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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The city of Biddeford is now facing roughly $500,000 in penalties and fines from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
According to City Manager Truc Dever, the issue traces back to 2021 when the city failed to submit specific forms detailing employee health insurance.
“Initially, the fines and penalties were approximately $700,000,” Dever told the city council during last week’s meeting.
Dever said the city already paid the IRS roughly $200,000 in fines. She also said that the city is working closely with staffers in U.S. Senator Susan Collins’ office to help rectify the issue.
Dever told the council that she is expecting an answer from the IRS sometime before March.
The issue first came to light in 2024, and several councilors asked whether the issue was isolated to just the 2021 incident.
Dever said the fines are incurring compounded interest payments.
Councilor Dylan Doughty asked whether the city could renegotiate the penalty payments and whether they could be spread over a period of time.
“If the IRS determines that there was no harm, no foul – will we get the $200,000 back?” Doughty asked.
Dever said she was not sure how the IRS will proceed.
City Attorney Harry Center told councilors that the IRS determined the city’s penalties by calculating the number of its employees. The city has roughly 700 employees, he said.
Mayor Liam LaFountain asked Dever if the city could be facing other penalties for different tax years and whether processes have been put in place to prevent the situation from happening again sometime in the future.
Dever told the mayor that the issue was contained to the 2021 filing and that the city is monitoring and updating all of its tax and federal filing obligations.
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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
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Just as I was getting used to the lull of the holidays and a slower news pace during the early days of January, the local news cycle basically exploded and caught me a bit off guard.
For the first time I can remember, I have seven stories in development and stacked up for publication. I like it this way.
Keeping busy keeps me out of trouble; well, sort of.
Some cool stuff is happening on the sidelines.
Even polar bears think it’s too cold outside Photo: Wikipedia commons
Our sister city and an introduction to journalism
I more or less stumbled onto an opportunity to interview the mayor of Bideford, our sister city in England.
According to some of the town’s residents, Bideford and Biddeford seem to have many things in common. Bideford was once England’s third largest port and its history is steeped in manufacturing, including shipbuilding.
In other news (no pun intended), I am excited about an upcoming class I will be teaching through Biddeford Adult Education.
The tentative name of the class, scheduled to begin in April, is Introduction to Journalism: Inside the Craft.
The course is being described as follows: “Students will learn about the rapidly changing world of journalism from a veteran reporter and editor. This course will prepare students to pursue a career in journalism and will offer discussions regarding AP-Style writing (Associated Press); journalism ethics; and in-depth discussions about the impacts of advancing technology in the field of journalism.
The class will also feature lecture-and-answer discussion about the history of journalism in the United States; the rising trend of “citizen journalism” and a review of how media has changed over the last 50 years.”
Pretty cool stuff, eh?
Speaking of cool stuff, I had the pleasure this week of meeting up with one of Maine’s most prolific and respected reporters.
Chris Williams spent time as a reporter working at the Portland Press Herald, the Nashua Telegraph, the Portland Evening Express, the Lewiston Sun Journal and several other publications.
Turns out that we both worked for Harry Foote, one of Maine’s most beloved newspaper editors at the American Journal in Westbrook.
Chris reached out to me and said he really likes what we’re doing with the Gazette. He offered me some very valuable insights and suggestions and said we should stay in touch. It was the highlight of my week.
Baby, it’s cold outside
Of course, the news that is dominating media outlets all across Maine is centered upon this week’s ramped up enforcement efforts by the U.S. Immigrational & Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) here in southern Maine.
This is an emotionally and politically-charged story that is extraordinarily fluid and rapidly changing. Journalists all across the state are struggling to keep up with this story, which includes activity happening here in Biddeford.
As a service to our readers, the Biddeford Gazette has created a special section on our website to give our readers updates and links to community resources and ongoing media coverage. You can find that resource page here: ICE | Biddeford.
Over the last few days, we have also published a wide range of stories, including our exclusive coverage of how a controversial downtown parking plan was funded; and a heart-felt story about a beloved McArthur Library security guard who has been sidelined by a serious spinal injury.
After suffering a serious spinal injury, Don Creighton is not sure how he is going to survive. The community — in including his co-workers, downtown merchants and library patrons — is rallying around him.
The best part of being a journalist is being able to help people in need. Within just a few hours of publishing our story, financial donations soared by more than $4,000.
We have some awesome stories in production, including an in-depth interview with State Rep. Marc Malon about his bill to prohibit the use of credit cards for mobile gambling sites; and another exclusive story about a book written by a local author that details how the notorious 1947 wildfires engulfed the Fortune’s Rocks neighborhood and even threatened downtown Biddeford.
We also sat down this week with Biddeford Fire Chief Larry Best to talk about the plans to build a new substation closer to the eastern portion of the city.
There’s a lot more, but I should probably focus on getting caught up with our news coverage.
It looks like we’ll be starting off the week with a big winter storm and some especially frigid temperatures.
Finance Committee takes a closer look at how a downtown parking plan was funded
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor
A controversial and temporary downtown parking program will be reviewed by the Biddeford City Council at its next meeting, Feb. 3.
As first reported in the Biddeford Gazette earlier this week, Mayor Liam LaFountain and members of the city council were unaware that nearly $20,000 was being spent to offset parking costs for business owners and their employees during a seven-month long sewer upgrade project in the downtown area.
The parking plan was never reviewed or discussed by the city council or Finance Committee before it was launched last year, but the subject dominated Tuesday’s Finance Committee meeting, which raised new questions and drew a sharp rebuke from City Councilor Marc Lessard.
