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
Tag: Randy Seaver
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
BPS kids give editor birthday greeting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdPVkgXn36E Students at Biddeford Primary School wish the Gazette's editor a happy birthday. What a truly awesome way to celebrate your birthday! I used to be a second grader in Biddeford -- a long, long time ago, And that -- along with the fact that today is also the birthday of Dr. Seuss, I thought … Continue reading BPS kids give editor birthday greeting
NEWSLETTER | Paradise City
It’s been an interesting, busy and somewhat exhausting week here at the Biddeford Gazette. In fact, I was moving in some many directions that I forgot to send out this newsletter on Saturday. My former boss David Flood always used to say there’s a lot more to running a newspaper than just writing and publishing … Continue reading NEWSLETTER | Paradise City
INTERVIEW | David Kurtz, city councilor, lawyer and hiker
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor David Kurtz takes in a deep breath – pauses – and looks away, toward the coffee shop’s window before answering one of our questions during an informal and candid interview. Kurtz, 39, is one of the three new Biddeford city councilors who were each first elected to office in November. Despite … Continue reading INTERVIEW | David Kurtz, city councilor, lawyer and hiker
Adams Point housing | ‘An exciting project’
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Guy Gagnon has been excited about this particular project for several years. The project is Adams Point, a 39-unit affordable family housing project on the upper end of Adams Street in Biddeford. Following more than three years of planning and construction, Adams Point is expected to finally open in April. The … Continue reading Adams Point housing | ‘An exciting project’
Salamone drops out of state senate race
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Political newcomer John Salamone, a Republican who recently moved to Hollis from Portland, announced on social media Monday that he is withdrawing from the Dist. 32 State Senate race. In a brief post on his personal Facebook page, Salamone wrote: "After a great deal of reflection and prayer, I’ve decided to … Continue reading Salamone drops out of state senate race
Biddeford sidewalks and snow
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Given recent complaints about the city of Biddeford's sidewalk snow removal policies, Jeff Demers, the city's public works director, recently sent the Gazette a detailed explanation regarding his department's priorities when it comes to clearing snow from city sidewalk policies. Jeff Demers, Biddeford Public Works Department director (Seaver photo) Demers said … Continue reading Biddeford sidewalks and snow
OPINION: Life During Wartime, when reporters compete
When journalists compete, readers win | Good news for people in Biddeford Whether you’re buying a new car or just picking up the week’s groceries, you are always better off when you have choices and competition in the marketplace. It’s no different when it comes to the highly competitive world of journalism. Having choices about … Continue reading OPINION: Life During Wartime, when reporters compete
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