork, “Chromatic Shades of Me,” has been recognized with the Scholastic Art and Writing Honorable Mention Award for her portrait.
“Their pieces demonstrate strong technical skills and emerging artistic voices, and it’s been a joy to support them through the process. Attending the exhibit at Maine College of Art & Design later this month is a meaningful way to celebrate their achievements and show them that their work truly belongs in the broader artistic community.”
Both Wilkinson and Kennedy will be honored at an awards ceremony on March 14, 2026, and their award-winning artwork, along with other Maine student artwork, will be on display at the Maine College of Art & Design in Portland from 9:a.m. to 5 p.m. between February 20, 2026, and March 14, 2026.
Biddeford High School encourages the arts through an extensive Fine Arts curriculum, which includes Foundations of Art, Drawing and Color, Painting, Advanced Studio Art, Ceramics, Music (Theory, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir), Band (Symphonic, Concert, Jazz, Percussion, Guitar), Theater (Dance, Choreography), and Video Production.
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Karen Garnett is Director of Communications for Biddeford, Saco and Dayton schools.
The moratorium on the sale of St Joseph’s convent by the city council took me by surprise.
It is not just that the city council appears so unwelcoming to the university, but it is their callous disregard for the plight of the nuns who so crucially need the income for their continued maintenance. Council unanimously halts UNE development
Have the members of the city council forgotten that these nuns spent their lifetimes giving the children of the city an exceptional education, permitted many of them to go on to graduate and postgraduate educations and professional lives? How many on the city council had their parents, themselves, or their children taught by the nuns?
The University of New England has expressed interest in purchasing the former St. Joseph’s Convent on Pool Road in Biddeford to be used for additional student housing (File Photo)
Do the city council members not realize that the plight of the nuns results from the fact that they worked without salary and do not receive social security benefits as the rest of the community which they taught?
You would think that there would be an outpouring of gratitude for the immense benefit to the community provided by these sisters. Instead total ingratitude and disregard.
I cannot believe the citizens of Biddeford who I grew up with would support this callousness. It leads me to wonder how representative of the community the city council is.
A second issue: Most communities welcome a university campus in their city. The professional management, teaching, and research staff enhance the economic, social, and cultural fabric of the community, not to mention the educational benefits available locally. Many people looking for a community to relocate will consider a local university as a major benefit.
I also find it surprising that someone would bring up the value of the land the school sits on. You can be land rich and finances poor.
I myself had to go out of state to medical school because Maine was one of the few states with no in-state medical school at that time. I’m also convinced that my education at St Joseph’s Gramnar and High School were a major factor ability in my admission to that most competitive of professions. I also know how to be grateful.
This brings up another question. Who are these people whose complaints have such an outsized influence on the council?
Are they on the council themselves? What is their relationship to the council members? Who is the council representing? Certainly not the community, and certainly not its most deserving and vulnerable members, women in their 80s and 90s who taught generations of children without pay.
The ingratitude shown by the city council cannot possibly represent the sentiments of the community and the entire process should be investigated and reviewed.
Shirley Roy, Biddeford
Editor’s Note:The city’s six-month moratorium on development at UNE’s Biddeford campus, does NOTHING to prevent the university from moving forward with its planned purchase of the St. Joseph’s Convent.The moratorium also does not apply to St. Joseph’s Convent, which is located nearly two miles west of UNE’s Biddeford campus.
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The Biddeford Gazette encourages robust community conversations and welcomes letters to the editor and guest columns submitted by our readers. For more information about submitting a letter or column, please click this link. CONNECT WITH US
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Wow! What a busy week it’s been.
In a few moments, I’ll be headed out the door and on my way to this year’s WinterFest activities in downtown Biddeford.
WinterFest is so much than just a giant man-made sledding hill on Adams Street. It is now three-days of various activities and fun for people of all ages. Over the last 14 years, WinterFest has grown and become one of Biddeford’s most notable community events.
But none of it would be possible without dozens of volunteers and community sponsors. Go here: to learn more about this year’s WinterFest celebration.