Biddeford’s Pearl Street Parking Garage (City photo)
Subsequent to the Jan. 19 story, the Biddeford Gazette conducted additional interviews and filed a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request for more information, much of which was discussed during Tuesday’s meeting.
City Attorney Harry Center told the Finance Committee that he was “troubled” by how the plan was implemented.
“I’m not a CPA. I’m not an auditor, but it troubles me as a lawyer regarding how the [invoices] were characterized as professional/consulting services,” Center said.
City Manager Truc Dever told committee members that the plan was envisioned to be “net neutral” and would not add additional spending beyond the ongoing subsidy payments that the city gives to the city’s parking garage operators, Premium Parking.
According to Dever, the city makes two payments each year to the parking garage owners so that they are guaranteed a profit — an agreement the city made years ago to entice developers to build the parking garage on city-owned land.
The most recent payment to Premium Parking was $146,570 to cover the period from July 1 to Dec. 31, 2025.
Brad Favreau, the city economic development coordinator, said that Brian Phinney – then the acting city manager – assured him that the program would be revenue neutral. He said it was Phinney who decided which account would be used to make the payments.
Phinney retired from the city earlier this month.
Favreau told the committee that former mayor Marty Grohman approved the project after some discussion between Grohman, Phinney, Favreau and Delilah Poupore, executive director of the Heart of Biddeford, a private downtown booster organization.
Favreau said only 43 downtown employees took advantage of the program.
Dever — who began her job weeks after the parking program was launched –described the program as “well-intentioned” and said no one tried to keep it a secret.
Dever said flyers about the program were made and distributed and it was posted on the city’s website and discussed during a May 28 meeting of the Downtown Development Commission (DDC).
Poupore told the Gazette that her organization was aggressive in raising awareness about the program and that she and Favreau both handed out flyers to merchants throughout the downtown area.
Former city councilor Neva (Gross) Lance served as the city council’s liaison on the DDC. She told the Gazette on Wednesday that she recalled “some vague discussion” but no official decision or approval was made at that May 28 meeting.
Councilor Lessard – a member of the Finance Committee – said it does not matter if the program was well intentioned.
“The fact that this was done during the city’s election cycle makes me raise my eyebrows,” Lessard said. “If this program was so good, it would have been brought to the council.
“Instead, it was buried in an innocuous budget line. Call me a little bit crazy, but I’m not so ready to say that there is nothing wrong with this. I’m not ready to hold hands and sing Kumbaya,” Lessard said.
Councilor Dylan Doughty said he was concerned that the program was being funded by TIF (Tax Increment Finance) funds, which are strictly regulated.
“As a whole, we have committed ourselves to accountability and transparency,” Doughty said, adding that he thinks the city should take a closer look at how all TIF funds are being used to ensure that the city doesn’t end up in a “questionable position.”
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“The fact that this was done during the city’s election cycle
makes me raise my eyebrows.”
— Councilor Marc Lessard
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Mayor LaFountain told the committee he shares their concerns about how the program was launched and operated.
“My concern is not the intentions of the program,” LaFountain said. “We’re just coming off the review of a FY 23 audit that was quite scathing. When we go down this route, we lose public confidence.”
LaFountain told the city manager he would like to see plans and policies put in place to prevent another similar event. “It doesn’t matter who is sitting in these seats,” the mayor said. “We have process failures that we need to correct.”
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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
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Those who know Don Creighton will tell you that he is always the first to step up and help others in their time of need.
Unfortunately, Don is now on the other end of that equation and wondering how he’s going to make it through the next few weeks and months ahead.
Creighton, 57, is a beloved security guard at the McArthur Library. Over the last two years, he has developed quite a fan base and has become a well-known fixture in Biddeford’s downtown area.
Don Creighton, a beloved security guard at Biddeford’s McArthur Library, is facing an uncertain future. (Contributed photo)
Don’s co-workers at the library describe him as a “gentle soul,” and as a “man with a very big heart.”
Whether he is greeting an excited second-grader or a struggling member of Biddeford’s unhoused community, Don treats everyone the same: a big smile, a warm welcome and a commitment to respect.
“Everyone deserves to be treated nicely,” Don explains. “I may be a security guard, but I see my role as being a resource. I’m there to greet people and let them know that this a safe and welcoming place, no matter who they are.”
A few weeks ago, Don had a sudden seizure while working at the library. He was unconscious for several moments and was transported to the hospital.
According to his medical providers, Don had what is known as Non-Epilepsy Seizure (NES). During the seizure and resulting convulsions, Don suffered compression fractures along his spine.
Every day since has been an ongoing battle with pain so intense that Don has a hard time moving from room to room in his small apartment on Main Street.
After returning home from the hospital, Don says he avoided eating for several days because “sitting in the bathroom was just too painful.”
Several years ago, Don experienced a similar seizure while working on a lobster boat. “There is no history of epilepsy in my family,” he said, pointing out that he does take medication to prevent seizures.
Don lives alone with his dog, Mya. He describes Mya as his only source of optimism.
He says he misses his co-workers and the people he would see every day at the library.
“I love that job,” he said. “I get to spend a lot of time talking to people, and we also have a great staff – we’re like a big family.”
The isolation, combined with the pain, is taking a toll – physically, financially and spiritually.
Although he has health insurance, he has still racked up roughly $40,000 in co-pays, medicines and day-to-day expenses including rent, utilities and food.
“I live alone, and my family is trying to help me as much as possible,” he said. “I have already drained my savings – and I’m not sure what my next steps will be.”
