Brian Pellerin — deputy chief of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s office — recently announced that he is running for York County Sheriff in the November 2026 election.
“I am running as a principled independent candidate, committed to professional, nonpartisan leadership in public safety,” Pellerin wrote in a press release that was sent to several media outlets in southern Maine.
Brian Pellerin, IndependentBill King, Incumbent
The York County Sheriff’s Office operates the York County Jail and provides law enforcement to 14 rural towns without police departments. The Sheriff’s Office also provides contract deputies to several municipalities within the county and maintains a civil process division.
According to the Maine Secretary of State’s office, incumbent Sheriff William King – a Democrat –will be seeking a fourth, four-year term. First elected sheriff in 2014, King – a Saco resident — began working at the Sheriff’s Office in 2010.
King did not return the Gazette’s request for comment on Monday.
For his part, Pellerin says he is running as an independent candidate because the sheriff’s office “must remain above partisan politics.”
As of Monday, no Republican candidate has yet filed the required candidacy paperwork for the York County sheriff’s position.
Pellerin says the job requires accountability, transparency and a clear focus on putting people over politics.
“I have more than 30 years of law enforcement experience at the local, county, state, and federal levels,” Pellerin wrote in his press release. “I currently serve as Chief Deputy of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, a nationally accredited agency serving more than 300,000 residents.”
Pellerin – a Saco native – today lives in Dayton, where he has resided for more than 20 years and served as a community volunteer, coach and civic leader.
Pellerin previously spent more than two decades as a federal special agent with the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General, conducting complex investigations and protective operations both domestically and internationally, according to his press release.
“The Sheriff’s Office exists for no other reason than to serve and protect the people of York County,” Pellerin said. “In the coming weeks and months ahead, I look forward to earning the trust of voters and building a Sheriff’s Office that sets the standards for professionalism, accountability and service.”
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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.
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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Over just the last few years, online gambling has exploded in popularity all over the country and its impacts are being felt here in Maine — on several different fronts.
That gambling explosion – especially the rise in online sports/fantasy wagering – has also caused some problems, most notably a sharp increase in gambling addiction.
In response, State Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford) has introduced a bill to provide additional safeguards for Mainers struggling with gambling addiction. LD 2080, Malon says, is designed to prohibit the use of credit cards in online sports betting.
State Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford) testifies before the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee. Committee about his bill to prohibit the use of credit cards for online sports betting (Contributed photo)
Although at first glance, it may seem that his proposed legislation is just another example of government overreach into private affairs or the expansion of a so-called “nanny state,” Malon points out that several large, national gambling sites already prohibit the use of credit cards for online sports betting.
In fact, DraftKings – one of the nation’s largest online fantasy sports and sportsbook betting sites – decided last year to discontinue allowing its players to use their credit cards for online wagers.
“You can rack up a lot of debt real fast by using your credit card,” Malon said. “That’s especially true in the highly addictive realm of online gaming.”
Malon also points out that current state law prohibits the use of credit cards at casino slot machines.
During an interview last week with the Gazette, Malon said he struggled when Gov. Janet Mills did not veto an internet gaming bill. “That was one of the hardest decisions I had to make as a state legislator,” he said.
According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), online gambling addiction is a growing problem in the United States.
In Maine, more people are calling the Maine Problem Gambling Hotline since the state legalized online sports betting over a year ago, according to a Feb. 7, 2025 story by Madi Smith of Maine Public.
In 2018, a Supreme Court ruling struck down a federal sports betting ban, and gambling skyrocketed in subsequent years. Today, roughly 22 percent of Americans—and 48 percent of men ages 18–49—report having at least one online sportsbook account, according to the Siena Research Institute.
As of December 2025, 31 states, plus Washington, D.C., allow for some form of online sports betting, according to Hopkins Bloomberg Health Magazine.
“Legal and regulated gaming creates jobs and provides significant revenue to our state,” said Malon. “But as the popularity of sports wagering grows and as iGaming comes online, the Legislature must prioritize measures that balance sports betting’s economic benefits with modest guardrails to protect Mainers from addiction and falling into debt. This bill strikes that balance.”
Malon cited research which shows that enabling credit card payments for online betting and sports gambling contributes to higher wagering amounts, increased rate of compulsive gambling and greater financial consequences, as people can more easily accumulate debt.
There are currently seven states, including Maine’s neighbors of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, that already have this prohibition in place, Malon said.
In related news, the owners of Oxford Casino — one of Maine’s two casinos – told WGME-TV earlier this week that they will be suing the state over a new law that allows Maine’s four federally recognized tribes to offer iGaming.
Oxford Casino calls that an “unlawful monopoly” and says it’s “discrimination” based on “race.”
The lawsuit says internet gaming could take away from its revenue, causing “substantial job losses and hundreds of millions of dollars in lost economic output.”
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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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The University of New England (UNE) and the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) are both asking the York County Superior Court to dismiss a civil complaint that was filed against them by the city of Biddeford.
The requests for dismissal were each filed earlier this month after the city formally brought its complaint to the court in December.
The city’s complaint — according to City Attorney Harry Center – was triggered by new information that came to light in an Oct. 14, 2025 story published by the Biddeford Gazette: UNE Pier approval tainted by glaring SRCC mistake.
The Superior Court has yet to hear oral arguments in Biddeford’s complaint about the University of New England and the Saco River Corridor Commission.
At the center of its complaint, the city argues that the SRCC neglected to consider its earlier ruling in 2001, which created a 250-foot no-development buffer zone between UNE’s campus and the Saco River.
