By RANDY SEAVER, Editor 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 … Continue reading Age Friendly: Helping seniors stay in their homes
Tag: Randy Seaver
Biddeford convent could become college dorms
The former St. Joseph’s Covent in Biddeford could soon become a new dormitory complex for students from the University of New England (UNE). UNE purchased the property earlier this year. They are scheduled to present their plan before the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) on Monday. The St. Joseph's convent in Biddeford could soon become … Continue reading Biddeford convent could become college dorms
OPINION | A change will do us good?
On Tuesday, I sat in my usual seat in the Biddeford City Council Chamber -- back row and closest to the door. With my back against the wall, I can see and monitor almost everything happening in the room. That perch also provides a quick exit in the event that the shit hits the fan. … Continue reading OPINION | A change will do us good?
Mayor-elect shares his hopes and goals for the city’s future
A little more than two weeks ago, Biddeford voters sent a clear message that they wanted change and more accountability from City Hall. In fact, nearly two thirds of the people who cast ballots in the Nov. 4 municipal election chose candidates other than incumbent Mayor Marty Grohman for the city’s top job. Biddeford City … Continue reading Mayor-elect shares his hopes and goals for the city’s future
NEWSLETTER: Not Your Father’s Biddeford
New mayor; changing business hours at City Hall and approaching holidays The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping, but it feels good to approach the holiday season with some enthusiasm and contentment. This week, we are asking our readers to tell us what they believe were the Top-Ten news stories in Biddeford … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: Not Your Father’s Biddeford
Zoning Board sides with UNE
The University of New England cleared another hurdle Thursday when the Biddeford Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) voted unanimously to reject an appeal of the university’s proposed research pier. Although the Biddeford Planning Board narrowly approved the controversial pier in August, a group of private citizens – led by the former chair of the Biddeford … Continue reading Zoning Board sides with UNE
Veterans Day 2025
Scores of people braved chilly temperatures and biting winds to celebrate the annual Biddeford-Saco Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday. This year's ceremony featured the unveiling of the Gen. Wallace H. Nutting Memorial Bridge. RELATED: Cities will dedicate bridge on Veterans Day Gen. Wallace Nutting's children attended the dedication ceremony of a bridge named in their … Continue reading Veterans Day 2025
Back to the drawing board for UNE?
City attorney finds new info, says UNE pier should go back to planning board By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Biddeford City Attorney Harry Center says that the Biddeford Planning Board should reconsider its prior approval of the University of New England’s controversial research pier. Although the planning board narrowly approved the university’s proposal in August, Center … Continue reading Back to the drawing board for UNE?
McArthur Library names new director
The McArthur Library’s board of directors today announced that Nicole Clark has been hired as library director. Clark, who first joined McArthur Library as Adult Services Supervisor in December 2024, has been serving as Interim Director since earlier this year. Nicole Clark (Seaver Photo) “It is with great excitement that we announce the hiring of … Continue reading McArthur Library names new director
Cities will rename bridge Tuesday
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor On Tuesday – during this year’s annual Veterans’ Day ceremonies -- the cities of Biddeford and Saco will pause for a brief ceremony to dedicate and rename the York Hill Bridge in honor of General Wallace Nutting. The York Hill bridge connects Biddeford and Saco and sits at the bottom of … Continue reading Cities will rename bridge Tuesday
NEWSLETTER: Glad it’s over; I need a nap
Wow! What a wild ride it’s been. Although I am a junkie when it comes to local politics, I must confess I am quite relieved that Biddeford’s municipal elections are now over. This year’s election had a certain energy. There was a sense of enthusiasm among those waiting in line to cast their votes. Mayor-elect … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: Glad it’s over; I need a nap
City will seek Attorney General’s advice about UNE pier
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor The Biddeford City Council voted unanimously Thursday to seek guidance from the Maine Attorney General’s office about a new wrinkle that was recently discovered in the University of New England’s proposal to build a large, research pier on the Saco River. In order to build their pier, the university needed approvals … Continue reading City will seek Attorney General’s advice about UNE pier
Mayor will issue ‘formal apology’
Just hours after losing the mayor's seat, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman said he will issue a formal apology to Mayor-Elect Liam LaFountain during Thursday's city council meeting. LaFountain narrowly won the three-way race with 42 percent of the vote (2,623). Grohman received 2,413 votes (38.3 percent). After the polls closed Tuesday, I offered Gazette readers … Continue reading Mayor will issue ‘formal apology’
Biddeford chooses new mayor
Biddeford voters chose City Council President Liam LaFountain to be Biddeford's next mayor. LaFountain edged incumbent Marty Grohman 2,623 - 2,413. City Councilor Norman Belanger placed third with 1, 272 votes. For the first time, the Biddeford City Council will include three women. Patricia Boston won her campaign in Ward One; political newcomer Abigail Woods … Continue reading Biddeford chooses new mayor
Election Day Updates:
Biddeford City Clerk Robin Patterson said Thursday that the number of absentee ballots she received had already exceeded the number of absentee ballots that were cast two years ago, in the 2023 election. As of Thursday (Oct. 30), more than 2,300 absentee ballots were casts, compared to a total of roughly 2,100 ballots in 2023. … Continue reading Election Day Updates:
Ingwersen working to stabilize childcare costs
Contributed Story State Sen. Henry Ingwersen (D-Biddeford) and Senate President Mattie Daughtry (D-Brunswick) visited the St. Louis Child Development Center in Biddeford, as part of a statewide Child Care Listening Tour. “As the Senate chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, I know that access to affordable child care remains a top priority across … Continue reading Ingwersen working to stabilize childcare costs
Biddeford leaders tackle food insecurity
All across Maine, people are scrambling to help those who may be facing increased food insecurity as a result of the federal government shutdown. Typically, Maine’s SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are distributed near the middle of the month. The program relies on federal funding. According to state officials, nearly 170,000 people receive SNAP … Continue reading Biddeford leaders tackle food insecurity
Teachers union offers dual ‘endorsements,” gives candidates access to PAC funds
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Campaign “endorsements” from the Biddeford Teachers Association (BTA) caused some confusion yesterday when two of Biddeford’s three mayoral candidates announced that they received the union’s endorsement. The BTA endorsed both Mayor Marty Grohman and City Council President Liam LaFountain in their bids to become the city’s next mayor. Councilor Norman Belanger … Continue reading Teachers union offers dual ‘endorsements,” gives candidates access to PAC funds
OPINION: Campaign predictions and a free lunch
We’re coming into the final stretch, and we’re now less than one week away from Biddeford’s municipal elections on Tuesday, Nov. 4. This is a busy time of year for journalists and for city clerks around the state. The work-load drops considerably on Wednesday, Nov. 5. That day – the day after the elections are … Continue reading OPINION: Campaign predictions and a free lunch
OPINION: Behind the Scenes — Biddeford elections and the Biddeford Gazette
Thanks to Randy Forcier for the opportunity to discuss Biddeford's upcoming elections and the genesis of the Biddeford Gazette. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpZVaHFLfdE
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 