A community begins to rally
If you visit the library, you will likely notice that Don’s work station has been decorated by colorings and drawings done by some of the library’s youngest patrons.
“Saying that Don is missed at the library is a gross understatement, said Joe Sanderson who is the library’s technical coordinator and sometimes works at the adult reference desk.
Don Creighton’s work station at McArthur Library has been decorated by younger library patrons who miss their friendly security guard. (Contributed photo)
“He is a big part of our community,” Sanderson said. “Almost daily, we are asked about how he is doing – people want updates. They want to see him back at the library.”
Sanderson and some of his co-workers have started a GoFundMe campaign to help Don cover some of his most basic expenses.
“It’s the least we can do,” Sanderson explains. “Don is always so willing to help others. Now it’s time for us to help him.”
Sanderson and his co-workers have made flyers and distributed them throughout the downtown area.
“The response from the business community has been great,” he said. “People know Don. They know how important his presence is in our community.”
For his part, Don says he finds it hard to ask for help.
“It’s been very stressful,” he said. “It’s also very scary not knowing if my spine will heal. It’s easy to get stuck in your own mind with a lot of worry.”
Editor’s Note:If you would like to contribute to Don’s GoFundMe page, please click this link: Don Creighton Support Page
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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
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At the advice and direction of several of our advisory board members, the Biddeford Gazette has created a special page for updates and community information regarding ramped up enforcement activities by the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) in Biddeford.
According to multiple sources, ICE began an operation known as “Catch of the Day” in Biddeford and several other southern Maine communities in southern Maine beginning on Jan. 20, 2026.
“This news has created considerable community concern and some misinformation,” said Randy Seaver, the Gazette’s editor. “We felt the responsible thing to do was to provide a resource page where residents could find more information about what is happening and how it is impacting our community.”
Following more than an hour of passionate and sometimes tense debate, the Biddeford City Council voted 6-3 (Cote, Kurtz and Woods) Tuesday to reject a proposed 90-day moratorium on rental and lease fee increases at mobile home parks in the city.
More than 20 mobile home park residents packed the council chambers, making their support for the moratorium known both in attendance and sometimes emotional testimony before the council.
The moratorium was proposed by Ward Seven City Councilor Brad Cote whose district includes one of several mobile home parks in the city.
Mobile home park resident Chris Parsons addresses the Biddeford City Council saying fee increases should be reasonable, in accordance with “Maine values.” (Seaver photo)
Donna Porter, a resident at the Granite Estates mobile home park, told councilors that most of her neighbors are elderly and on fixed incomes. She said the park was sold to a new out-of-state owner in 2021 and that monthly rent fees have increased dramatically since then.
“Most of us are elderly and on a fixed income,” Porter said, claiming that incremental increases have seen monthly lot fees increase by more than $250 per month over the last five years.
Porter told the council that she and other residents are offered no tangible amenities other than weekly trash pickup and snow removal.
“We pay for our own heat, water, electricity and sewer,” Porter said. “What we are facing now is nothing but blatant corporate greed.”
Chris Parsons, another Granite Estates resident, said he does not object to a private business earning a profit.
A self-described semi-retired, small business owner, Parson told the council that the park’s new owners “are certainly entitled” to making a profit, but it should be done in a “reasonable way” that is consistent with Maine values. “Where are we supposed to go?” he asked the council.
The Maine Legislature is currently wrestling with the mobile home park fee dilemmas across the state.
Alex White, a self-described “real estate professional” cautioned the council against enacting a moratorium, arguing that such a move would have a “chilling effect” on potential investors who are looking to do business in Biddeford.
“I don’t really have a dog in this fight, but at the risk of being tarred and feathered, I would say that a moratorium is an unnecessary step, which should be reserved for real emergencies.”
White said the council could easily consider the issue and possible policy changes without enacting an emergency 90-day moratorium.
The council debate touched on several issues, and Cote was visibly frustrated by the remarks from some of his fellow councilors, most notably commentary from at-large Councilor Marc Lessard, a self-described fiscal conservative.
Lessard described the proposed moratorium as the first step on a “slippery slope” that could lead to the implementation of rent control in Biddeford.
Pointing out that more than 50 percent of housing units in Biddeford are rental units versus owner-occupied homes, Lessard argued that the city should not put its thumbprint on private business.
“Where does this end?” Lessard asked, rhetorically. “Do we tell Hannaford that they cannot raise their costs because food is too expensive?”
Lessard said the city would never approve a moratorium on property tax increases but is trying to tell the private sector how much their prices can increase.
“I empathize with the plight of those who are here tonight,” Lessard said. “There are no easy answers to this.”
Cote said the council is facing a potentially hypocritical dilemma.
“How, on God’s green earth, are we going to claim that this council is going to address affordable housing with a straight face if we can’t pass a simple 90-day moratorium to examine this issue?” Cote said. “You don’t want to see unhoused people downtown. Well, things are just going to get worse.”
Other councilors, including Patricia Boston and Roger Beaupre, pointed out that the 90-day moratorium would have no tangible benefit to either the city or park residents.
“It might look good, but nothing we do tonight would impact these residents,” Boston said, suggesting that the council should consider a broader policy that could include updated state policy recommendations.
“Ninety days is simply not enough time to craft an ordinance,” Beaupre added. “I empathize with the people here tonight. I would like to have a moratorium on my cable bill.”
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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
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Despite the impassioned pleas of some nuns from the St. Joseph’s Convent, the Biddeford City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to enact a temporary development moratorium on the University of New England’s Biddeford campus.
