By DEIRDRE STILES, UNE Communications Specialist BIDDEFORD, Maine — For the second year in a row, University of New England students will help the Biddeford Pool Conservation Trust plant dune grass along a section of beach in Biddeford Pool to help make the beaches more climate resilient. UNE students help with dune grass restoration On … Continue reading UNE students will help plant dune grass
Tag: NEWS
EDITOR’S VIDEO NOTE | March 6, 2026
This week's video update offers a recap about our recent local news stories, and a teaser about an Intro to Journalism class that I will again be teaching this spring via the Biddeford Adult-Ed program. What do you want from your community newspaper? Check out the video, enjoy your weekend and stay safe! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD5ebcOVaUM __________________ … Continue reading EDITOR’S VIDEO NOTE | March 6, 2026
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
Was Sen. Collins misled by UNE?
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Even as a lawsuit filed by the city of Biddeford against both the University of New England and the Saco River Corridor Commission continues winding its way through York County Superior Court, a Biddeford resident is ramping up his own efforts to raise awareness about the issue. John Schafer, the former … Continue reading Was Sen. Collins misled by UNE?
‘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
BRCOT Students Place in Statewide Culinary & Hospitality Competition
By KAREN GARNETT, Contributing Writer With the pressure of a Top Chef-style showdown—and none of the usual kitchen comforts—Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT) Culinary and Hospitality students competed in the Maine ProStart State Invitational on February 24, 2026, placing second and third, respectively. Biddeford Regional Center of Technology’s Culinary Arts students place second in … Continue reading BRCOT Students Place in Statewide Culinary & Hospitality Competition
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
Adams Point housing | ‘An exciting project’
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Guy Gagnon has been excited about this particular project for several years. The project is Adams Point, a 39-unit affordable family housing project on the upper end of Adams Street in Biddeford. Following more than three years of planning and construction, Adams Point is expected to finally open in April. The … Continue reading Adams Point housing | ‘An exciting project’
Heather Paquette: President of Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine
Heather Paquette, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine. Photo by Cy Cyr By CY CYR, Contributing Writer, Brick + Tides Outside the Good Shepherd Food Bank in Auburn, the morning felt unmistakably like Maine. The sun was bright, the air was cold, the wind was sharp, and snow clung to the edges of … Continue reading Heather Paquette: President of Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine
OPINION: Life During Wartime, when reporters compete
When journalists compete, readers win | Good news for people in Biddeford Whether you’re buying a new car or just picking up the week’s groceries, you are always better off when you have choices and competition in the marketplace. It’s no different when it comes to the highly competitive world of journalism. Having choices about … Continue reading OPINION: Life During Wartime, when reporters compete
NEWSLETTER: ‘Looking for a place to happen’
New partnerships, expanding technology will help the Gazette stay connected to you I don’t believe this could have been a better week for the Biddeford Gazette. I am especially excited about several new partnerships that will allow us to give you more news and information about your community. Earlier this week, I was invited to … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: ‘Looking for a place to happen’
UNE considers gas line extension project
From staff reports Representatives from the University of New England say they are now in “early conversations” with Biddeford city officials about the possibility of extending a natural gas line from the city’s downtown area, along the Rte. 9 corridor, to the school’s Biddeford campus. A UNE spokesperson said the potential infrastructure project could bring … Continue reading UNE considers gas line extension project
New UNE oversight committee begins work
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor The first meeting of Biddeford’s revived Institutional Zone Review (IZR) Committee was held Thursday evening, giving members a chance to introduce themselves and to complete several organizational and administrative tasks, including scheduling their first public hearing. The committee was launched earlier this year, at the direction of Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain … Continue reading New UNE oversight committee begins work
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 