Saco official blasts Biddeford officials

December 28, 2025December 28, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

Kevin Roche — a former Saco city councilor and current member of the Saco School Board — has publicly criticized Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain and the Biddeford City Council for the way they are handling the review of a large pier being proposed by the University of New England.

In addition to serving on the Saco School Board, Roche is also the president of SOS Saco Bay, an organization formed to address erosion issues in Saco’s Camp Ellis neighborhood.

In a Dec. 19 email to LaFountain that was also sent to Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever and Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail, Roche begins by suggesting that Biddeford and Saco officials should be working collaboratively on issues regarding the Saco River.

*Kevin Roche (right) stands near a piece of dredging equipment (Facebook photo)*

He then asserts that the city of Biddeford is being unduly influenced by a few residents who have raised concerns about UNE’s large-scaled pier project.

Specifically, Roche harshly criticized the city’s decision to file a formal complaint against the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) regarding that agency’s approval of the proposed pier.

The city filed the complaint after learning that a 250-foot buffer zone was created more than 20 years ago through an agreement between UNE and the SRCC.

Roche described the city’s complaint as a “fruitless endeavor” that will surely be rejected by the court.

“We are greatly troubled that the city of Biddeford has now taken the position that NO pier should be allowed due to a misreading of the 250-foot buffer zone,” Roche wrote in his email.

In his email, Roche strongly defended the university against complaints from residents who raised questions about the controversial project.

*A view from the Camp Ellis Pier across the river to where the University of New England is hoping to construct a large-scale pier to support its marine research activities (Seaver photo)*

Roche pointed out that UNE students regularly volunteer to help put up holiday lights in downtown Biddeford, and how the university is involved in monitoring coastal issues as well as projects to replace dune sands on both sides of the river.

Roche describes the university as a “key partner” in a planned dredging project on the Saco River that is scheduled to begin next year.

In his email, Roche said a “larger pier research vessel is critical in providing even more benefit to our greater shoreline communities.”

Roche says the goal of those opposed to the pier project was never about the location of the pier, “they simply did not want UNE to have any presence on the river.”

It is unclear whether Roche spoke to or communicated with any of those who raised concerns about the pier project.

Roche said opponents of the project “utilized slick PR guys, often posing as the press” in their attempt to derail the pier proposal.

He went on to say that the city of Biddeford has chosen to “govern based on hate and lies.” He provides no details or documentation regarding the “lies.”

Roche advised the city to do things “the right way” and should “follow facts, not fiction.” He also suggested that Biddeford should get rid of its own harbormaster and instead share Saco’s harbormaster for joint jurisdiction of river activities.

LaFountain told the Gazette that he has no plans to change the city’s current course in regard to review of UNE’s proposal or moving ahead in creating an ad-hoc Institutional Zone Review Committee to review development at UNE’s Biddeford campus.

“Our complaint with the SRCC is now before the court, so it would not be appropriate for me to comment on that matter until the court renders its decision,” LaFountain said.

“I believe we did the right thing and we are fully committed to moving forward by following criteria based upon fact, process and law, not inflammatory rhetoric.”

According to their March 20, 2025 quarterly report to their members and affiliates, SOS Saco Bay stated “We have grown our relationship with the University of New England which is doing some amazing work.”

According to that report, SOS Saco Bay was “also invited to participate in the UNE Summer Sustainability Fellowship Program, and stated that “UNE has committed to be a Platinum Supporter at our October Conference.”

Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail told the Gazette that it would be inappropriate to comment on the views of a private organization, saying only that she is looking forward to working with Biddeford’s new mayor.

Roche did not answer any of the questions sent to him by the Biddeford Gazette. He did, however, offer a brief statement, saying “SOS Saco Bay takes no formal position on the pier location debate, but we maintain that a research pier would be a huge asset in our fight against coastal erosion.

“We feel that anyone standing in opposition to the pier is in opposition of what we are trying to do. We have not heard any arguments that a research pier will cause undue harm to our coastal waterways and shorelines.”

You can view/download a copy of Mr. Roche’s Dec. 19 email here:

Roche Email A Download

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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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Veterans Day 2025

November 11, 2025November 11, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Scores of people braved chilly temperatures and biting winds to celebrate the annual Biddeford-Saco Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday.

This year’s ceremony featured the unveiling of the Gen. Wallace H. Nutting Memorial Bridge.

*Gen. Wallace Nutting’s children attended the dedication ceremony of a bridge named in their father’s honor. (L-R) Sally Nutting Somes, John Nutting, Katherine Haughs and Elizabeth Hood.*

Nutting’s four children were on hand for the dedication of the bridge at the base of York Hill.

This year’s parade featured marching bands from Thornton Academy, Biddeford High School, and Saco Middle School.