As previously reported in the Gazette, Mayor Liam LaFountain proposed the moratorium and the creation of an ad-hoc committee in order to give the city time and flexibility to review and consider several significant developments planned by the university.
Although not located on their campus, it was recently revealed that the university had ongoing plans to purchase the St. Joseph’s Convent in order to redevelop that property into additional student housing. The convent is located approximately two miles west of UNE’s main campus.
Representatives from the Good Sheperd Sisters of Quebec – the current convent owners — attended Tuesday’s meeting, saying the proposed moratorium would quash their planned sale of the convent to UNE. That sale, according to the Sisters, has been in consideration since 2017 and was scheduled to be finalized next month.
The Sisters said they can no longer afford to operate the convent. They said the moratorium would be “devastating psychologically, physically and spiritually.”
During their discussion of the issue, Councilor Jake Pierson pointed out that the moratorium would do “nothing to prevent the sale of that property.” The moratorium, he said, would only pause the university’s planned redevelopment of the property.
Although the university does not yet own the St. Joseph’s parcel, they already received approval of their reconversion plan from the Saco River Corridor Commission in November.
The St, Joseph’s Convent in Biddeford is slated to become more student housing for UNE
Former city councilor Kyle Noble told the council that UNE is pushing for projects that would be “once in a lifetime, forever decisions” that warrant careful review.
“I find it offensive that this real estate transaction has been known since 2017, and we’re just finding out about it now,” Noble said.
Councilor Dylan Doughty also expressed surprise that the university was able to get approval of their plan from the Saco River Corridor Commission before they actually owned the property.
Alan Thibeault, vice president of operations at UNE, said the city’s proposed moratorium took school officials “by surprise.”
Thibeault told the council that UNE has not built a new building on its campus since 2018. He made no mention of the controversial, large-scale pier that the university is planning to construct on the Saco River. He also did not talk about the school’s plan to add new student housing at the St. Joseph’s convent.
Instead, Thibeault reminded the council that UNE is “a major employer and economic driver” in Biddeford. “We do not believe that we have been a burden on the city,” Thibeault said, pointing out that UNE has its own wastewater treatment facility.
Furthermore, Thibeault said the university has significantly decreased its impact on the city by its decision three years ago to move roughly 360 students and 120 staffers to the school’s Portland campus that now houses UNE’s medical school programs. That move, he said, significantly reduced traffic and other impacts at the Biddeford campus.
Thibeault said the moratorium could place the university at financial risk. He said colleges and universities across the country are closing at a rate of one per month because of changing demographics.
Councilor Brad Cote, however, balked at Thibeault’s concerns about the economic impacts of the moratorium.
“I find it a little offensive that the university would come to us and express financial worries,” Cote said. “Let’s remember that their campus in Biddeford sits on land that has an assessed value of roughly $82 million.”
Thibeault said UNE appreciated that its president – James Hebert – was appointed to the city’s newly created ad-hoc committee.
“We welcome a genuine relationship with the city,” Thibeault told the council.
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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
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Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain is proposing a temporary moratorium on all development projects at the University of New England’s Biddeford campus.
LaFountain is also scheduled to nominate UNE president James Hebert to serve on an ad-hoc committee that will focus on development at the school’s Biddeford campus.
During an interview with the Gazette on Thursday, LaFountain said a temporary moratorium will allow the city to examine and evaluate the rapidly increasing pace and scale of development within the Institutional Zone (IZ).
In December, the city council voted unanimously to create an ad-hoc committee that will review and make recommendations about current and future development on UNE’s campus.
“I want that review committee able to hit the ground running,” LaFountain said, pointing out that the IZ has not been amended or updated for more than 20 years. “We need just a short pause in order to catch our breath. The current language is somewhat vague and needs to be updated.”
Recent projects have highlighted the need for the committee, LaFountain said, pointing to the university’s controversial pier project, plans to develop a fire substation near the campus and a plan to convert a former convalescent home into new dormitories for the university.
LaFountain said he believes that university development will continue to play an important role in the city’s future.
“The question before the council is not whether such development should occur, but whether it should proceed under a regulatory framework that has not been comprehensively examined in more than twenty years,” the mayor said.
UNE President James Hebert is being appointed by Biddeford’s mayor to serve on an ad-hoc committee that will review ongoing and planned development within the city’s Institutional Zone (Photo: LinkedIn
The city needs the time necessary to complete that examination responsibly and to ensure that future decisions are guided by clear standards, shared expectations, and the long-term interests of the city as a whole, the mayor added.
During a previous city council meeting in December, Ed Cervone, director of external affairs at UNE, said the university is supportive of the city’s desire to review the Institutional Zone Ordinance and creation of the ad-hoc committee.
“UNE hopes that the creation of an Institutional Zone Review Committee can bring additional clarity to, understanding of, and confidence in the ordinance,” Cervone said.
During that December meeting, Cervone suggested that the new committee should include a Hills Beach Association representative; the city planner and Ward One Councilor Patricia Boston because of her historical knowledge about the Institutional Zone and a UNE representative.
LaFountain will ask the City Council Tuesday to confirm his appointments to the six-member ad-hoc committee, which will be chaired by Councilor Pat Boston, a Hills Beach resident; Matt Haas, a former UNE employee who first raised concerns about the Saco River Corridor Commission’s approval of the university’s controversial pier proposal; and residents Christine Stone and Betsy Martin.
