NEWSLETTER: ‘Looking for a place to happen’

New partnerships, expanding technology will help the Gazette stay connected to you I don’t believe this could have been a better week for the Biddeford Gazette. I am especially excited about several new partnerships that will allow us to give you more news and information about your community. Earlier this week, I was invited to … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: ‘Looking for a place to happen’

New UNE oversight committee begins work

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor The first meeting of Biddeford’s revived Institutional Zone Review (IZR) Committee was held Thursday evening, giving members a chance to introduce themselves and to complete several organizational and administrative tasks, including scheduling their first public hearing. The committee was launched earlier this year, at the direction of Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain … Continue reading New UNE oversight committee begins work

‘You can spread the blame like peanut butter’

City Councilor Marc Lessard falls on his own sword by saying he is partly responsible for some of the city's ongoing financial problems By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Tuesday’s meeting of the Biddeford City Council’s Finance Committee made one fact abundantly clear. The city is still struggling to clean up the damage done over the last … Continue reading ‘You can spread the blame like peanut butter’

Biddeford’s skatepark: ‘It’s a matter of trust’

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor During Tuesday’s city council meeting, several residents used the words “community engagement,” during a public hearing about how the city should prioritize funding of its neglected recreational assets. Several of those who testified before the council pointed to the principles and importance of community engagement, arguing that the council should prioritize … Continue reading Biddeford’s skatepark: ‘It’s a matter of trust’

Angers considers run for county commission

A longtime fixture at City Hall, Roch Angers tells the Gazette he wants to follow in Richard Dutremble's footsteps at the county level By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Roch Angers – a longtime former Biddeford city councilor and a current planning board member – told the Gazette Sunday that he is seriously considering a run for … Continue reading Angers considers run for county commission

Ingwersen kicks off campaign in Biddeford

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor A small group -- including some other legislators -- gathered Sunday at Pizza By Alex in Biddeford to help State Sen. Henry Ingwersen (D-Arundel) launch his campaign for a third consecutive term in the Maine State Senate. RELATED: State Senate race heats up in Biddeford State Sen. Henry Ingwersen (right) shares … Continue reading Ingwersen kicks off campaign in Biddeford

State senate race heats up in Biddeford

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor This year’s District 32 State Senate race could become a crowded affair. So far, three candidates have announced their intentions to seek the senate seat that represents Biddeford, Arundel, Dayton, Lyman and Hollis in the Maine Legislature. The Gazette learned this week that there is a possibility more candidates may be … Continue reading State senate race heats up in Biddeford

Councilor Lessard considering run for state house

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Biddeford City Councilor Marc Lessard confirmed Friday that he is considering a challenge against incumbent State Rep. Marc Malon to represent District 133 in the Maine House of Representatives. District 133 includes the central and western area of the city. The upcoming election will be held in November. If he does … Continue reading Councilor Lessard considering run for state house

City councilors plan ward meetings for residents

Revising a concept that received mixed results from the public two years ago, Biddeford city councilors who specifically represent one of the city's seven voting wards plan to host small, personal ward meetings to get resident feedback regarding various city issues. See below for details regarding dates and locations about the upcoming meetings. According to … Continue reading City councilors plan ward meetings for residents

BHS art students earn statewide recognition

By KAREN GARNETT, Contributing Writer Two Biddeford High School students are being recognized for their award-winning artwork in the prestigious Scholastic Art and Writing Awards at the Maine College of Art & Design in Portland next month. Junior Brynn Wilkinson earned a Silver Key Award for her "Drawn by Light", an 8-by-10 acrylic still-life painting, and Sophomore … Continue reading BHS art students earn statewide recognition

Bennett brings campaign to Biddeford

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor In the very crowded race to become Maine’s next governor, former State Sen. Rick Bennett is hoping to stand out as an Independent candidate who is ready to tackle tough issues with a common-sense approach and a commitment to people rather than any political party. Bennett, 62, brought his campaign to Biddeford … Continue reading Bennett brings campaign to Biddeford

It’s all about the smiles: UNE and Rep. Fecteau both focus on Maine kids

UNE dental students again provided free care to local students; Rep. Ryan Fecteau introduced a bill to expand dental coverage for Maine children. Contributed stories Students from the University of New England’s College of Dental Medicine and Department of Dental Hygiene welcomed 85 elementary students from Old Orchard Beach to the university’s Oral Health Center … Continue reading It’s all about the smiles: UNE and Rep. Fecteau both focus on Maine kids

How Biddeford is using its opioid settlement funds

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor The Biddeford City Council received an update Tuesday regarding how the city’s local allocation of Opioid Settlement funds has been used over the last year. The funds come from several class action lawsuits that were filed against opioid manufacturers and distributors roughly 10 years ago. Jake Hammer, Biddeford's General Assistance supervisor, gave … Continue reading How Biddeford is using its opioid settlement funds

Biddeford city manager: Cheering for the Seahawks on Sunday?

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Nearly 128 million people are expected to watch Sunday’s Superbowl Championship game between the 17-3 New England Patriots and the 16-3 Seattle Seahawks. One of those people who will be watching the Superbowl LX game on television is Biddeford’s relatively new city manager Truc Dever. Dever relocated to Biddeford last summer … Continue reading Biddeford city manager: Cheering for the Seahawks on Sunday?