Good times return to Biddeford for annual WinterFest celebration. File photo: Devin Wright
A peek behind the scenes at the Gazette
Speaking of celebrations, Laura and I — and some of our closest friends and supporters –celebrated a few milestones achieved this week by the Biddeford Gazette.
It’s mostly some little, housekeeping things — but they all reinforce the idea that the Gazette has grown from just a simple concept to a full-fledged media outlet.
This week, we received our registration papers as a non-profit media company and secured a PO Box for the Gazette. We also opened a business bank account at PeoplesChoice Credit Union. Things are getting real!
We also updated our website with a few new static pages, most notably a section that details our Standards and Policies and a page that describes our history, but there is another new page that leaves me almost speechless and close to tears each time I look at it.
Support from the community
If you get a chance, please check out our READER FEEDBACK page. We have archived some of the comments we have received from the community over the last few months.
If you want to know why I do this, what motivates me and keeps me going — check out some of the feedback we have received from our readers. From my perspective, these comments are more valuable than gold. Thank you so much!
If we pick your suggestion, you will score a $20 gift certificate to Reilly’s Bakery on Main Street. Talk about motivation.
What’s ahead?
It’s election time again, and the Biddeford Gazette will soon begin our coverage of local legislative and York County races with the comprehensive approach that our readers have come to expect.
We also plan to do a deeper dive on several issues now brewing just beneath the surface in Biddeford. Stay tuned! We have some good stuff in the pipeline!
The Biddeford City Council discusses a controversial downtown parking plan that has been discontinued.
From the “Very Good News” department: we posted an update this week, letting people know that the IRS has opted to waive more than $700,000 in penalties and fees dues to some missing health insurance forms on the city’s 2021 tax return.
The Gazette first broke that story last year, and it’s nice to see that it was resolved with a positive outcome.
Okay, now it’s off to WinterFest! We’ll be posting some photos of this year’s celebration later today.
Be safe! Stay Warm! Have fun and . . . Go, Patriots!
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
You may view and learn more about our editorial standards and policies here:
The Biddeford City Council received an update Tuesday regarding how the city’s local allocation of Opioid Settlement funds has been used over the last year.
The funds come from several class action lawsuits that were filed against opioid manufacturers and distributors roughly 10 years ago.
Jake Hammer, Biddeford’s General Assistance supervisor, gave the Biddeford City Council a presentation Tuesday about how the city is using its portion of the Opioid Settlement Funds.
The defendants – including Johnson & Johnson, Walmart, Walgreens and CVS –reached a $56 billion settlement with those states, counties and municipalities that filed suit against them. The funds can only be used to provide for treatment and other services directly linked to opioid use.
Opioids — more commonly known as “painkillers” — are often prescribed to treat severe pain. They can be highly addictive and addiction causes consequences for communities in terms of crime, economic instability and fractured interpersonal relationships.
Examples of opioids include Oxycontin, Fentanyl and Demerol.
According to reporting by Emily Bader from The Maine Monitor, Maine communities and counties have received roughly $20.3 million from the $66.4 million they’re set to receive by 2038.
The money, Bader reports, “has been used for a wide range of initiatives, from grants to community organizations providing recovery services to scholarships for residential treatment beds.”
Biddeford’s General Assistance Supervisor — Jake Hammer – provided the council with an annual overview of how the city has been handing its portion of the funds allocated to Maine communities.
According to Hammer, the funds began flowing in 2022 and are scheduled to continue through 2038.
Hammer told the council that at least 70 to 85 percent of the funds must be used for future opioid remediation, including treatment, harm reduction, prevention, and recovery services.
In September 2024, the city council adopted an ordinance to track and report how the city’s share of Opioid Settlement Fund (OSF) is being used.
A little more than a year ago, the city council approved an OSF Strategic Action Plan, Hammer said. That plan includes Strategic Goals and measurement criteria, which are required by the Maine Attorney General’s office, as spelled out by state law.
Hammer told the council that the city now has six recovery residences — total of 95 beds –available for those struggling with opioid addiction. Roughly 83 percent of the city’s allocation last year was used to support those residential facilities.
The city received roughly $378,039 during the last calendar year as its annual allocation of funds.
Hammer also supplied the council with some demographic information about the 58 people who have requested addiction treatment during the past year.