LaFountain has also nominated Councilor Marc Lessard and James Hebert, UNE’s president, to serve on the committee.
Committee Objectives
In his memo to the city council, LaFountain said his proposed moratorium will accomplish several objectives, including:
• Orderly Review: It allows the Institutional Zone Review Committee, City staff, the Planning Board, and the City Council to complete their work without the pressure of pending applications advancing under rules that may soon change.
• Consistency and Fairness: It avoids applying one set of standards to some projects while others are reviewed under a revised framework, promoting predictability for applicants and the public alike.
• Public Confidence: It acknowledges heightened public interest in institutional development and demonstrates that the city is taking a deliberate, transparent approach to updating its zoning ordinances and policies.
• Long-Term Planning: It ensures that decisions with lasting impacts on neighborhoods, infrastructure, and municipal capacity are informed by a comprehensive policy review rather than piecemeal approvals.
“The moratorium is not intended to halt institutional growth indefinitely, nor to target any single institution, but rather to ensure that future development proceeds under a clearer and more durable regulatory framework,” LaFountain said.
Sarah Delage, a university spokesperson, said UNE’s president is looking forward to working with the city as a member of the newly created ad-hoc committee.
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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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Here we are smack dab in the middle of the holiday season. The excitement and joy are palpable, but a lot of the news – at the national level – has been anything but joyous since our last newsletter.
During this time of year, we are reminded that we are all connected, part of a larger community, celebrating various traditions that are steeped in generosity, compassion and love.
Still, this can be a difficult time for many people: financial stress, overwhelming expectations and estranged family dilemmas.
Earlier this week, we again published State Rep. Marc Malon’s monthly column. Marc touched upon some difficult realities regarding the holidays, but he also provided a list of resources that are available for those who are struggling this time of year.
We also shared some uplifting stories that demonstrate the kindness and generosity of our community.
Students from the University of New England once again partnered with Biddeford Primary School to make the holiday a bit brighter via the Holiday Giving Tree Toy Drive.The students collected 300 toys, double their goal of 150.
Students from the University of New England collected toys for 300 children
The Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club — through its annual Adopt-A-Family Program – made sure that 200 local children experienced the joy of Christmas morning.
Earlier this week, the newly elected Biddeford City Council held its first regular meeting and wasted no time in tackling a long list of pending issues. I have to admit; I smiled during rollcall when a majority of the councilors answered “present” instead of “here.” A nice legacy left behind from a former councilor.
The new city council hit the ground running at its first regular meeting on Tuesday
Mayor Liam LaFountain unveiled his plan to create an ad-hoc committee to make recommendations of potential changes in the city’s Institutional Zone, which is comprised of UNE’s growing Biddeford campus. The new mayor’s proposal was warmly received by the public, members of the council and even the university.
We also spoke with State Sen. Henry Ingwersen about his bill to create more mental health resources for workers in Maine’s outdoor heritage industries: logging, fishing and farming.
We have several news and feature stories still in development, not to mention our exclusive, one-on-one interview with Santa Claus, which will be published on Dec. 23. It’s a story appropriate for both children and adults.
As always, thank you for reading. Please stay safe and enjoy all that this season offers.
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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.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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The former St. Joseph’s Covent in Biddeford could soon become a new dormitory complex for students from the University of New England (UNE).
UNE purchased the property earlier this year. They are scheduled to present their plan before the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) on Monday.
The St. Joseph’s convent in Biddeford could soon become a college dormitory. (Seaver photo)
The former convent is nestled less than 200-feet from a cove of the Saco River and is not visible from the road at 409 Pool Street.
The access road for the convent is located roughly 1-1/2 miles northwest of the university’s Biddeford campus.
UNE’s application has already drawn concerns from property abutters.
Carla Ouellette lives near the Pool Street property. She expressed concerns about the potential for a dramatic increase of noise and traffic if the property becomes housing for college students.
In her letter to the SRCC, Ouellette states that she has no animosity toward the university.
The view of the Saco River from the parking area of St. Joseph’s convent
“I am concerned that this project would have a significant negative impact on traffic safety, neighborhood quality of life, and the broader pattern of development within the Saco River Corridor,” Ouellette wrote.
“The Pool Street area already experiences heavy traffic, especially during commuting hours and when the university is in session.
“The use change and increased density at 409 Pool Street would likely increase vehicle congestion, create safety risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and school buses, and further strain a roadway system not designed to accommodate higher volumes.
“The resulting noise, traffic, and parking pressures would meaningfully alter the character of this quiet, residential and rural stretch of the corridor.”
In related news, Jim LaBelle has been appointed as a Biddeford member to the SRCC. LaBelle, the former executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce, recently lost his bid to become a city councilor representing Biddeford’s coastal neighborhoods.
LaBelle did not return our call as of press time.
Note: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.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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Biddeford City Clerk Robin Patterson said Thursday that the number of absentee ballots she received had already exceeded the number of absentee ballots that were cast two years ago, in the 2023 election.
As of Thursday (Oct. 30), more than 2,300 absentee ballots were casts, compared to a total of roughly 2,100 ballots in 2023.
Patterson told the Biddeford Gazette that slightly more than 15,000 people are registered voters in Biddeford. That number is likely to increase because of same-day voter registration.
A steady stream of voters kept ballot clerks busy Tuesday morning.
Several candidates were congregating near the entrance of Tiger Gymnasium, greeting voters on their way to the polls.
According to various reports, there was a long line of voters ready to cast their ballots as soon as the polls opened at 7 a.m.
