Contributed Story | Molly Lovell MARCH 16, 2026 | The Greater Biddeford Saco Music Hall of Fame has announced its inductees for the class of 2026 among musicians throughout York County. The class of 2026 inductees include: J.D. Drown; The ID; Johnny Martinez’ Lower East Side; Armand Paquette and The Tidal Waves. The inductees will … Continue reading Biddeford-Saco Music Hall of Fame inductees announced, ceremony scheduled May 3
Tag: Biddeford
NEWSLETTER | Amateur hour is over
It’s been another busy week at the Biddeford Gazette, capped off by last weekend’s annual spring conference of the New England Newspaper & Press Association (NENPA). NENPA is a professional organization supporting the work of more than 450 media outlets throughout New England, including daily and weekly print publications; radio and television stations and digital … Continue reading NEWSLETTER | Amateur hour is over
Chamber congratulates Rousseau Insurance
The Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce congratulates Rousseau Insurance Agency on the recent purchase of the home, auto, and business insurance book of business from Maine Insurance Benefits Group, following the retirement of agency principal Rand Clark. As part of this transition, Rousseau Insurance has welcomed the clients of Maine Insurance Benefits Group and will continue … Continue reading Chamber congratulates Rousseau Insurance
OPINION | Biddeford should tie taxes to inflation
By BEN NEVEUX | Biddeford Over the past decade, Biddeford’s property taxes have steadily climbed. In 2013 the city’s total tax rate was $16.54 per $1,000 of valuation. By 2022 it had reached $18.23, with several years above $19 and even $20 along the way. That may not sound dramatic at first glance, but it … Continue reading OPINION | Biddeford should tie taxes to inflation
UNE president expresses frustration
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor University of New England President Dr. James Herbert today released a formal statement to the Biddeford community regarding the school's controversial research pier proposal. Herbert's statement was sent to area media outlets and city officials. Herbert's public statement is the first time he has publicly spoken about the research pier. … Continue reading UNE president expresses frustration
LETTER | Mayor’s column raises concerns
By DIANE SNOW | Cumberland, Maine Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain’s recent op-ed regarding the city’s new Institutional Zone Review Committee (Biddeford Gazette, Feb. 28, 2026) is very interesting. The mayor mentions that it is time to review the zone ordinance since it has not been updated in nearly 25 years. He refers to a … Continue reading LETTER | Mayor’s column raises concerns
City eyes hiring consultant to help ‘right the ship’
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain told the Biddeford Gazette early Tuesday afternoon that he is optimistic about his proposal to bring in a temporary consultant to help city staffers and elected leaders address several critical issues that have been plaguing the city for more than two years. The city council is expected … Continue reading City eyes hiring consultant to help ‘right the ship’
NEWSLETTER | Oh, the Places You’ll Go
What a week! Considering it was the first birthday I was dreading; it turned to be the best birthday week I can remember. As we age, we are all reminded to focus on friends, family and doing what we love. Because I love writing news about Biddeford, I was able to accomplish all three of … Continue reading NEWSLETTER | Oh, the Places You’ll Go
Door-to-door sales | Know your rights
By JIM KRAUSE, Contributing Writer Spring and summer 2026 are right around the corner. In fact, Daylight Saving Time begins on March 8. Along with melting snow, muddy driveways and yards, and the first flowers of the season, another familiar trend returns to Biddeford: an increase in door-to-door sales. Each year brings a new wave … Continue reading Door-to-door sales | Know your rights
‘Coffee With a Cop’ proves popular
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Despite the well-known urban legend that no cop can resist a donut, several witnesses who attended Wednesday’s Coffee With a Cop event at the Biddeford Community Center say none of the officers even touched one of the fine donuts that were provided by Reilly’s Bakery. Wednesday’s event was coordinated by Recreation … Continue reading ‘Coffee With a Cop’ proves popular
Biddeford-Saco Restaurant week returns
A Grassroots Celebration of Food, Flavor & Community -- with a New Digital Passport Contributed Story | Heart of Biddeford From bánh mì to barbecue, specialty coffee to steak frites, arcade combos to raclette, Biddeford–Saco Restaurant Week returns March 15–22, 2026, inviting residents and visitors to explore the region’s dynamic and ever-growing food scene. Organized … Continue reading Biddeford-Saco Restaurant week returns
BHS Drama Club will present ‘Mean Girls’
By KAREN GARNETT | Biddeford School Department BIDDEFORD, Maine – The Biddeford High School (BHS) Drama Club is proud to announce its upcoming production of Mean Girls: High School Version, a bold, high-energy musical that brings humor, heart, and sharp social commentary to the stage. Show times are Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, … Continue reading BHS Drama Club will present ‘Mean Girls’
Frustrated residents share concerns about UNE
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor One by one, more than a dozen area residents approached the podium to offer comments and concerns about development at the University of New England’s Biddeford campus during a public hearing held by members of the newly created Institutional Zone Review Committee. The committee, which includes UNE President Dr. James Herbert, … Continue reading Frustrated residents share concerns about UNE
Although retired, Phinney wants accuracy regarding overdue Biddeford audit
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Brian Phinney -- Biddeford’s former chief operating officer, who also served several months as acting city manager – is today retired “and enjoying it,” but wants to make sure that the current city council will be using correct information at their next meeting, especially regarding materials that contain his signature Phinney, … Continue reading Although retired, Phinney wants accuracy regarding overdue Biddeford audit
LETTER: City is treating UNE unfairly
By BERNARD ROY, Special to the Gazette I understand there is a moratorium on UNE initiated by the mayor and city council. UNE is an institution that is a huge plus for Biddeford. They hire professionals as professors, adjunct professors and administrators who live in our community. More importantly, UNE educates young people from Maine … Continue reading LETTER: City is treating UNE unfairly
OPINION | Mayor explains new UNE committee
By MAYOR LIAM LAFOUNTAIN, City of Biddeford On Monday, March 2 at 6 p.m., the Institutional Zone Review Committee will hold its first public hearing at City Hall. The meeting begins the public input phase of a broader review of how Biddeford regulates institutional development. For many residents, the term “Institutional Zone” may not be … Continue reading OPINION | Mayor explains new UNE committee
LETTER | Let’s focus on collaboration, not division
City is on the right track in its thoughtful, measured review of UNE development plans I read the recent letter regarding the University of New England review committee with concern, but also with a sense that the issue deserves a more balanced perspective. What was city thinking? Biddeford Gazette, Feb. 28, 2026 It is important … Continue reading LETTER | Let’s focus on collaboration, not division
INTERVIEW | David Kurtz, city councilor, lawyer and hiker
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor David Kurtz takes in a deep breath – pauses – and looks away, toward the coffee shop’s window before answering one of our questions during an informal and candid interview. Kurtz, 39, is one of the three new Biddeford city councilors who were each first elected to office in November. Despite … Continue reading INTERVIEW | David Kurtz, city councilor, lawyer and hiker
READER OPINION | What was city thinking?
Weighted UNE committee is appalling and patently unfair to UNE By DIANE SNOW, Special to the Gazette A recent Portland Press Herald story regarding the committee set up to review the plans for University of New England [Biddeford Committee plans public hearing, Feb. 24, 2026] left me appalled because the committee is comprised primarily by … Continue reading READER OPINION | What was city thinking?
OPINION | Biddeford should keep Center
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain ran his campaign last year on a platform dedicated to restoring accountability and increasing transparency at City Hall. Those were good messages, and the voters agreed with LaFountain, giving him the edge over the incumbent former mayor. LaFountain pledged to hit the ground running, and he’s already … Continue reading OPINION | Biddeford should keep Center
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 