Despite that 2001 ruling, the SRCC approved UNE’s request to construct a large-scale pier on the Saco River in August 2024. That pier will require construction of a paved access road through the buffer zone.
In October, SRCC Executive Director Cherie Dunning described the situation as a mistake that could not be remedied retroactively because the time frame for an appeal of the agency’s decision has expired.
“It does appear that there was an omission of relevant information provided to the commissioners before last year’s vote,” Dunning told the Gazette in October.
Only weeks after the city’s biennial election, Biddeford’s new mayor and city councilors decided that the issue warranted further review and consideration.
Center told the Gazette this week that the court has yet to hear any arguments. He also said that he – on behalf of the city – has filed a request to have the court hear oral arguments.
In their motion to dismiss, the university listed several reasons why the city’s complaint should be dismissed by the court, arguing that the “court lacks jurisdiction to consider the untimely complaint and that the city failed to exhaust any administrative remedies.”
Furthermore, UNE claims that the Saco River Corridor Commission did not fail to do its due diligence in reviewing the university’s application.
The university also says the city does not have standing to bring the complaint.
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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NOTE:This story has been updated in order to clarify that city of Biddeford has not had any formal discussions with the owners of the Biddeford Pool volunteer fire station. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
It is an idea that has been discussed for nearly a decade, but it now appears that momentum is increasing to finally create a full-time substation of the Biddeford Fire Department somewhere on the eastern side of the city.
According to Biddeford Fire Chief Lawrence Best, the overall goal is to reduce emergency response times in areas from the intersections of the Guinea Road, easterly, along both Pool and West streets, toward the coastal neighborhoods of Hills Beach, Granite Point, Fortunes Rocks and Biddeford Pool.
During an interview with the Gazette last week, Best said he is looking at multiple location options.
Biddeford Fire Department Chief Larry Best (City photo)
Two of the most talked about options include converting the privately-owned Biddeford Pool volunteer firehouse; and purchasing a parcel of land now owned by the University of New England (UNE) near the intersection of Pool Street and Newtown Road.
A little more than three years ago, former mayor Alan Casavant created a committee taskforce to review potential sites and various ways to improve emergency response times.
Ward One City Councilor Pat Boston represents that part of the city, a role she held previously before taking a hiatus from serving on the council.
Boston also served on the task force created by Casavant.
“It was always about response times, and that is what drove the bulk of our conversations,” she said.
Best told the Gazette that emergency response times should not exceed a window of more than four to six minutes, at least 90 percent of the time for all calls.
Best also says that the easterly part of the city has seen an increase in demand for service, including an average of 160 calls per year from the University of New England’s Biddeford campus.
Boston quoted former city councilor Norman Belanger, saying that public safety is one of the three major functions the city should provide.
“Response times are important,” Boston said. “But it’s also important to remember that there is a substantial cost involved. Whichever option we choose we need to make sure that choice addresses both current and future needs.”
Boston says she likes the idea of converting the Biddeford Pool Fire station into a full-time, 24-7 substation staffed and operated by the city, but said she is also keeping an open mind about other potential locations.
Best describes the 30-acre parcel owned by UNE as his ‘Plan A” site but concedes that there are several potential issues that could limit or prevent future development.
“That site has some vernal pools and wetlands that would not be appropriate for development,” Best said. “As the fire chief, it is my responsibility to keep an eye out for all the options.”
Best said there would be a significant cost associated with converting the privately owned Biddeford Pool fire station into a full-time “livable station.”
“We are not having any formal discussions with the Biddeford Pool Improvement Association at this time, Best said. “I have had a couple of high-level concept discussions, but nothing formal.”
He says that the Biddeford Pool option would not necessarily meet the objectives of reducing response times in other parts of eastern Biddeford, including homes along the Guinea Road and Hills Beach Road, which cuts through UNE’s campus.
Best made a detailed presentation about the ongoing discussions and goals of creating an eastern fire substation a few weeks ago during the Dec. 16 Biddeford City Council meeting.
Best told the council that the UNE property continues to be the preferred location for a substation given its location and travel routes. “A majority of the fire/EMS calls in this area can be reached from this location within the national standard response time of four to six minutes,” he said.
Where are we, and where do we want to go?
Best joined the Biddeford Fire Department as its new chief in 2023.
The city’s Central Fire station still lives up to its name today because of its central location even as the city expands in both an easterly and westerly direction, Best said.
Today, Best describes his department as “fully staffed” with a total of 52 full-time employees, including 48 employees trained as both firefighters and paramedics, including EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians).
“I am all about efficiency and saving the city money,” Best said. “All of our firefighters have dual training. This gives us the flexibility we need to handle every call for service.”
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“I am all about efficiency and saving the city money.”
— Fire Chief Larry Best
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Current response times to the eastern part of the city can take 12 to 14 minutes. “That is a long time to wait if you’re in an emergency situation,” Best said.
Best said Biddeford has “outstanding” mutual aid agreements in place with several surrounding communities.
“This job requires me to be vigilant and always scanning the horizon for new opportunities and planning ahead for potential challenges,” he said.
Best said he is looking forward to an upcoming workshop meeting with the mayor and city council.
“A workshop meeting is a more relaxed setting than a regular council meeting,” Best said. “This will give the council an opportunity to ask questions and for us to make sure that they have all the information they need or want.”
Editor’s Note: You may view and/or download the Dec. 16 presentation to the city by clicking the link below.