Candidate Pat Boston was all smiles and said she would likely remain at the polls “all day.”
Although City Councilor Roger Beaupre and political newcomer David Kurtz will each be unopposed in their respective races, both men were greeting voters and chatting with other candidates.
This page will be updated throughout the day.
NOTE: For more information about the candidates or issues on this year’s ballot, click on this link
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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.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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All across Maine, people are scrambling to help those who may be facing increased food insecurity as a result of the federal government shutdown.
Typically, Maine’s SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are distributed near the middle of the month. The program relies on federal funding.
According to state officials, nearly 170,000 people receive SNAP benefits in Maine.
Food pantry workers across the United States brace for impact from government shutdown. (Photo: Tri-State Community Food Bank)
In response to the looming crisis, state officials, community leaders, social service workers and volunteers are now scrambling to fill a potentially big hole if the government shutdown continues past Nov. 15.
“The concern is that local resources are already strained,” said Vassie Fowler, executive director of the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center in Biddeford.
“Our government is dropping the ball,” Fowler said. “So, now we all have to ask ourselves what we can do that will be impactful.”
Fowler announced this week that her organization will be trying to fill the gap by hosting free community dinners on Saturday and Sunday nights over the next few weeks, beginning Nov. 8.
The sit-down dinners will be available to anyone who needs a meal.
“I would love to have it be a neighborhood event,” Fowler said. “It’s what this agency was built upon. We want everyone to feel welcome. No one should have to eat alone.”
Currently, Seeds of Hope offers an average of 35 dinners to those who visit or sleep at the warming center. Fowler said she expects that number to spike in mid-November.
Vassie Fowler, executive director, Seeds of Hope
“We cannot ignore this,” Fowler said. “We have to do something.”
Gov. Janet Mills announced Wednesday that $1.25 million will be provided to help fund Maine food pantries and anti-hunger programs.
Those funds consist of $1 million from the governor’s contingency account and $250,000 from the John T. Gorman Foundation, according to WMTW-TV.
The Good Shepherd Food Bank will receive $650,000 to support food pantries and anti-hunger initiatives throughout Maine.
Community rallies in support of the less fortunate
In the Biddeford-Saco area, scores of people are stepping forward to make sure that no one will go hungry.
Earlier this week, local school students launched their Spare Change Fills Plates campaign to raise money for local food pantries.
Others have flooded community social media sites to organize and motivate people to volunteer and donate to food pantries.
Isn’t this what we are supposed to do?
— Vassie Fowler
In fact, the Gazette learned Thursday that several Biddeford political candidates are working to organize a food drive on Election Day, asking voters to consider donating a non-perishable food item when they go to vote at Biddeford High School.
The Biddeford Food Pantry is also hoping that they will see an uptick in both donations and volunteers. The Biddeford Food Pantry serves residents in Biddeford and several neighboring towns.
During a previous interview with this reporter, Don Bisson, the pantry’s executive director, said his pantry served 2,558 adults; 1,295 children and 1,228 families in just one month.
Looking ahead
When the Maine Legislature reconvenes in January, State Sen. Henry Ingwersen (D-Biddeford) says he plans to submit legislation to “ensure that Maine’s nutrition incentive programs, like Harvest Bucks and SNAP, are not solely dependent upon federal match funding.”
“Among the worst impacts of the federal government shutdown is the impending loss of SNAP benefits for the entire month of November,” Ingwersen said.
State Sen. Henry Ingwersen
“When Washington is consumed by its own dysfunction and gridlock, we have to look out for our neighbors and ensure that Mainers can continue to feed Mainers,” he said.
“This bill would take a step toward protecting Mainers from going hungry when politicians play games,” Ingwersen said.
Ingwersen also drafted a bill (LD 468) to provide an additional $1.2 million per year to the Fund to Address Food Insecurity and Provide Nutritional Incentives.
As part of the budget negotiation process, $600,000 of on-going funding was included in the state’s two-year budget.
Ingwersen pointed out that nearly 1,300 Biddeford households will be impacted by the loss of SNAP benefits.
Strong community support is evident
Vassie Fowler says she has been “blown away” by the support her non-profit organization has been receiving since announcing the free weekend dinners.
“I expected it to be positive, but I never imagined the reaction to our plan would be this positive,” she said.
Although Seeds of Hope is already spread thin in both funding and volunteers, Fowler says she has confidence in her volunteers and supporters.
“Sometimes, you just have to take a leap of faith,” Fowler said. “Isn’t this what we’re supposed to do?
“When I see someone in need, there is no other choice for me.”
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Disclosure: Vassie Fowler serves on the Biddeford Gazette’s volunteer advisory board.
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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Campaign “endorsements” from the Biddeford Teachers Association (BTA) caused some confusion yesterday when two of Biddeford’s three mayoral candidates announced that they received the union’s endorsement.
The BTA endorsed both Mayor Marty Grohman and City Council President Liam LaFountain in their bids to become the city’s next mayor.
Councilor Norman Belanger – the third mayoral candidate – was not endorsed by the BTA. He was unavailable for comment at press time.
Beyond bragging rights, the endorsement from the Biddeford Teachers Association also opens up potential campaign funds from the statewide Maine Education Association Political Action Campaign (PAC) fund.
Marty GrohmanLiam LaFountain
According to an email the BTA sent to Grohman and LaFountain, they both earned the recommendation from the union’s Screening and Endorsement Committee.
The teachers’ union sent all candidates a questionnaire. The endorsements were based upon how the candidates answered those questions from the union.