The bulk of those requesting or applying for services were white men (44), Hammer said. 18 individuals identified as having a physical or mental disability; and 14 applicants were employed when seeking services.
Councilor Dylan Doughty asked if the city could use some of its allocation for further public outreach about treatment options in the city.
“That is absolutely something we can do,” Hammer responded.
The Biddeford City Council finally got the chance Tuesday to discuss a controversial parking plan that has raised questions and eyebrows about city spending procedures.
One councilor described the project as a significant breach of city procedures, but another councilor described the $20,000 project as “small potatoes,” when compared to other issues facing the city.
The Biddeford City Council took up several issues Tuesday night, including discussion about a controversial parking program that was launched last year (Seaver photo)
The temporary parking plan is no longer in place. It was designed to help struggling downtown businesses by providing them and their employees free parking during a major sewer construction project last year in the downtown area.
The city spent roughly $20,000 over a five-month period to fund the program. It was designed to be “net neutral,” transferring money from an account the city uses for subsidizing bi-annual payments to the company that operates the Pearl Street parking garage.
Councilor Brad Cote blasted the program and the city’s former mayor, saying he was outraged about how it was funded and implemented.
“This was done without the approval or knowledge of the Finance Committee or the city council,” Cote said. “This was a one-man show, and it was shooting from the hip. I think it’s awful and insulting to taxpayers.”
In December, Mayor Liam LaFountain – the former council president and chair of the finance committee — said he was flabbergasted when he first learned about the program months after it had been launched.
LaFountain then asked City Attorney Harry Center to investigate the issue. In his Jan. 3 memo to the mayor and city council, Center raised concerns about the program’s “process.”
But Councilor Jake Pierson said the issue is relatively benign.
“I think we’re making a mountain out of a molehill here,” Pierson said. “I guess I don’t understand the outrage. I see this as a waste of our energy and city resources.
“When we look at all the other issues facing the city, I see this as small potatoes,” Pierson added.
Councilor Marc Lessard – an outspoken critic of former mayor Marty Grohman – said his concerns were rooted in the process used behind the program’s funding.
“It was incorrectly done,” Lessard said, pointing out that the former mayor “lobbied hard” last year for a 35 percent increase to the Heart of Biddeford’s annual funding request.
The Heart of Biddeford – a non-profit downtown booster organization – coordinated the parking program, providing outreach and information to downtown businesses.
“This is yet just another example of mismanagement,” Lessard said. “It was swept under the rug, and it should have never happened.”
In order to reconcile the city’s accounting ledgers and prepare for future financial audits, the council voted 7-1 (Cote) to retroactively approve the project and redirect the expenditures from a different account in the city’s budget.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
Firefighters from several communities are now on scene at the former Sleepy Hollow Motel on Elm Street in Biddeford. A structure fire was reported shortly before 9 a.m. Tuesday.
One firefighter was removed from the scene by an ambulance from the Goodwins Mills fire department. It is unclear why the firefighter was taken from the scene.
Elm Street traffic near the Hannaford grocery store is closed to traffic in both directions.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved Biddeford Gazette, Inc.
City officials in Biddeford are breathing a sigh of relief today after learning that the IRS will be waiving more than $500,000 in fees and penalties that were levied against the city two years ago.
Furthermore, City Manager Truc Dever says the IRS will also refund roughly $200,000 that the city already paid in penalties that resulted from the city’s failure to file employee health insurance forms with the IRS in 2021.
The Biddeford Gazette first published information about the IRS penalties in March 2025,
“This is really great news,” Dever told the Gazette earlier today.
According to Dever, much of the credit for getting the fines removed were the result “of some very hard work” by staffers in U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’s regional office in Biddeford.
“Both Pam Buck and Andrea Sarris in Senator Collins office worked closely with the city of several months to help us resolve this issue,” Dever said.
Assessor leaving
The Gazette also learned today that City Assessor Deanne Vail has accepted a new job in the town of Scarborough.
Vail will remain at her current job in Biddeford until Feb. 26, according to the city manager
These reports will be updated as new information becomes available,
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved — Biddeford Gazette, Inc.