Local author Susan Graham discusses her book that recounts devastating damageto Fortunes Rocks and other Biddeford neighborhoods
By RANDY SEAVER,Editor
It would become the largest natural disaster in Maine’s history, and it destroyed dozens of homes in many of Biddeford’s coastal neighborhoods.
Overall, the “Great Fire of 1947” caused more than $30 million in damages (roughly $438 million in today’s dollars) destroying entire towns and leaving more than 2,500 Maine people homeless.
Though the fires caused considerable damage in several communities, including Bar Harbor, York County was especially hard hit.
“It was devastating for so many families, especially in Fortunes Rocks,” says local author Susan Graham.
Graham recently published “Lost Fortunes Rocks: A Maine Summer Colony and the Fire of 1947,” a detailed account of how the devastating fires impacted the city of Biddeford, including its major employers and local government.
Local author Susan Graham holds a copy of her latest book, which offers detailed information about the “Great Fires of 1947” and how they destroyed entire neighborhoods and impacted Biddeford. (Seaver photo)
Graham’s book offers more than 180 pages of historical photos and meticulously researched information about the fire’s impact on local families, including her own parents who had moved to Biddeford from Kennebunkport just before the fire.
“It was a labor of love,” Graham said during a recent interview about her book at the Lincoln Hotel in Biddeford. “I just found it fascinating, and I had this personal connection to the fire because of where my family lived at the time.”
Much of Graham’s research was conducted at the McArthur Library in Biddeford during the COVID pandemic.
“The library was a treasure trove of information,” she recalled. “They are such a wonderful resource for the community.”
Graham said it seemed – at the time – that all of York County was on fire. In fact, the fire caused extensive damage in the western parts of the county, including the small towns of Newfield and Parsonsfield – but its most devastating impact in York County happened along the shoreline from Kennebunkport to Biddeford Pool, including the resort villages of Goose Rocks Beach, Granite Point and Fortunes Rocks.
According to Graham, the weather conditions that fueled the fire were quite similar to last year’s drought conditions in southern Maine.
“The summer of 1947 was exceptionally dry,” Graham explained. “It made heavily wooded rural areas into a virtual tinderbox.”
There are many theories about what ignited the blaze that raged for nearly two weeks in mid-October. Graham and other historians say it could have been a combination of things including human activity such as a tossed cigarette or autumn brush burning.
Graham said bucket brigades worked around the clock near Fortunes Rocks Beach, but those volunteers and the city’s firefighting resources were pulled away from the coast and redirected to protecting the central part of the city.
“There were concerns that the fires would continue up Rte. 111 from Arundel and cross Five Points, threatening the city’s hospitals, “Graham said. “The city’s fathers didn’t want to risk losing both the Webber and Trull hospitals. Who could question that decision?”
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“The city’s fathers didn’t want to risk losing both the Webber and Trull hospitals.”
— Susan Graham
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Graham says the fire raged from treetop to treetop, fueled by 40 mph wind gusts. Though roughly 50 people remained in Fortunes Rocks to fight the blaze, it was not enough to prevent what she describes as devastating damage to that neighborhood.
Large local employers, including the Saco-Lowell shops, shut down production so that their employees could help the city fight the rampaging fires.
About 60 homes were destroyed in Fortunes Rocks, Graham says, pointing out that eastern portions of Biddeford were at the time a “rural bread basket” that included several farms and a major source of food for the region.
Graham says it took her almost two years to compile the research and self-publish her book.
Copies of Graham’s book – in both hardcover and paperback — are available for sale at the Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk and online at grayeaglebooks@gmail.com
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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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To answer one of our questions, Alex MacPhail patiently scrolls through a series of data on his computer monitor. He seems naturally comfortable and at ease, sitting at his desk and eagerly talking about the “unlimited potential” of the Biddeford-Saco region.
“This is the stuff I get excited about,” MacPhail explains. “This is where the rubber meets the road in terms of community engagement and growth.”
Alex MacPhail is the new executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce
MacPhail is quick to point out that the Chamber is much more than a business networking group. The membership also includes dozens of non-profit organizations, local government representatives and individuals working on a wide variety of projects.
“We’re not here to just do ribbon cuttings and after-hours social mixers,” MacPhail said. “We’re here to engage and raise awareness about so many of the incredible businesses and organizations that are the backbone of this community.”
MacPhail declined to speculate why the Chamber’s board decided to let go of Lewis. Instead, MacPhail is focused on some changes he’s planning to make.
“In some ways, I am putting things back together,” he said. “We’re working to build stronger relationships – paving the way for our members to be more engaged and more visible.”
The Chamber, MacPhail says, can advocate for area businesses on issues that affect and impact the entire community, such as workforce development and the need for affordable housing.
“Businesses rely on stable, quality employees,” he explains. “We need to partner with government officials and others to make sure that we’re not putting up barriers or ignoring the needs of the private sector.”
In terms of local government officials, MacPhail is married to Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail.
Alex says that relationship does not present any tangible conflicts of interest.
“Sure, we talk about stuff privately,” he says. “But we do a really good job of staying in our own lanes.”
MacPhail previously worked for the Chamber in 2019 as a market specialist and volunteered at the Chamber long before his wife was elected to the Saco City Council and then later as the city’s mayor.
A native of the Boston area, MacPhail said he discovered the Biddeford-Saco region when his family would visit Old Orchard Beach in the summers.
“How can you not love this place,” he says, rattling off the region’s attributes including stunning natural resources, historical attributes and solid infrastructure.