Allison Pickering, vice president of the Biddeford Teachers Association, said the organization – “after great consideration” — decided to make a dual endorsement in the mayoral race, recommending two candidates for support by the union’s membership.
Pickering – a fifth-grade teacher at Biddeford Middle School — was not available for comment at press time, but according to the email she sent both Grohman and LaFountain, she described the two men as “preferred candidates.”
According to Pickering’s email, teachers in the city’s public schools are being asked to support Grohman and LaFountain, writing “we appreciate your commitment to the students and communities we serve.
“We thank you for taking the time to complete our candidate questionnaire and for sharing your views with us.
“We feel you will be a strong candidate dedicated to improving our local schools while listening and respecting the front-line educators who work with students every day,” she added.
Pickering told Grohman and LaFountain, that the BTA “will be working with staff at the Maine Education Association to make sure educators all over our city are aware of our support for your candidacy.”
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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.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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NOTE: This story was updated to include comments from city council candidate Abigail Woods.
As Election Day draws closer, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman is endorsing at least two city council candidates.
Grohman today announced his endorsement of Brad Cote in the city’s Ward Seven race. Grohman also says he will be endorsing John McCurry in the Ward Two race over political newcomer Abigail Woods.
Brad CoteSam Pecor
Earlier today, Cote posted a brief video of himself on Instagram. Within minutes, the mayor – through his campaign page – offered an endorsement of Cote over Sam Pecor, the other Ward Seven candidate.
“Brad is experienced and level headed,” Grohman wrote. “He is the clear choice for this seat. Please join me in supporting Brad Cote for Ward 7!”
Cote told the Gazette that the mayor’s comment was unsolicited. “I’m not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing,” he laughed.
Pecor said he is not especially surprised that Grohman endorsed his opponent in the Ward Seven race, especially since the endorsement came less than 24 hours after he publicly criticized the mayor during a special public meeting on Thursday.
“I’m not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing”
— Candidate Brad Cote
Grohman said his endorsement of Cote was not related to Pecor’s public criticism on Thursday night.
When asked if he would be endorsing other city council races, Grohman said he is supporting John McCurry in the Ward Two race over Abigail Woods. Grohman also said he would like to see McCurry become the next council president.
John McCurryAbigail Woods
The mayor did not respond to our question about whether he will also make endorsements in the at-large race and in the Wards One, Four and Six races.
“Again, this is something that raises concern about the mayor’s ability to be impartial and transparent,” Pecor said. “You can’t say with a straight face that this is coincidence. It’s very hard to believe that my criticism of the mayor and his endorsement of my opponent today are unrelated.”
Ward Two candidate Abigail Woods said she was disappointed that Grohman endorsed her opponent, especially since she and the mayor both share a priority in meeting the needs of the unhoused and low-income renters, issues that Woods describes as her area of expertise.
“We are all neighbors,” Woods said. “Ideally we will work together no matter who is elected. His endorsement of only two individuals could make this challenging.”
McCurry said he was also surprised to learn that the mayor was his endorsing his campaign in Ward Two.
“I never asked for his endorsement,” McCurry said. “But if he is going to be offering endorsements, he should do them for all the races. There is nothing wrong with the mayor endorsing candidates, but he should not be picking and choosing only certain races.”
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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.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman and members of the city council listened Thursday evening to several residents who raised concerns about how the city has handled its review of a controversial pier project that the University of New England wants to build on the Saco River.
Roughly 55 people attended Thursday’s special Citizens Grievance meeting, and more than a dozen of them took turns speaking at the podium about a wide array of concerns about the pier’s review process and its proposed location.
Although an appeal of the Biddeford Planning Board’s narrow approval will take place on November 13, the university’s plan has already been approved by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Saco River Commission.
Wade Goldthwait of Biddeford Pool tells the council that the city missed several opportunities for a better review process, (Seaver photo)
One of the most notable complaints of the evening came from several people who said the city’s harbormaster should have been part of the review process.
In the moments before the meeting started, Mayor Grohman was circulating copies of letters that were sent to Biddeford’s harbormaster by former city manager James Bennett last year.
“It’s important that people understand I had nothing to do with removing the harbormaster from the review process,” said Grohman who is hoping voters will give him another term in the Nov. 5 election.
Although Grohman did not personally tell the harbormaster to step down, he consistently said he supported Bennett’s decision.
“I think we have come a long way over the past few years,” Grohman said during that 2024 interview. “From where I sit, it appears to me that the university is more than willing to work with us. We all know that relationship has not always been smooth, but I am reasonably confident we can work together.”
Grohman was singing a much different tune on Thursday to a packed council chamber full of people upset about how the city has handled the review process. He nervously paced through the audience, handing out copies of Bennett’s letters and directives to Paul Lariviere, the city’s harbormaster.
University of New England Vice President Alan Thibault and the school’s senior attorney sat in the back row during the grievance meeting, quietly listening to some scathing citizen comments. They did not take notes.
After the meeting, Thibault declined an opportunity to comment about the meeting and the concerns raised.
Tensions and concerns run deep
The meeting was moderated by Craig Pendleton, a former commercial fisherman with deep ties to the community.
Although many residents expressed frustration about how the review process was handled, all the speakers spoke with civility and respect, following the basic guidelines that Pendleton laid out during his opening statement.
Wade Goldthwait, a highly respected resident and businessman in Biddeford Pool, said the harbormaster should have never been removed. “It’s too bad that it has come to this, it just breaks my heart.”
