The acting director of Biddeford's McArthur Library talks about a never-ending evolution of services and some of the challenges facing downtown libraries Even to the casual observer, it becomes quickly evident that once you walk through the front door of Biddeford’s McArthur Library - - you are no longer in your father’s library. Gone are … Continue reading FEATURE: Not Your Father’s Library
Tag: Biddeford Gazette
No more trash containers at Rotary Park
The city of Biddeford is launching a “Carry-in, Carry-out” pilot program at Rotary Park for the 2025 season. When the new initiative begins this spring, Rotary Park will not have trash receptacles in any outdoor areas of the park and visitors are asked to bring home any of their trash, including pet waste, after spending … Continue reading No more trash containers at Rotary Park
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
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
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 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
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
Biddeford’s Housing Crisis: The experts speak
Editor's Note: This is the second installment of our three-part series regarding Biddeford's housing crisis. A panel of experts offered their perspectives and guidance regarding Biddeford’s housing crisis during a special city council workshop meeting earlier this week. For more than two hours, the nine panelists each offered their professional insights and took questions from … Continue reading Biddeford’s Housing Crisis: The experts speak
NEWSLETTER: From Me to You
Hard to believe it’s been two weeks since our last newsletter. A big thank you to all of you who have decided to join us on this journey by subscribing and/or following and liking us on Facebook. A quick review: Things at the Biddeford Gazette have been moving quickly and there are exciting changes on … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: From Me to You
Biddeford’s Housing Crisis: Part One
Editor's Note: This is the first installment of a three-part series that examines Biddeford's housing crisis. A large conference table takes up the center of Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman’s second-floor office at City Hall. On that table is a large aerial photo of the city’s downtown area, where several new housing projects are either under … Continue reading Biddeford’s Housing Crisis: Part One
Council discusses winter parking bans
With another winter storm looming on the horizon, members of the Biddeford City Council discussed the city’s policy regarding overnight parking bans. At the tail end of Tuesday’s council meeting, Councilor Neva Gross – who represents much of the city’s downtown area -- raised the issue to her fellow councilors, asking if there is more … Continue reading Council discusses winter parking bans
Biddeford’s arts community gets a big boost: Five Questions
(This is the first of hopefully many more 'Five Questions" interviews with a variety of people throughout the Biddeford Community) For nearly 14 years, Delilah Poupore has been at the helm of the Heart of Biddeford, a non-profit organization with a mission to “foster a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable downtown for residents, businesses and visitors.” … Continue reading Biddeford’s arts community gets a big boost: Five Questions
OPINION: Some notable changes in local media outlets
(Originally published on the Lessons In Mediocrity site) There’s no denying it. This is not your father’s news industry anymore. That’s good news, but it’s also very bad news. I’m writing this because there were three significant local changes in the news industry that happened in just the last two weeks. More about that in … Continue reading OPINION: Some notable changes in local media outlets
NEWSLETTER: Where are we going?
Wow! Just wow. When I started the Biddeford Gazette, I had no idea how well it would be received by the community. It’s a new year; we have a new president, and I now have a new project that will keep me occupied for the foreseeable future. Thus, welcome to my first newsletter! WHERE WE … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: Where are we going?
Biddeford struggles with communication
Despite spending a little more than $45,000 last year on upgrades and consulting services, the city of Biddeford is still wrestling to improve its external communication platforms. During almost every public meeting, the city struggles and stumbles as it attempts to allow people to remotely watch or participate in meetings at City Hall. As a … Continue reading Biddeford struggles with communication
Hello, Goodbye
Dear readers, Once again, I have some good news and some bad news. Let’s start with the good news. Roughly 24 hours ago, Laura told me it was time for me to get a bit more serious about the Biddeford Gazette, an online multi-media news source focused on the city of Biddeford. Instead of trying … Continue reading Hello, Goodbye
Richard Rhames | Dirt farmer pundit
Although he wears many hats, Richard Rhames of Biddeford could probably best be described with just three words: authentic, passionate and persistent. Rhames, 78, is a well-known commodity at City Hall. He is an outspoken member of the public, a former city councilor and a tireless member of the both the city’s Conservation Commission and Cable Television Committee.
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 