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Students from Biddeford and Saco schools showcased their spelling skills last month during their respective school Spelling Bees, earning top honors and advancing to the York County Spelling Bee on February 9, 2026, at Saco Middle School. Due to limited space, the event is not open to the public.
Biddeford Middle School’s Spelling Bee Champion Ronan Lunianski and Runner-up Jordan Souliere. will be heading to the York County Spelling Bee (Contributed photo)
At CK Burns School, fifth-grade students Sage Daicy claimed the championship by correctly spelling gleaned, while Peter Galasyn earned the runner-up position and Calie Thayer placed third. At Saco Middle School, sixth-grader Toran King-Riggs secured the championship in round ten by correctly spelling Frankenstein, while sixth-grader Marko Marjanovic earned runner-up, and eighth-grader Layla Goodrich placed third. At Biddeford Middle School, seventh-grader Ronan Lunianski was named School Champion by correctly spelling equestrian, with sixth-grader Jordan Souliere earning the runner-up position.
The York County Spelling Bee brings together top spellers from schools across the region for a rigorous, multi-round competition that challenges students’ vocabulary, composure, and perseverance. Participants advance by correctly spelling increasingly complex words, with judges and an official pronouncer guiding each round. The event celebrates academic achievement while encouraging confidence, focus, and a love of language.
“In past years, I’ve had the chance to watch students compete, and what stands out most is their courage,” said Jeremy Ray, Superintendent of Biddeford and Saco Schools. “Standing up in front of your peers, trusting your instincts, and pushing through pressure takes real grit. Whether they placed first or simply took the microphone and gave it their best, every one of these students made their school communities proud, and we wish them the best of luck at the York County Spelling Bee.”
The Biddeford and Saco School Departments congratulate all Spelling Bee participants for their preparation, perseverance, and outstanding sportsmanship, and wish their advancing students the best of luck at the York County Spelling Bee.
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Karen Garnett is Director of Communications for Biddeford, Saco and Dayton schools.
According to blogger Mat Zucker, it is becoming more and more important for news outlets to have a pithy, clever tagline that differentiates them from an overflowing pot of news sources and media sites.
“The motto of a news organization is more than just marketing,” Zucker writes. “It’s a declaration of journalistic purpose. These short phrases encapsulate an outlet’s mission, values, and unique approach to reporting.”
Help the Gazette create a tagline, get a gift certificate to Reilly’s Bakery File photo
As the Biddeford Gazette begins its second year, I’m asking our readers for suggestions and ideas about a possible tagline for our humble, hyper-local organization.
To get your creative juices flowing, here are a couple of ideas that have been rattling around in my mind.
We could co-opt the New York Times famous tagline: “All the news that’s fit to print,” how about this?
The Biddeford Gazette — All the Biddeford news that’s fit to publish on the internet.
Or maybe we could bend this oft-mentioned piece of writing advice:
Biddeford Gazette — An economy of words; a wealth of Biddeford information
One of my favorite potential taglines came to me last year while talking with former mayor Marty Grohman:
The Biddeford Gazette — We’re free, and we’re worth it!
Of course, we could always take the serious and boring route:
The Biddeford Gazette — Your trusted source for Biddeford news and information;
According to the experts, your tagline should really describe your brand and reputation. So, how about:
The Biddeford Gazette — There’s no such thing as a day off in our newsroom?
But my all-time favorite has to be this one from a former colleague who wished to remain anonymous:
The Biddeford Gazette — Where cranky, old-school journalists go to die in southern Maine.
That story was one of the most popular pieces we have published. Dozens of people emailed me their own recollections and the stories that were passed down from generation to generation.
At first blush, I considered Malon’s proposal to be yet another example of government overreach into private affairs, but he convinced me otherwise.
In closing, a funny story about the power and benefit of local news, the flexibility of the internet and accessible reporters. Malon really liked the story, but he was a bit uncomfortable with our original headline: “Online gambling addiction troubles Biddeford lawmaker.”
When Malon texted me to ask if we could change the headline, I was more than happy to oblige. Some people were inferring that Malon was having personal problems with a gambling addiction.