MacPhail is a musician and plays the guitar. After high school, he wound up living in the Los Angeles area where he ended up becoming involved in the music industry and band management.
“Networking and building relationships have always come to me naturally,” he explains. “I see potential, and I get excited about it.”
The Chamber of Commerce works closely with other business advocacy groups including the Heart of Biddeford and Saco Main Street.
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“I see potential, and I get excited about it.”
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All three organizations receive some public funding from the cities of Biddeford and Saco.
When asked if that funding is redundant, MacPhail says there is some overlap but all three organizations have a different focus.
“The Heart of Biddeford is awesome,” MacPhail says. “But their focus is limited to just the downtown area. We represent and work with organizations all across the cities, in the industrial parks, the business parks and different neighborhoods.”
MacPhail says the Chamber offers its members a wide range of benefits, including analytical data regarding local trends and demographics.
“When you join the Chamber, you suddenly become part of a much larger organization. You are connected and have a strong advocate in your corner,” he said.
MacPhail says he is excited about some new projects and resurrecting some former projects such as publishing a regional business guidebook.
“This is the kind of job that you have to love in order to do it well,” he said. “We have a great board of directors that are fully committed. I get up every morning excited to go to work.”
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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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One of my primary resolutions for the new year included taking the Biddeford Gazette from a simple concept to a structured, non-profit organization.
The Gazette was formally launched on January 14, 2025. Our first story was about a proposed affordable housing project that would be built near Rotary Park.
A new year beckons from the horizon of Biddeford’s coastline (Seaver photo)
Over the next several months, the Gazette became a trusted, reliable and professional news outlet.
We published more than 130 original and often exclusive news stories. We also published – at no charge — local obituaries and listings of community events.
During the last year, the Gazette also took on several enterprise stories, including our three-part series on affordable housing and our in-depth reporting of the candidates and issues connected to Biddeford’s biennial election, including organizing the only mayoral debate in October.
And we provided a resource to share and promote community-generated news and feature stories from our readers.
It’s been an amazing year that exceeded all my expectations.
Going forward
Over the next few weeks, the Gazette will become an incorporated entity. We are currently working with an attorney to determine the best path forward. We are also in the process of taking care of some household chores, including insurance, opening a business banking account, professional dues and memberships, etc.
It’s exciting to watch the Gazette grow and to see it being embraced so warmly by the community, but our mission statement remains at the core of everything we do.
Between the holidays and all the internal, behind-the-scenes activity, you have probably noticed that our news coverage has slowed a bit.
Have no fear, we have some good (and exclusive) stories in development.
In case you missed it, we had a lot of fun learning about and writing about the West Brook skating rink on Pool Street. That outdoor rink has been part of Biddeford’s history for more than 100 years.
The West Brook skating rink in Biddeford was first opened to the public roughly four weeks before Warren G. Harding was inaugurated as the 29th president of the United States in 1921.
Although the outdoor rink has undergone some dramatic changes over the last century, the heart of its mission has remained unchanged, and it has become an embedded part of the city’s cultural heritage — kept alive by a small team of dedicated volunteers and the generosity of local businesses.
A recent photo shows a wide age range of kids enjoy the West Brook Skating Rink (Seaver photo)
Mike Bouthillette is one of those volunteers. In fact, Bouthillette – a lifelong resident who grew up skating at West Brook – is today serving as president of the small group of older volunteers who work to keep the facility alive.
“It’s a lot of work, and we really need more volunteers,” he explains.
Bouthillette says the rink is almost part of his DNA, pausing during our interview to remember his late father, Norman who loved skating at West Brook.
“My dad was a big piece of this rink,” Bouthillette explained. “In fact, over there is the spot where he reportedly first kissed my mother,” he said pointing to the far western side of the outdoor rink.
“When I moved back here in 2018, I knew I wanted to give back to the community,” Bouthillette said. “That’s what drives our core group of volunteers. It’s the love of kids and seeing their smiles. That’s what drives us. That’s why we keep doing it.”
Some things have not changed since the rink first opened more than 100 years ago. There is no charge to use the rink. Ice skates – in a variety of sizes – can be borrowed for free.
The rink does accept donations but it’s the concession sales that keep the lights on and the building heated.
But even the concessions are sold with the needs of working families in mind.
“This is basically the only place in Biddeford where you can get in and out for under $10,” Bouthillette explains. “You can get a hot dog or slice of pizza, some popcorn, hot chocolate and candy all for under $10.”
During the chilly days of winter – especially on the weekends – you can expect to find anywhere from 300 to 500 people skating on the large outdoor rink.
“The rink is bigger than our parking lot, and our parking lot is pretty big,” Bouthillette laughed.
Mike Bouthillette talks about the generations of families that have enjoyed West Brook skating rink (Seaver photo)
Fond memories and a lasting legacy
Former Biddeford City Councilor Clement Fleurent has fond memories of skating at West Brook skating rink when he was a teenager in the late 1950s.
“Oh yes, it was quite the spot for young people,” he laughed during a recent interview. “That’s where the boys met the girls.”
Beyond socialization, Fleurent recalled fierce skating competitions on West Brook’s ice.
“I never won,” he laughed. “I always came in second or third. My older brothers – J.P and Jerry — would often win, but not me. They used to laugh a lot about that.”
Fleurent said he recalled hearing about another skating rink across the street from West Brook on the side of Pool Street known as Silver Skate, which was dominated by girls’ skating while the boys raced and did barrel jumping at West Brook.
Fleurent said he learned to skate the same way he learned to swim: trial and error.
