UNE pier approval tainted by glaring SRCC mistake

Although the University of New England has cleared all the reviews and hurdles needed to begin construction of a large pier on the Saco River, the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) has now admitted it made a crucial mistake while approving the university’s application in 2024.  The Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) voted in August … Continue reading UNE pier approval tainted by glaring SRCC mistake

Belanger hopes to be Biddeford’s next mayor

Norman Belanger points to his homegrown roots and professional accomplishments as reasons why he should be Biddeford’s next mayor. He said he is the only candidate who can bridge gaps between lifelong residents and a growing population of newer residents; a candidate with an intimate understanding of the city’s history and a vision for its … Continue reading Belanger hopes to be Biddeford’s next mayor

NEWSLETTER: An expanding team and more coverage

Welcome to October! The days are getting shorter. The leaves are dropping, and Halloween is right around the corner. It’s also almost time to choose a new mayor, city councilors and school committee members in Biddeford. My favorite time of the year! Autumn at Chez Seaver Biddeford Mayoral Debate Last night, I served as one … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: An expanding team and more coverage

Mayoral candidates square off at debate

NOTE: An unedited audio recording of this event can be found at the end of this article The three men who want to be Biddeford’s next mayor squared-off Friday evening during a public debate that was held at Biddeford High School. The candidates – including incumbent Marty Grohman, Council President Liam LaFountain and City Councilor … Continue reading Mayoral candidates square off at debate

OPINION: Vaccines are vital, and Maine is leading

By State Rep. MARC MALON, Contributing Writer Do you know anyone currently suffering from polio?  My guess is you probably don’t. But polio has existed throughout recorded human history, and the worst outbreak in the United States killed more than 3,000 people in 1952. It left countless others with lifelong health consequences.    Photo credit: … Continue reading OPINION: Vaccines are vital, and Maine is leading

OPINION | Biddeford’s disappearing coast

By Thomas McPheeters, Contributing Writer In our not-too-distant future, the coast of Maine will look nothing like it does today — fewer beaches, many houses and businesses displaced, roads and utilities either abandoned or relocated further inland. That’s a certainty, according to Dr. Cameron Wake, a University of New England professor who served as the … Continue reading OPINION | Biddeford’s disappearing coast

Cote, Pecor vie for Ward Seven council seat

The two men who each want to represent Ward Seven on the Biddeford City Council have been regularly attending city council meetings over the last few months. And, once again, a former councilor is running against a political newcomer. The bulk of Ward Seven features working-class neighborhoods and includes the city’s industrial parks and the … Continue reading Cote, Pecor vie for Ward Seven council seat

Biddeford girl finds passion in gymnastics

[CONTRIBUTED STORY] Marie Metcalf, 12, of Biddeford, has been named the STAR Student of September at Maine Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school serving students in grades 7-12 statewide. Marie began her first year at Maine Connections Academy as a 7th grader this year, and she couldn’t be happier as she balances online schooling and her … Continue reading Biddeford girl finds passion in gymnastics

City manager outlines goals and objectives

Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever took to the podium during Tuesday’s city council meeting to provide a snapshot of her objectives and goals over the next several months. According to Dever’s employment contract, she is required to provide the council with “specific, measurable performance goals” within 60 days of taking over the helm at City … Continue reading City manager outlines goals and objectives

Hurtubise, Pierson vie for Ward Six council seat

A former city councilor and a political newcomer are both hoping to represent Ward Six on the Biddeford City Council. Ward Six encompasses most of the city’s western area, extending along South Street to include relatively new neighborhoods such as Thacher Brook Lane, Cathedral Oaks and Indian Ridge -- and the ward is bordered by … Continue reading Hurtubise, Pierson vie for Ward Six council seat

Date set for ‘Citizens Grievance’ meeting

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman told the Biddeford Gazette Tuesday that a special, “Citizens Grievance” meeting has been scheduled for Oct. 23 and will be held in the council chambers at Biddeford City Hall, beginning at 6 p.m. The special meeting will focus on the controversial pier project that the University of New England wants to … Continue reading Date set for ‘Citizens Grievance’ meeting

History meets present in Ward Four council race

The race for Biddeford’s Ward Four city council seat is rooted in some political upheaval that transpired roughly 18 months ago. Incumbent Dylan Doughty won a special June 11, 2024 election to fill the vacancy created by the sudden resignation of former councilor Bobby Mills. Today, Mills is hoping to reclaim his seat on the … Continue reading History meets present in Ward Four council race

McCurry, Woods vie for Ward Two council seat

Although Biddeford’s municipal elections are a non-partisan affair, the two candidates hoping to represent Ward Two on the Biddeford City Council each offer a stark difference in their campaigns. Former city councilor John McCurry is currently a member of the Biddeford School Committee. McCurry, 68, previously served as the Ward Two representative from 1997 to … Continue reading McCurry, Woods vie for Ward Two council seat

Boston, LaBelle both hoping for Ward One seat

Two candidates have stepped forward in hopes of representing Biddeford’s coastal neighborhoods (Ward One) on the city council. Patricia Boston Jim LaBelle Pat Boston of Hills Beach is hoping to make a return to the city council after a 14-year hiatus. Political newcomer Jim LaBelle recently retired after serving seven years as the executive director … Continue reading Boston, LaBelle both hoping for Ward One seat

Behind the Maine ballot: Voter ID & Gun Control

By Emily Bader of The Maine Monitor Mainers will see two big questions on the ballot this year: one about election procedures, and one about a potential red flag law. Maine citizens can put proposed legislation directly before voters through a process called a citizen initiative. For a citizen initiative petition to be approved by … Continue reading Behind the Maine ballot: Voter ID & Gun Control