Carole Alexander, wife of the late Marshall Alexander, who was the city’s harbormaster for 37 years, said the current harbormaster was not “biased” against the university. “He was just doing his job,” she said. “Was he biased because he would not back down to an institution with deep pockets?
“The problem is not the pier,” she added. “The problem is its location.”
Steve Martin said the city’s charter is clear and that the harbormaster can only be removed by the city council, not the city manager. “This doesn’t sit right with me, and it doesn’t feel right.” he said.
“The problem is not the pier. The problem is its location.”
— Carole Alexander
Capt. Shawn Tibbetts, who has owned his mooring on the Saco River for 14 years, said he will be directly impacted by the proposed pier location. “At least seven mooring owners will be impacted by this thing,” he said. “We have been ignored and removed all local knowledge from the process.”
Tibbetts pointed out that Randy Desmaris, Biddeford’s assistant harbormaster, or Saco’s harbormaster could have been tapped to review the project if the city felt that Lariviere was biased.
Resident Ken Buechs said he felt as if the city’s Planning Board was “coached by the city attorney to arrive at a pre-determined location.”
Joe Emmons of Biddeford said the council needs to learn how “to avoid this situation in the future.”
“How does this pier actually benefit the citizens of Biddeford?” he added.
“Now that we know that there is a 250-foot buffer zone that was overlooked, how can the city issue a permit,” asked Gary McMullen.
Emma Bouthillette, a former university student, said she was dismayed that the university seems indifferent to environmental impacts as they continue a course of more development and an increasing campus.
“I have seen several projects just pushed through,” she said. “They have impacted wetlands and critical habitats. This pier is another attempt to get what they want without regard for the environment.”
The meeting lasted a little more than an hour and the audience applauded when the meeting was concluded.
“I think people were pleased to have an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns in a constructive manner,” Pendleton said.
Councilor Roger Beaupre said he was impressed by the tone and process of the meeting. “I had no idea what to expect,” he said. “But I think it was well organized and presented.”
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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.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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The city of Biddeford is poised to hire Denise Clavette as its next director of Planning and Economic Development, a position that has been vacant since July.
If approved by the city council on Tuesday, Clavette will fill the void left by the sudden resignation of George Gervais who held the job for only 18 months.
Denise Clavette (Photo: Town of Gray)
According to her proposed employment contract, Clavette will be paid $125,000 per year as a salaried employee with four weeks of paid vacation time.
Clavette has worked in several Maine communities, including serving as Saco’s director of economic development for nearly four years, 2018-2022.
According to her resume, Clavette previously served as assistant city manager in Auburn; two years as economic development director for the town of South Berwick.
Clavette is today the economic development director for the Town of Gray, Maine, a position she started 11 months ago.
On her resume, Clavette describes herself as a “professional, ethical and innovative leader with excellent communication skills.”
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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.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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Roughly 40 Biddeford residents turned out Tuesday for a “town hall” style meeting in order to learn more and ask questions about two local bond questions that will appear on the November ballot.
Various city officials and department heads took turns presenting information and fielding questions from concerned residents during the hour-long meeting.
Biddeford residents listen to information about two local bond questions that will be on the ballot,
The Q&A session was followed by a guided tour of the J. Richard Martin Community Center, which houses the city’s recreation department.
Because the city is still behind on completing its FY ’24 and FY ’25 audits, some residents wondered if Biddeford will be able to qualify for a competitive interest rate on the bond repayments.
Both City Manager Truc Dever and Finance Director Gerry Matherne said they expect the overdue FY2024 audit to be done by December, ahead of when the city would be applying for bond approval.
Although the city can only estimate the expected rates, approval of both questions – upgrades to the city’s sewer system ($20 million) and funding repairs and upgrades at the city’s recreational facilities ($6 million) – will have a combined impact of about 37 cents on the mil rate.
The average Biddeford home would see a $147 property tax impact.
Public Works Director Jeff Demers said the city is making steady progress in complying with state-mandated sewer separation projects, but said a future project could pose significant impacts on downtown businesses.
“We have already completed what we call the low-hanging fruit,” Demers explained. “We’re going to do the very best we can possibly do, and we will be working closely with business owners.”
City Manager Truc Dever (right) explains the impact of the city’s ongoing efforts to meet state-mandates regarding sewer separation as Public Works Director Jeff Demers listens.
Recreation Director Lisa Thompson listed a number of repair and upgrade projects that are long overdue at several of the city’s recreational facilities, including the West Brook skating rink, St, Louis Field, Rotary Park, the Biddeford Ice arena and the now closed skate park on outer Main Street.
“The city has seen tremendous growth in the past year, and we want to ensure that we can meet the demands that the public wants and needs,” Thompson said.
City Councilor Marc Lessard stood up from his seat in the audience to make an impassioned plea for investments in the city’s recreational assets.
“We are a service center community,” Lessard said. “Our recreational facilities attract new investments and growth in our community. Unfortunately, when things get tight, recreation is usually the first thing to be cut.
“I am a huge supporter of our city’s recreational resources,” he continued. “We have delayed these projects long enough.
“The loss of our skatepark is the poster child of what happens when we put off critical investments,” Lessard added.
Not all residents said they would support the two bonds.
“We’re writing checks we can’t cash,” said Mike Bouthillette of Biddeford.
Bouthillette asked several pointed questions during the presentation, saying the city should be looking for other sources of revenue by selling unused properties and increasing user fees for recreational buildings.
NOTE: A previous version of this story contained incorrect information about the anticipated completion of the city’s FY 2024 audit. We apologize for the error.
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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.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 