“I remember skating at the airport,” he laughed. “There would be a little bit of rain, and it would glaze over. We lived just behind the woods at the airport, so I would just walk over and skate.”
Fleurent also recalled skating on Wilcox Pond near the cemetery on West Street. “We used to skate, regardless of the weather,” Fleurent said. “I remember skating as early as Thanksgiving back then. I would come home basically frozen.”
Fleurent, 90, says he still has his skates, but says his speed skating days are now behind him.
“What great memories we had there,” Fleurent explained. “I remember the parking lot was full and you would see cars parked up and down Pool Street.”
Even then, it was all volunteers who kept the rink operating,” Fleurent said, pointing out that the Laverriere family had a home near the Knights of Columbus Hall, and they would help maintain the ice.
“Kids like Danny Gagne and Henry Paradis were the local legends,” Fleurent recalled. “The only time I come in first is when I’m driving in traffic. I’m always first at the red light.”
A framed collection of photos from the 1940s adorns one of the walls at the West Brook skating rink
Keeping the lights on, and the ice clear
Maintaining the property and keeping the rink open is a challenge, and Bouthillette points out that West Brook is the city’s only self-sufficient recreational facility.
Over the past few years, several improvements have been made at the facility, thanks to the generosity of some local businesses and work completed by students at Biddeford’s Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT).
Bouthillette is a master electrician and a teacher at the BRCOT. He says his students helped install new parking lot lights and a sound system at West Brook.
Students from the carpentry program helped repair the rotting floors in the concession building and built new stairs leading down from the parking lot to the ice, he said.
Jim Godbout, owner of Godbout Plumbing and Heating, donated and installed a new heat pump system. The St. Louis Alumni Association donated roughly $26,000 to obtain a tractor that can be used to clear the rink after a snow storm.
Kim Cocharane, the owner of Biddeford Painting, took care of repainting the building’s interior and never sent an invoice for the services or supplies. Jeff Brochu of Camille’s Electric also donated time and supplies for electrical upgrades.
“It’s just incredible,” Bouthillette says. “We have received so much support from the community, but there is still so much we need to do. A lot of things were put off for many years, and so we’re sort of in a catching-up phase.”
West Brook skating rink is a resource free to use for families and skating enthusiasts
A big bang for the buck
In November, Biddeford voters approved a $6.1 million bond package to be used for improvements and updates at more than a dozen recreational facilities across the city.
How and where those funds will be used has yet to be determined by the Biddeford City Council, which is planning to solicit broad-scale public comment about where and how the money will be used.
Bouthillette is keeping his fingers crossed that West Brook skating rink will get just a small sliver of that money, estimating he needs less than $50,000 to make much-needed repair to the building’s doors and windows, which are made of plexiglass.
“Right now, we’re pretty much heating the outside,” he said, pointing to a visible gap in the building’s main doorway.
While other facilities, including the Biddeford Ice Arena, the Community Center and the shuttered outdoor skate park near Rotary Park, are each asking for hundreds of thousands of dollars in needed repairs, West Brook has a rather modest funding request.
Plenty of skates — in a variety of sizes — are available for community use at West Brook skating rink
City Councilor Marc Lessard – an outspoken advocate for the city’s recreational facilities – says the city can get a “big bang for its buck” by investing a comparatively small amount at the popular skating rink.
“They are doing it all with volunteers,” Lessard said of West Brook skating rink. “When you look at how many people use that facility, it becomes quickly apparent that we can get a lot of citywide value for a pretty modest investment.”
Bouthillette says he knows there are other things that will be much more expensive to repair at West Brook including the dam under Pool Street that is used to help keep the water in the rink.
“We’re trying to be realistic,” he said. “We’re just trying to stay open to serve another generation of Biddeford families.”
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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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Tomorrow night – Dec. 9 – the new members of the Biddeford City Council will be getting some required “training” for their new roles in city government.
The city council workshop –– ostensibly open to the public, but why? — will feature four breakout sessions, including updates from City Manager Truc Dever, City Attorney Harry Center, City Clerk Robin Patterson and Executive Assistant Shelly MacNeill – the person who answers calls and schedules appointments for the mayor and city manager.
No, I am not making this up.
It’s probably safe to say that veteran councilor Marc Lesard will not be required to attend the Tuesday workshop meeting, given the fact that he’s been serving on the council since before Abraham Lincoln was shot, back in the days before Alan Casavant was Biddeford’s mayor.
(Photo from Wiki commons)
It remains unclear whether Councilors Patricia Boston and Brad Cote will need a refresher course in protocol, since they both previously served on the council – back when Barack Obama was president.
But newbie councilors Lisa Vadnais, David Kurtz, Jake Pierson and Abigail Woods will likely enjoy the various breakout training sessions, learning new skills such as how to control your gag reflexes during public meetings, the secret handshakes used during closed-door executive sessions and the limit of eyerolls that can be used whenever Richard Rhames approaches the podium.
But seriously, there are some protocols and procedures that city councilors must follow. So, it makes sense to learn the ground rules before you can actually start doing some serious damage to the city.
One thing blatantly missing from Tuesday’s training session: how to deal with the media.
A photo of downtown Biddeford taken shortly after Marc Lessard was first sworn into office as a city councilor. This is satire, feel free to smile.
The point Edmund Burke was trying to make back in the late 1700s was that the press held almost as much power and influence in policy as government officials, both elected and appointed.
But let’s turn the tables for a moment and examine first what our new councilors should expect from the media.