*Members of the Biddeford High School marching band played Taps during the opening ceremony.*

*A small crowd on the Biddeford side of the bridge awaits the start of the annual parade*

Local leaders pose with members of Gen. Nutting’s family moments after the bridge was dedicated (L-R) State Rep. Marshall Alexander (D-Saco), Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail, State Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford), Katherine Haughs, John Nutting, Sally Nutting Somes, Elizabeth Hood and Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman (Randy Seaver photo)

*Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail and Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman attended the ceremonies.*

*Members of Boy Scout Troop 310 raised the American flag*

Community rallies for fallen officer’s family

February 6, 2025April 8, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Despite frigid outside temperatures, a layer of warmth blanketed the cities of Biddeford and Saco Wednesday night as people from both communities turned out to support the family of a fallen police officer.

Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek, a veteran member of the Biddeford Police Department, was killed in a traffic accident in December.

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman organized Wednesday’s event in order to raise funds for Wolterbeek’s family, including his wife and three young children.

Nearly 20 Biddeford restaurants, taverns and shops participated in the four-hour ‘Mayor’s Night Out’ event. Many of the businesses donated a percentage of their proceeds to a fund in honor of Wolterbeek.

Many residents wandered from location to location, donating funds along the way.

Wolterbeek’s parents, Jacob and Ky, were surrounded by supporters at Or Nell’s Barbecue on Franklin Street shortly after the event started.

*Left to right: Mayor Marty Grohman, Ky Wolterbeek, Deputy Biddeford Police Chief Steve Gorton, Jacob Volterbeek, senior and Police Chief JoAnne Fisk*

Wolterbeek’s parents each held back tears as they shared stories about their son with well-wishers, city officials and reporters.

“We are grieving internally and externally,” Ky Wolterbeek said.

Jacob Wolterbeek, Sr. said he was “deeply touched by the stories he read on social media about his son, especially one in which a resident wrote that Jacob had literally saved his life by helping him overcome a troubled life.

“He loved this city,” the elder Wolterbeek said. “He was passionate about it, and he always said how much he loved the opportunity to work with some very fine people. The last time I was in Biddeford was last August during the ceremony when he was being sworn in as a sergeant.”

Those who participated in the event said they were happy to support Wolterbeek’s family because he had given so much back to the community.

*Former Biddeford Mayor Bonita Pothier (center) chats with Ky Wolterbeek (right) during the Mayor’s Night Out*

“Jacob was a cop’s cop. He always had a good word for everybody. He was just a great human being.”
— Juliet Angis

Jim Albert, a Saco native and the owner of Cowbell Burger on Main Street, said it was a “no-brainer” when he was asked if his restaurant would participate in the event.

*Jim Albert, owner of Cowbell Burger, Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail and Saco City Councilor Tricia Huot. (Seaver photo)*

“It’s a great cause,” Albert said, recalling Wolterbeek’s trademark smile. “He was very personable and super friendly. It is so tragic what happened to him, leaving behind three little kids. We were more than glad to help.”

Biddeford Police Chief JoAnne Fisk accompanied Wolterbeek’s parents during the event.

“Jake was one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I have ever met. That’s what made him a great cop,” Fisk said, choking up a bit with her words.

“He had a way of dialing into people he encountered,” Fisk added. “He had this uncanny ability to see beneath the surface and see people where they really are.”

*Biddeford State Rep. Marc Malon is joined by Dianne and Bob Cyr of the Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center at Banded Brewing.* *during the Mayor’s Night Out event*

Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail said she was honored to participate in the event.

“In times like these, there are no boundaries. We are one community,” MacPhail said. “We celebrate together, and we grieve together.”

Wolterbeek’s fellow officers spoke highly of their deceased co-worker and friend.

“We miss him every day,” said Corporal Matthew Baldwin, a 27-year veteran of the Biddeford Police Department who helped train Wolterbeek. “it still almost doesn’t feel real that he is gone. He was definitely one of the good guys.”

Deputy Police Chief Steve Gorton described Wolterbeek as a dedicated family man. “That was the thing about Jake. His top priority, first and foremost, was his family.”

*Kennebunk Police Officer Juliet Angis shows a bracelet that she any many other officers are wearing to honor the memory of Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek*

Larry Angis, who recently retired from the department, said he is still processing the grief of losing his friend and co-worker. “I’m not there yet. He was a good cop and a good friend.”

Angis’ wife, Juliet, is a police officer in Kennebunk. “Jacob was a cop’s cop,” she said. “He always had a good word for everybody. He was just a great human being.”

Ky Wolterbeek said her son was the second of nine children, six of whom were adopted. “He was our second child, but oldest son, and it leaves a big void.”

“This is truly a great community,” she added. “The outpouring of support has touched us deeply.”

Editor’s Note: If you would like to donate to Sgt. Wolterbeek’s family, please visit the Trooper Black Foundation at https://trooperblackfoundation.org through February 15.

Checks may also be mailed to the Trooper Black Foundation (PO Box 104, Cape Neddick, Maine 03902) and should be marked as designated for the Wolterbeek family.

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