Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain issued a public statement to all southern Maine media outlets regarding a recent York County Superior Court decision to dismiss a lawsuit that was filed against the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) in December 2025. RELATED | Court rules against the city of Biddeford Please find below the mayor's unedited statement: … Continue reading Mayor issues statement about court case
Tag: Randy Seaver
Court rules against Biddeford
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Mayor Liam LaFountain and members of the Biddeford City Council heard some disappointing news today when they learned that a York County Superior Court justice has decided to dismiss a lawsuit the city filed late last year against the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) – and by extension, the University … Continue reading Court rules against Biddeford
OUR ERROR | And how we’re going to fix it
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor An open letter to the Gazette's readers, subscribers, team members and donors. The following is the text of an email that I sent earlier today to Carolyn Fox, executive editor of the Portland Press Herald. _________________ Dear Ms. Fox, By way of introduction, my name is Randy Seaver, and I … Continue reading OUR ERROR | And how we’re going to fix it
Editor’s Note | Ready for some fun?
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Have you – or someone you know – ever wondered what it’s like to be a journalist in today’s rapidly changing media landscape? Ever thought you would like to write news or feature stories for your community newspaper? Or would you just like to take a deeper dive and participate … Continue reading Editor’s Note | Ready for some fun?
Doug Sanford | A preacher’s son, developer
For nearly 50 years, Biddeford's most iconic 'bootstrap developer" has demonstrated a deep love for the city. By RANDY SEAVER | Editor When looking back over the last 50 years of Biddeford’s history, there is no question that Doug Sanford played an extraordinarily pivotal and significant role in resurrecting a community that was brimming with … Continue reading Doug Sanford | A preacher’s son, developer
OPINION | Why History Matters
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor One of the coolest things about doing something for more than 30 years is the memories you make along the way. As a political junkie – especially in regards to the city of Biddeford – it is extremely rewarding for me to have an archive of local political news that … Continue reading OPINION | Why History Matters
City council will hear school budget proposal
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor School Supt. Jeremy Ray is expected to make his annual presentation of the proposed school budget before the Biddeford City Council this evening, March 17. The city council is already wrestling with a proposed municipal budget that was presented last week by municipal department heads. That early proposal – subject … Continue reading City council will hear school budget proposal
Saco has lost a former mayor; I have lost a friend
OPINION | RANDY SEAVER I am feeling so sad. I just learned from a reading a story in Saco Bay News that Bill Johnson – a former Saco mayor and city councilor -- recently passed away at the age of 92. This news leaves a gaping hole. I regret losing touch with Bill. He was … Continue reading Saco has lost a former mayor; I have lost a friend
NEWSLETTER | Amateur hour is over
It’s been another busy week at the Biddeford Gazette, capped off by last weekend’s annual spring conference of the New England Newspaper & Press Association (NENPA). NENPA is a professional organization supporting the work of more than 450 media outlets throughout New England, including daily and weekly print publications; radio and television stations and digital … Continue reading NEWSLETTER | Amateur hour is over
Tempus Fugit (Time Flies)
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Do these faces look familiar? They should. Earlier today, I spent some time with Chuck Cote at the Biddeford Community Center reviewing his amazing archive of local sports and political newspaper clippings and other fascinating memorabilia. We plan to publish a full story tomorrow, including an interview, some fun pictures, video … Continue reading Tempus Fugit (Time Flies)
Biddeford Tigers bring home another win
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Members of the Biddeford High School Tigers Unified Basketball Team faced their opponents Thursday with steely gazes and wide grins. The Biddeford Tigers take the court just before the start of Thursday's season final in Sanford (Seaver photo) It was a thrilling game that ended the regular season for the … Continue reading Biddeford Tigers bring home another win
Biddeford City Clerk resigns
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor According to multiple sources, Biddeford City Clerk Robin Patterson will be resigning her position, effective April 10 this year. City Manager Truc Dever sent an email message to all city staff and elected officials, notifying them of Patterson's decision. City Clerk Robin Patterson (City photo) There was no information available at … Continue reading Biddeford City Clerk resigns
UNE president expresses frustration
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor University of New England President Dr. James Herbert today released a formal statement to the Biddeford community regarding the school's controversial research pier proposal. Herbert's statement was sent to area media outlets and city officials. Herbert's public statement is the first time he has publicly spoken about the research pier. … Continue reading UNE president expresses frustration
City eyes hiring consultant to help ‘right the ship’
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain told the Biddeford Gazette early Tuesday afternoon that he is optimistic about his proposal to bring in a temporary consultant to help city staffers and elected leaders address several critical issues that have been plaguing the city for more than two years. The city council is expected … Continue reading City eyes hiring consultant to help ‘right the ship’
A very good night for Biddeford hockey fans!
The York/Biddeford/Old Orchard Beach Boys Hockey Co-Op hockey team won the state championship today, defeating Hampden Academy 3-2 in a thrilling game at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. The team has earned rounds of praise from throughout the Biddeford community, including congratulatory remarks on social media platforms by Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain and School … Continue reading A very good night for Biddeford hockey fans!
Is the Gazette biased against UNE?
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor A former Biddeford resident who now lives in Ada, Mich., recently sent an email to the Gazette complaining that we have been “unfair and biased” toward the University of New England. In his March 6 email, Bernard Roy – a 1971 Biddeford High School graduate – expressed disappointment regarding the Gazette’s … Continue reading Is the Gazette biased against UNE?
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
‘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
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
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