First and foremost, government officials should expect members of the media to be accurate. Secondly, responsible journalists should always be fair and strive for objectivity. Thirdly, journalists should treat government officials with respect and basic civility.
Now what does the media expect of government officials?
The top-three things? (in order) 1.) Honesty. 2.) Honesty and 3.) Honesty.
Seriously, always be honest, even if it means you’re not able to offer a comment because of state or local laws and ordinances. No one can fault you for following the law.
If a member of the press takes the time to call you, return the call. If you’re busy, ask the reporter if he or she is on a deadline. If you don’t know the answer to a reporter’s question, simply say, “I don’t know.”
Finally, on your way home from Tuesday night’s workshop meeting, maybe swing by Kohl’s and get yourself a pair of big boy pants.
You – despite logic and common-sense – signed up for public office, which means you are now fair game for public criticism. For your own sanity, you’re gonna have to learn how to let some stuff just roll of your backs.
Actually, Marc Lessard provides an excellent example of how to deal with media criticism: You just ignore it. Seriously. It’s not personal. It’s business.
No city official – past or present – (okay, maybe Joanne Twomey) has endured more media criticism and bloviating from me than Marc Lessard.
City Councilor Marc Lessard (official photo)
For nearly three decades, Marc and I have sparred on several issues. I have publicly called him to task on countless occasions and roundly scolded him in long-winded, poorly-written editorials for his positions, comments and actions.
“That’s billion with a B, boys.” (Inside joke probably only remembered by Lessard and Harry Center)
Nevertheless, Lessard always returns my calls promptly. He’s always ready to defend and explain his positions. He is invariably cordial and professional.
Make no mistake. Reporters – especially this one – can be a pain in the ass, but we could all learn a lot from Marc Lessard.
Now, is a zebra white with black stripes or black with white stripes?
Good luck, newbies! And thanks for stepping up to serve the city!
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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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As one of the most rural states in the country, the state of Maine is well known for its so-called “heritage industries” that rely on outdoor occupations, such as farming, fishing and logging.
Those industries have long driven Maine’s economy but they also present a few — somewhat hidden – challenges.
Overall, the bulk of those working in Maine’s “heritage” industries are men, and those physically-demanding jobs often come attached with significant mental health strains.
Workers in Maine’s “heritage industries” face lack of mental health resources. (Associated Press Photo)
“We know from years of statistical data that men are far less likely to reach out for mental health assistance than women,” explains State Sen. Henry Ingwersen (D-Biddeford). “And that is having an impact on our economy and our overall quality of living.”
Ingwersen is the senate chair of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee. He is also a member of the Joint Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee.
Those two roles intersect when it comes to addressing the health needs of those who work in one of Maine’s often rigorous and demanding heritage industries.
“Simply put, there are not a lot of mental health resources for people employed in small farming and fishing operations,” Ingwersen said. “Furthermore, men are often reluctant to ask for help.”
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), the suicide rate among males in 2023 was approximately four times higher than the rate among females.
Men make up roughly 50 percent of the population but nearly 80 percent of suicides.
To address this issue, Ingwersen plans to submit new legislation when the Legislature reconvenes in January.
State Sen. Henry Ingwersen (D-Biddeford)
That legislation will focus on creating a subcommittee to examine and address the lack of mental health resources in Maine’s heritage industries.
The bill — “Resolve, to Establish a Working Group to Prioritize Mental Health and Wellness Resources Within Maine’s Heritage Industries,” — was approved for introduction by a majority of the Legislative Council in a November 20 meeting.
“As senate chair of the Health and Human Services Committee and a member of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee, I’ve had a front row seat to the ways health intersects with our heritage industries,” Ingwersen said. “We all know that farming, fishing and logging are physically demanding industries. But there is less awareness of the significant mental strain on these workers, which leads to burnout, stress — or worse.
“It is critical that we take care of the people who power our economy, help us put food on tables and provide the material to build our homes.”
As proposed, the bill would create a working group to convene and work on policy recommendations to address the mental health needs of Maine’s workers in heritage industries.
Earlier this year, Ingwersen attended and spoke at Maine’s first-ever Land and Sea Farmer Wellness Forum, which was rooted in the work of The University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
The Extension recently conducted a survey, revealing that 61 percent of respondents from agriculture, aquaculture and wild-harvest fisheries identified the need for increased public education to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health.
Survey data showed that suicide rates remain higher for agriculture, fishing and forestry occupation groups. Many farmers and fishermen have no employer-provided health insurance.
“These industries are critical to Maine’s economy and yet we are facing some serious vulnerabilities that – as a cumulative effect – could disrupt the flow of the food we eat and the materials we use to build our homes,” Ingwersen said.
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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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Once again, Biddeford’s downtown holiday celebration and annual tree lighting ceremony Friday night drew a decent crowd downtown on lower Adams Street.
Poppy (3) was excited to see Santa Claus arrive along with her parents Stephanie and Michael of Biddeford (Seaver photo)
Santa Claus arrived on schedule, escorted by the flashing lights and the wailing sirens of a Biddeford Fire truck. Although the city’s new tree is less than nine feet tall, the crowd let out a roar once it was lit by strands of colored lights.
Santa Claus leads the crowd in a countdown to the tree lighting (Seaver photo)
This year’s event — coordinated by the Heart of Biddeford — offered something for everyone, including the “Merry Makerfair Holiday Market,”transforming the former Adams Street Courthouse into a modern-day North Pole elves’ workshop. More than 50 local vendors and artisans displayed a wide range of unique, handmade gifts.
