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 … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: It’s A Wonderful Life
Tag: NEWS
Biddeford convent could become college dorms
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 … Continue reading Biddeford convent could become college dorms
Election Day Updates:
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. … Continue reading Election Day Updates:
Biddeford leaders tackle food insecurity
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 … Continue reading Biddeford leaders tackle food insecurity
Teachers union offers dual ‘endorsements,” gives candidates access to PAC funds
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor 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 … Continue reading Teachers union offers dual ‘endorsements,” gives candidates access to PAC funds
OPINION: Behind the Scenes — Biddeford elections and the Biddeford Gazette
Thanks to Randy Forcier for the opportunity to discuss Biddeford's upcoming elections and the genesis of the Biddeford Gazette. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpZVaHFLfdE
Talkin’ Biddeford Politics with Randy Forcier
Once again, I had a blast as a guest on the Randy Forcier Podcast. We talked about the upcoming municipal elections, my predictions on the various races and voter turnout. Randy is a Biddeford native and a former member of the Biddeford School Committee. You can find his podcast on several platforms, including YouTube, Spotify … Continue reading Talkin’ Biddeford Politics with Randy Forcier
Mayor offers two city council endorsements
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor 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 … Continue reading Mayor offers two city council endorsements
Residents sound off about UNE pier, mayor tries to rewrite history
By RANDY SEAVER, editor 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 … Continue reading Residents sound off about UNE pier, mayor tries to rewrite history
Clavette set to join Biddeford’s team
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 … Continue reading Clavette set to join Biddeford’s team
‘Town Hall’ meeting draws questions and concerns
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 … Continue reading ‘Town Hall’ meeting draws questions and concerns
OPINION: Are you ready to rumble?
Today is the first full day of autumn. Many people get excited about this time of year. They order pumpkin everything, pick apples, decorate their yards with mums and fret about having the cleverest Halloween costume for themselves and their kids. I get excited this time of year for an entirely different reason. I am … Continue reading OPINION: Are you ready to rumble?
Ongoing thefts hurt veterans’ club, others
Up until only a few years ago, the American Legion Post 26 in Biddeford was in danger of closing. The former schoolhouse building on Route One – almost directly across from the new courthouse complex -- was in serious disrepair with a leaky roof. Other non-profit organizations, such as the American Red Cross, could no … Continue reading Ongoing thefts hurt veterans’ club, others
Ordinance change catches resident off guard
You have probably seen the signs as you drive through the city of Biddeford, and unless you’re driving a big truck – you may not understand the impacts of a traffic ordinance that was revised by the city council four months ago. With very little fanfare, the Biddeford City Council voted 7-1 (Lessard) on May … Continue reading Ordinance change catches resident off guard
OPINION: Councilors offer us a lesson about respect
Something happened at last night’s Biddeford City Council meeting that should be a template for all of us. In a time of seemingly unprecedented political tension on the national stage, two city councilors showed us all a valuable lesson about respect, collaboration and friendship – despite being almost polar opposites when it comes to political … Continue reading OPINION: Councilors offer us a lesson about respect
UNE pier opponents ramp up their efforts
Even as the University of New England begins construction of its controversial research pier, opponents of the project are ramping up their own efforts and raising new concerns about how the City of Biddeford handled its review of the project. A group of Biddeford residents are now circulating a petition to require the mayor and … Continue reading UNE pier opponents ramp up their efforts
City gives non-union employees a modest pay increase
The Biddeford City Council voted 6-1 Tuesday to give the city’s non-union employees a one-half percent pay increase. Earlier this year, the council completed negotiations with union employees. Those negotiations resulted in a four percent cost-of-living raise. Meanwhile, during this year’s budget process, non-union employees were allocated a 3.5 percent increase. All city employees -- … Continue reading City gives non-union employees a modest pay increase
Rollin’ with the punches: 3 Ds Variety
This week's installment of Taking Care of Business features the three DiPietrantonio brothers and their popular Main Street convenience store in Biddeford ______________ While Three D’s Variety on Main Street in Biddeford relies heavily on foot traffic, owner Peter DiPietrantonio says his neighborhood convenience store is also being impacted by an ongoing sewer upgrade project … Continue reading Rollin’ with the punches: 3 Ds Variety
Big laughs in Biddeford this week
Why did the reporter cross the road? To interview a comedy promoter. Duh! Okay, so that’s not very funny, but maybe you are one of those people who can always make people laugh. Have you ever thought about doing some stand-up comedy? If so, Patrick ‘Buzz Gordon’ Ouellette of Biddeford wants to talk with you. … Continue reading Big laughs in Biddeford this week
A bittersweet day at JFK
Tuesday was an emotional day for teachers and staff at Biddeford’s John F. Kennedy Memorial School. The original building was opened in 1965, but a long list of necessary and expensive repairs, upgrades and maintenance issues ultimately forced voters to approve a plan to close the school. What will happen next to the building and … Continue reading A bittersweet day at JFK
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 