By KAREN GARNETT, Contributing Writer Beginning today (Oct. 29) students across the Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton school districts are joining forces to help fight hunger in their own backyards through a new initiative called “Spare Change Fills Plates.” The campaign comes at a critical time, as SNAP benefits end for many local families, impacting children … Continue reading Area students launch campaign to fight hunger
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
Meet the Biddeford School Committee Candidates
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Ten candidates are hoping to win one of seven at-large seats on the Biddeford School Committee. This year’s race will feature some new faces, and a few current members – including Randy Forcier, John McCurry and Lisa Vadnais -- will not be seeking reelection. We asked each of the candidates what … Continue reading Meet the Biddeford School Committee Candidates
Talkin’ Biddeford Politics with Randy Forcier
Once again, I had a blast as a guest on the Randy Forcier Podcast. We talked about the upcoming municipal elections, my predictions on the various races and voter turnout. Randy is a Biddeford native and a former member of the Biddeford School Committee. You can find his podcast on several platforms, including YouTube, Spotify … Continue reading Talkin’ Biddeford Politics with Randy Forcier
At-Large candidates Lessard, Vadnais share concerns about UNE pier
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor The Biddeford Gazette asked the three At-Large city council candidates to share their thoughts and concerns about the controversial pier being proposed by the University of New England (UNE). Last week, we reached out to the two candidates vying for the Ward One seat, which represents Biddeford’s coastal neighborhoods, about their … Continue reading At-Large candidates Lessard, Vadnais share concerns about UNE pier
Mayor offers more selective endorsements
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman is making more endorsements in some city council races but will not make any endorsements in the three-way at-large council race and in the Ward Six race. When asked why he will not make endorsements in those two races, Grohman said he has “strong relationships” with all … Continue reading Mayor offers more selective endorsements
Mayor offers two city council endorsements
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor NOTE: This story was updated to include comments from city council candidate Abigail Woods. As Election Day draws closer, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman is endorsing at least two city council candidates. Grohman today announced his endorsement of Brad Cote in the city’s Ward Seven race. Grohman also says he will be … Continue reading Mayor offers two city council endorsements
Tour highlights aging recreation resources
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Biddeford voters will soon decide the fate of a $6 million bond that would be used to upgrade, repair and enhance several of the city’s recreational assets, including parks, playgrounds and buildings. On Tuesday, the Biddeford Gazette was invited to tour some of the sites that need upgrades and repairs. Facilities … Continue reading Tour highlights aging recreation resources
Residents sound off about UNE pier, mayor tries to rewrite history
By RANDY SEAVER, editor Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman and members of the city council listened Thursday evening to several residents who raised concerns about how the city has handled its review of a controversial pier project that the University of New England wants to build on the Saco River. Roughly 55 people attended Thursday’s special … Continue reading Residents sound off about UNE pier, mayor tries to rewrite history
Biddeford Education Foundation raises more than $20K to help students
By KAREN GARNETT, Contributing Writer The Biddeford Education Foundation (BEF) held its Eighth Annual Pillars of Pride event to honor two remarkable community members: longtime educator Joyce Tarpy and local photographer Maureen Grandmaison. The celebration, hosted at The Lincoln Hotel in Biddeford, raised over $20,000 for the Foundation, which provides resources outside the school budget … Continue reading Biddeford Education Foundation raises more than $20K to help students
OPINION: Let the healing begin
When it comes to former city manager James Bennett, Mayor Marty Grohman is correct. The city needs closure from a nightmare that has been hanging over City Hall for several years. After finally being "placed on administrative leave" in February, Bennet filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the city. Though the city countered Bennett’s claims … Continue reading OPINION: Let the healing begin
City settles lawsuit with former manager
The city of Biddeford announced Monday that they had reached an out-of-court settlement with former city manager James Bennett. Under terms of the agreement released Monday, Bennett will receive $90,000 from the city's insurance company, not taxpayers. City officials also point out that the settlement will save the city thousands of dollars in legal fees … Continue reading City settles lawsuit with former manager
Chamber of Commerce fires director
The Biddeford- Saco Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced today that they have decided to make a “leadership change” in the executive director position. Matt Lewis, who was hired as the Chamber’s new executive director less than six months ago, said he did not want to comment on this story. Matt Lewis, former director … Continue reading Chamber of Commerce fires director
Candidates share concerns about UNE pier
Amid the ongoing and intensifying controversy surrounding the University of New England’s plans to construct a large research pier on the Saco River, the two candidates who hope to represent that area on the city council say they are watching the issue closely. Former city councilor Patricia Boston and political newcomer Jim LaBelle both say … Continue reading Candidates share concerns about UNE pier
Ready to have some BiddeFUN?
By EMMA BOUTHILLETTE, Contributing writer Once listed among Food & Wine’s Next Great Food Cities, Biddeford does not disappoint when it comes to the food and beverage scene. But between eats, treats and sips, what’s there to do in and around downtown? The answer is PLENTY! Rift Arcade or The Gutter will take you back … Continue reading Ready to have some BiddeFUN?
OPINION: First board meeting, a success
What a fantastic first meeting of the Biddeford Gazette's Advisory Board! Our board offered us tons of valuable feedback, suggestions and ideas about the next steps on our continuing journey. The conversation was heartfelt and candid, including some constructive criticism regarding design, access and editorial roles. As we digest the valuable content of tonight's meeting, … Continue reading OPINION: First board meeting, a success
Clavette set to join Biddeford’s team
The city of Biddeford is poised to hire Denise Clavette as its next director of Planning and Economic Development, a position that has been vacant since July. If approved by the city council on Tuesday, Clavette will fill the void left by the sudden resignation of George Gervais who held the job for only 18 … Continue reading Clavette set to join Biddeford’s team
LaFountain hopes to be next mayor
Liam LaFountain says he’s running for mayor because Biddeford needs a “course correction.” LaFountain, 28, was chosen by his fellow councilors as the council’s president two years ago, at the beginning of his second term as the council’s Ward Seven representative. Liam LaFountain A native and lifelong resident of Biddeford, he is the son of … Continue reading LaFountain hopes to be next mayor
‘Town Hall’ meeting draws questions and concerns
Roughly 40 Biddeford residents turned out Tuesday for a “town hall” style meeting in order to learn more and ask questions about two local bond questions that will appear on the November ballot. Various city officials and department heads took turns presenting information and fielding questions from concerned residents during the hour-long meeting. Biddeford residents … Continue reading ‘Town Hall’ meeting draws questions and concerns
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