The Merry Makerfair Holiday Market showcased unique, hand-crafted gifts from more than 50 local artisans (Seaver Photo)
Keeping traditions alive, the Biddeford Recreation Department offered a smores-making station and several firepits and games for younger children.
Micah, 6, from Saco, had some good luck at a fishing station. (Seaver photo)
City Councilor Roger Beaupre and his wife, Penny, attended the event. “Because of the cold, I didn’t expect this many people,” Beaupre said, pointing out that it was somewhat difficult to find a parking space.
Despite frigid temperatures, a good-sized crowd turned out for Biddeford’s annual tree lighting ceremony (Seaver photo)
According to our well-placed, high-level sources at the North Pole, Santa Claus will be making another visit to Biddeford on Sunday, December 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Central Fire Station on Alfred Street.
In related holiday news, on. Dec. 14, Biddeford will also kick off this year’s Hannukah celebration with a downtown Menorah Lighting ceremony beginning at 5:30 p.m.; 17 Lincoln Street.
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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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Although the Biddeford Planning Board narrowly approved the University of New England’s controversial pier proposal in August, a required building permit will not be issued by the city until a decision comes down from the York County Superior Court.
The city has filed a formal complaint against the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC), a quasi-state agency tasked to review and control development on the Saco River.
The city of Biddeford will not issue a building permit for UNE’s controversial pier proposal until a decision regarding the validity of the review process comes from York County SuperiorCourt
As first reported in the Biddeford Gazette, new questions were raised in October about the review process. Specifically, the city now says that a previous decision by the SRCC — from more than 24 years ago — should have disqualified the project.
In 2001, the SRCC and the university created a 250-foot, no-development zone along the shoreline of UNE’s campus. That agreement was made as a compromise to allow construction of two dormitory buildings that would exceed a 35-foot height restriction.
The university is now hoping to construct an access road for its new pier through that buffer zone.
During their review of the university’s proposal last year, the SRCC failed to consider its previous ruling. “It was a mistake,” said Cheri Dunning, executive director of the SRCC during an October interview with the Gazette.
Dunning described the mistake as an “omission of information.” Because the agency’s approval happened more than 30 days ago, Dunning said there was nothing the SRCC could do to remedy the error.
“Our staff is working hard to prevent this type of error in the future,” Dunning said.
A few days later, Dunning sent an email to Roby Fecteau, the city’s code enforcement officer. In that email, she opined that the SRCC can alter any decision it makes. She also denied saying that the decision was a mistake on the part of the SRCC.
“The condition was created by, and thus can be altered by, the Commission,” Dunning wrote in her email to Fecteau.
When contacted Wednesday, Dunning refused to answer any questions that were not submitted to her in writing.
The Gazette sent Dunning an email, asking for comments and clarification. She did not respond to our inquiry, as of press time.
City Attorney Harry Center said the formal complaint was filed because the city wants to “maintain the integrity of the review process.”
“We’re not seeking money nor damages,” Center said. “We’re simply asking the court to instruct the SRCC to reconsider the permit.”
In early November, the Biddeford City Council voted unanimously to seek “guidance about the permit” from the Maine Attorney General’s office.
The AG’s office declined the city’s request for intervention, citing the fact that the city has its own legal counsel and that the attorney general’s office would likely represent the SRCC in any legal action.
“Municipalities rely on consistent, lawful application of state permitting standards,” said Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain.
“When a statutory buffer required by a prior permit is overlooked, it is essential for the matter to be properly reviewed,” LaFountain said. “Our goal is to ensure that decisions affecting the Saco River comply fully with applicable law and long-standing environmental protections.”
Donald Furman serves as Biddeford’s representative on the Saco River Corridor Commission.
Furman, an attorney, said he had “no knowledge” of the city’s complaint, which was filed nearly two weeks ago.
“This is news to me,” Furman said when contacted by the Gazette.
In the city’s complaint to the court, the University of New England is listed as an interested party.
UNE spokesperson Sarah Delage said the university “respectfully disagrees” with the city’s position.
Delage said the permit issued in 2001 for new dormitory building does not preclude the building of an access road within the 250-foot vegetative buffer along the river.
“It allows for development within that zone if the SRCC reviews the plan and finds that it adequately maintains appropriate vegetation levels,” Delage wrote in a statement to the media. “During the SRCC approval process for this project, the SRCC provided feedback on UNE’s re-vegetation plan. The project that was ultimately approved reflects that feedback.
Delage also said the university never claimed that the University would never propose any activity within the vegetative buffer.
“The research pier is an important educational and scientific asset that will support UNE’s marine science programs and contribute to environmental research benefiting our coastal community,” Delage wrote. “UNE is committed to responsible development and environmental stewardship of our waterfront campus.”
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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 Apex Youth Connection in Biddeford offers a wide range of programs to help teens transition to adulthood
ByRANDY SEAVER,Editor
It’s quite common to hear about after-school programs that get kids off the streets and into a productive, structured setting.
Apex Youth Connection (AYC) in Biddeford, however, takes a different approach to nurturing and empowering teens. Apex is all about getting kids on the street and engaged in their community.
APEX is a nonprofit organization that grew from rather humble roots and today serves hundreds of kids between the ages of 10 and 18 with after school programs between 3 and 6 p.m.; and a variety of free programs throughout the summer.
Founded in 2001, Apex was formerly known as the Community Bike Center (CBC), a project that began in founder Andy Greif’s garage, where kids could earn a bicycle by helping rebuild donated bicycles with spare parts.