One of my old editors – Harry Foote – was likely rolling in his grave. I had forgotten the most basic fundamentals of headline writing: Short, clear in subject-verb-object order.
And that’s a wrap! Stay warm and be safe!
P.S. Oh, yeah. . . . almost forgot to mention: The Biddeford Gazette is now a registered and incorporated as a non-profit entity in the state of Maine!
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved, Biddeford Gazette, Inc.
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Disney’s Moana JR. is playing at Biddeford Middle School’s Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, and Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. each evening.
The 60-minute musical, adapted from the book by Susan Soon He Stanton and the 2016 Disney animated film, brings the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage. The Biddeford Middle School Drama Club’s cast includes 85 students led by Coleen Hatt and Rob Petit.
“Much like Moana’s journey, this production is about courage, curiosity, and discovering your own voice. Our students have taken creative risks, supported one another, and grown tremendously throughout this process,” said BMS Drama Teacher Coleen Hatt. “Performing for a live audience brings that journey full circle, and we hope our community will join us in celebrating their hard work, growth, and the joy of storytelling on stage.”
Moana JR. tells the story of Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.
Moana JR. features all the beloved songs from the film, written by Tony®, GRAMMY, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, including “How Far I’ll Go,” “Shiny,” and “You’re Welcome,” with orchestration adapted and arranged by Ian Weinberger.
Both shows are open to the public with donations accepted at the door. Seating is general admission, and doors will open at 6: p.m. The Facebook event can be found at https://bit.ly/4k5LAvQ.
Disney’s Moana JR. is presented through a special arrangement with, and all authorized performance materials are provided by, Music Theatre International (www.mtishows.com).
For more information about licensing Moana JR. or other Disney shows, please visit www.DisneyMusicals.com.
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Karen Garnett is Director of Communications for Biddeford, Saco and Dayton schools.
According to a press release, the city of Biddeford is inviting residents to share their feedback on recreation needs and priorities in Biddeford through a short public survey. The survey is designed to inform future decision-making on the use of the $6 million General Obligation Bond approved by voters in November 2025 to fund improvements to the city’s recreation facilities.
Residents are encouraged to participate and help shape the future of recreation in the community.
Community engagement on the recreation bond will continue throughout the spring, including planned ward meetings, a public hearing, and interactive outreach at upcoming community events. These efforts are intended to ensure residents have multiple opportunities to participate in the decision-making process.
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The University of New England (UNE) and the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) are both asking the York County Superior Court to dismiss a civil complaint that was filed against them by the city of Biddeford.
The requests for dismissal were each filed earlier this month after the city formally brought its complaint to the court in December.
The city’s complaint — according to City Attorney Harry Center – was triggered by new information that came to light in an Oct. 14, 2025 story published by the Biddeford Gazette: UNE Pier approval tainted by glaring SRCC mistake.
The Superior Court has yet to hear oral arguments in Biddeford’s complaint about the University of New England and the Saco River Corridor Commission.
At the center of its complaint, the city argues that the SRCC neglected to consider its earlier ruling in 2001, which created a 250-foot no-development buffer zone between UNE’s campus and the Saco River.
Despite that 2001 ruling, the SRCC approved UNE’s request to construct a large-scale pier on the Saco River in August 2024. That pier will require construction of a paved access road through the buffer zone.
In October, SRCC Executive Director Cherie Dunning described the situation as a mistake that could not be remedied retroactively because the time frame for an appeal of the agency’s decision has expired.
“It does appear that there was an omission of relevant information provided to the commissioners before last year’s vote,” Dunning told the Gazette in October.
Only weeks after the city’s biennial election, Biddeford’s new mayor and city councilors decided that the issue warranted further review and consideration.
Center told the Gazette this week that the court has yet to hear any arguments. He also said that he – on behalf of the city – has filed a request to have the court hear oral arguments.
In their motion to dismiss, the university listed several reasons why the city’s complaint should be dismissed by the court, arguing that the “court lacks jurisdiction to consider the untimely complaint and that the city failed to exhaust any administrative remedies.”
Furthermore, UNE claims that the Saco River Corridor Commission did not fail to do its due diligence in reviewing the university’s application.
The university also says the city does not have standing to bring the complaint.
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 