According to his Facebook campaign page, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman is “feeling frustrated” about being called out for not disclosing some relevant campaign donations made to his mayoral campaign nearly two years ago. Apparently, Marty still doesn’t get why I mentioned his failure to disclose those donations in my story about a large-scale development that … Continue reading OPINION: A missed opportunity for leadership
Tag: Biddeford Gazette
EXCLUSIVE: Belanger will run for mayor in Biddeford
Biddeford City Councilor Norman Belanger confirmed Friday that he will be running against Mayor Marty Grohman to become the city's next mayor. Belanger, 68, has served on the council since 2017, including two years as council president. When asked why he is running, Belanger said: "The city needs strong leadership, and I believe I am … Continue reading EXCLUSIVE: Belanger will run for mayor in Biddeford
Tempers flare at city council meeting
Mayor breaks several tied votes Although the Biddeford City Council recently approved the creation of more than 150 housing units, several people who watched the June 17 Biddeford City Council meeting said they were “stunned” by the raw emotion and frustration on display by councilors and others who attended the meeting. The rather tense, marathon … Continue reading Tempers flare at city council meeting
Bringing a bit of southeast Asia to Biddeford
Almost two years ago, Sima and Breese Reagle opened their sandwich store on Main Street in Biddeford with a simple mission: to bring the flavors of Cambodia to southern Maine. In just a short amount of time, the BiddoBanh shop has built a loyal fan and customer base. Breese and Sima Reagle help a customer … Continue reading Bringing a bit of southeast Asia to Biddeford
City manager files lawsuit against Biddeford
Despite receiving a blistering and somewhat embarrassing report last week about the city’s financial controls and procedures, Biddeford officials are remaining tight-lipped about the abrupt departure of former city manager James Bennett. In fact, Bennett has filed a civil complaint against the city in York County Superior Court. During a public review of the city’s … Continue reading City manager files lawsuit against Biddeford
Fecteau’s housing bill gets bipartisan approval
According to a press release, both the Maine House of Representatives and Senate voted unanimously last week to approve a housing bill that was introduced by Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford). The bill, LD 1829, is intended to make it easier to build new housing units by amending zoning requirements and providing clarity for municipalities, developers … Continue reading Fecteau’s housing bill gets bipartisan approval
Two Biddeford men convicted for drug trafficking
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, two Biddeford men were convicted for drug trafficking and other felony offenses. The two men were found guilty on June 17, of interfering with commerce by robbery; conspiring to traffic cocaine, cocaine base, and fentanyl; using a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking; … Continue reading Two Biddeford men convicted for drug trafficking
Biddeford Tigers will face Mt. Ararat Eagles for Class A state championship
In just a few hours, fourteen young men from Biddeford will create a memory that they will likely never forget. Tomorrow, the Biddeford High School Tigers (15-4) will face the Mount Ararat Eagles (17-3) in the Class A Maine State Championship baseball game. The game begins at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Joseph’s College in … Continue reading Biddeford Tigers will face Mt. Ararat Eagles for Class A state championship
Biddeford’s Juneteenth Celebration a success
By Emma Bouthillette, Contributing writer Maine still holds the title for the whitest state in the country, but as historian and retired journalist Bob Greene is quick to point out, Black history has deep roots in Maine. Greene was welcomed as the keynote speaker at Biddeford’s Juneteenth Celebration, hosted by the city’s Diversity, Equity and … Continue reading Biddeford’s Juneteenth Celebration a success
La Kermesse 2025: A lot of work to have a lot of fun
Today (Thursday, June 19) is the first day of the 42nd annual La Kermesse Festival. But the volunteers who make the annual festival possible have been working hard behind the scenes for the last 11 months in order to make this year’s celebration even more festive. Although the festival celebrates the region’s Franco-American culture and … Continue reading La Kermesse 2025: A lot of work to have a lot of fun
Planning board hits pause button on UNE pier
Following more than an hour of impassioned public testimony, the Biddeford Planning Board voted unanimously Wednesday to table further review of UNE’s controversial pier proposal until all board members can participate in a site walk. Although the Planning Board conducted a site walk at the university on June 9, board member Roch Angers was unable … Continue reading Planning board hits pause button on UNE pier
New manager explains her excitement about Biddeford
Truc Dever -- the woman hired to become Biddeford’s next city manager – told the Biddeford Gazette that she and her husband are excited about moving to Maine and have long referred to the state as their “forever home.” The Biddeford City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to hire Dever with a two -year contract that … Continue reading New manager explains her excitement about Biddeford
Downtown merchants struggle, remain hopeful
There has been almost endless talk on local social media sites about recent traffic congestion in Biddeford and Saco. The seven-month sewer upgrade project began in April and is expected to be completed in November. In the meantime, traffic sometimes becomes snarled near the cities' downtown core. That traffic and constant negative chatter on social … Continue reading Downtown merchants struggle, remain hopeful
Gen. LaFayette will return to Biddeford on June 24
In just a few days, General Marquis de LaFayette – a hero of the American Revolutionary War -- will be making his triumphant return to Biddeford. Well, sort of. Members of the Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center and the Biddeford Historical Society are now busy preparing for some festivities that will celebrate LaFayette’s last visit … Continue reading Gen. LaFayette will return to Biddeford on June 24
City manager will earn $200k per year
The Biddeford City Council is expected Tuesday to confirm the appointment of Truc Dever as city manager. Dever is being offered a two-year contract that can be renewed. She will be paid a base salary of $195,000 during her first year of employment and $200,00 during her second year. Dever’s contract also includes a monthly … Continue reading City manager will earn $200k per year
NEWSLETTER: A big week for the Biddeford Gazette
A lot can happen in just a few days, and that’s especially true when you’re in the news business. Over just the past few days, we added a new staff member to the Gazette team, got a huge compliment from one of Maine’s most respected journalists and stumbled across a significant story that is still … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: A big week for the Biddeford Gazette
NEWSLETTER: Things are looking good, real good
It’s been a while since my last newsletter, but I am feeling good about the Biddeford Gazette’s trajectory and its future. From time to time, I have to keep reminding myself that this publication is only four months old. We have come quite a way in just the last few weeks. We also have some … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: Things are looking good, real good
BMS Math Teams Undefeated
By KAREN GARNETT Biddeford Middle School’s (BMS) fifth and sixth-grade Math Meet teams earned first place at all four meets this season, finishing undefeated in the Southern Maine Elementary Math League. The seventh-grade team also delivered a strong performance in the Southern Maine Math League, consistently placing in the top half of competitors across four … Continue reading BMS Math Teams Undefeated
BIZ PROFILE | Nibblesford Cheese Shop
In addition to a wide selection of gourmet cheeses, Nibblesford also offers its customers a variety of wines, crackers, fresh bread and sandwiches, not to mention fresh cheese and charcuterie boards. “We try to keep our focus on local products and support local vendors whenever we can,” Kern said. “We offer locally what you would have to drive to Portsmouth or Portland to find.”
City touts ‘major success’ in addressing homelessness
(From city personnel and previous stories by the Biddeford Gazette) Biddeford city officials say that a new partnership between the city and the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center is delivering "real results" in addressing homelessness, with 43 individuals successfully housed since November through a "coordinated, compassionate approach." At the core of this success is what … Continue reading City touts ‘major success’ in addressing homelessness
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 