Students learn valuable life skills while repairing and rebuilding bicycles at the Apex Youth Connection facility in Biddeford (Courtesy photo)
With broad support from the community, the CBC was able to grow and purchase its current facility on Granite Street in Biddeford. The property encompasses six acres, abutting Clifford Park. It includes a rock-climbing wall and a bike skills course.
Executive Director Michael Chapman said several programs have been added over the years. Apex today is much more than a clubhouse for kids who love to ride and work on bicycles, he said.
Chapman said the majority of kids served at Apex are students at either Biddeford Middle School or Saco Middle School.
“That age group seems to be the real sweet spot for us,” Chapman said during a recent interview. “We are all about building relationships, teaching kids the skills they will need as adults.”
The organization’s mission statement is straightforward
“Apex is dedicated to enriching the lives of youth through hands-on activities and outdoor adventure, while fostering meaningful mentorships in an environment where every child feels safe and valued.”
Chapman says Apex relies on a wide range of community partners, local businesses and donors to keep their programs accessible for all kids.
“If you’re thinking about Giving Tuesday, we’d love to have your support,” Chapman said.
Chapman says Apex offers young people an opportunity to get a head start on job readiness, providing the larger community with young people who are prepared for workforce development.
“It’s about much more than turning a wrench,” Chapman said. “We teach responsibility, goal setting and even customer service. You cannot teach anyone unless they respect you. We earn that respect by empowering these kids.”
Sarah Hoover is the program manager at Apex, one of four full-time employees.
Hoover said Apex is constantly looking for community partnerships. “Our goal is to be embedded in the fabric of this community,” she said. “To do that, we rely on volunteers and community connections.”
“You cannot teach anyone unless they respect you. We earn that respect by empowering these kids.”
— Michael Chapman
Kids at Apex learn much more than about how to rebuild or repair bicycles. They learn about good behavior; and about being good citizens within the community.
Although Apex offers several different programs and events, they are perhaps best known for their Apex Bike Factory program.
The Bike Factory program is at the center of Apex’s ongoing activities and skills training programs and “is the core of our Job Readiness Program.”
The bike factory is a full-service bike shop run by middle and high school students and is open to the public for bicycle repairs and tune-ups.
“We’re able to provide work experience and skills that these kids can take forward into their adult lives,” Chapman says. “Every kid has a spark. You just need to light that spark and watch them grow into the person they were meant to be.”
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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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As members of the Baby Boom generation continue to age, a relatively new organization is dedicated to helping seniors maintain their independence and remain in their own homes.
The ‘Age Friendly’ program is an initiative launched by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and offers program services in several states across the country.
In Maine, cities and towns from Berwick to Fort Kent have been designated as Age Friendly communities and offer local chapters that provide services for aging residents.
Becky Hadiaris was recently named as executive director of the Age Friendly Saco program. (Seaver photo)
According to the AARP, the population of the United States is “rapidly aging.” By 2030, one out of five people in the U.S. will be 65 or older; and by 2034, the number of adults over the age of 65 will be greater than the number of children under 18.
On a local level, both Biddeford and Saco have an Age Friendly program in place.
Becky Hadiaris was recently hired as the executive director of Age Friendly Saco; and across the river, Betsy Martin is leading a small group of volunteers and trying to keep up with an increasing demand for services offered by Age Friendly Biddeford.
Both Hadiaris and Martin say more volunteers are needed; and they are both working to increase public awareness about the services provided by the Age Friendly program.
“Our program started in 2016, but we got disbanded by Covid in 2020,” Martin said. “We’re stretched thin, but we are trying to rebuild because there is a growing need in our community.”
The Age Friendly Saco program is standing on more solid ground and has 104 volunteers.
Martin said the two groups work closely, and she credits her Saco colleagues for their help in keeping the Age Friendly Biddeford program moving forward.
The Biggest Need
Hadiaris and Martin both say transportation for seniors is a dominant issue in Biddeford and Saco.
Mona Grandbois and Betsy Martin say the Age Friendly Biddeford program has a big need for volunteer drivers (Seaver photo)
Although both communities are served by a public transit system, many seniors still face challenges in getting to medical appointments.
“If you’re 80 years old, using a walker, you probably can’t get to the bus stop,” said Mona Grandbois, transportation director for Age Friendly Biddeford. “It’s just not practical.”
So far this year, Age Friendly Biddeford has provided 829 rides, and Martin says the need is only growing. “We need volunteers who are able to give just a few hours each week to help fill in the gaps. You can make your own schedule. It’s very flexible.”
In Saco, Hadiaris describes her group’s transportation program a shuttle akin to a free Uber ride for seniors.
“But there is only so much we can do,” she said. “We really need more volunteers.”
Beyond transportation services, both organizations offer other programs all designed to help seniors age in their own homes.
For example, Biddeford residents over the age of 55 can have a bucket of sand delivered to their homes for free.
In both cities, seniors are eligible to receive free handyman services, ranging from smoke detector installation to weather-proofing windows and doorways to increase heating efficiency.
Age Friendly Saco also offers free technical/IT services and guidance as well as opportunities for social interaction and activities.
“It’s all about helping people stay in their homes,” Martin said. “We’re moving forward, and that feels good, but we could sure use some more volunteers.”
Hadiaris agreed, pointing out that both programs are continually looking for ways to collaborate. “We’re not looking to reinvent the wheel,” she said. “And we’re always looking for ways to serve our older neighbors.”
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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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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 