New program aims to employ unhoused people

A new program is being launched in Biddeford to help find work opportunities for unhoused individuals in the community. Organizers are calling it the "Biddeford Opportunity Crew," and it is a collaborative effort between several organizations to help "champion a workforce with purpose." The Biddeford Opportunity Crew is a new initiative based on a nationwide … Continue reading New program aims to employ unhoused people

Biddeford ‘close’ to announcing new city manager

Word on the street is that the city of Biddeford is "pretty close" to hiring a new city manager. City officials say they will likely be ready to make a formal announcement within the next few days. The council is scheduled to conduct a closed-door executive session at its Tuesday night meeting to discuss "labor … Continue reading Biddeford ‘close’ to announcing new city manager

Biddeford-Saco Memorial Day ceremony will be held in Biddeford this year

The cities of Biddeford and Saco will once again be honoring fallen veterans during an annual Memorial Day remembrance ceremony at Waterhouse Field in Biddeford. The Biddeford-Saco Memorial Day ceremony will take place on Monday, May 26, beginning at 10 a.m. Contributed photo by Andrew Dickinson Organizers say this year’s ceremony will be “a heartfelt … Continue reading Biddeford-Saco Memorial Day ceremony will be held in Biddeford this year

Abutters raise concerns about UNE’s proposed pier

Mike Ramunno, a tuna fisherman from Biddeford, has owned his mooring in the Saco River for more than six years. He says no one from the city of Biddeford or the University of New England has contacted him about the university’s plan to build a large pier for their 60-foot research vessel. The university’s plan … Continue reading Abutters raise concerns about UNE’s proposed pier

New twist in Sunday shooting incident

Victim says community needs to do more in addressing crime, mental health needs and homelessness in the downtown area Although his story has been shared in several other media outlets over the past 48 hours, Joshua Wolfe contacted the Biddeford Gazette in hopes of ending rumors and speculation about a shooting that happened in Biddeford … Continue reading New twist in Sunday shooting incident

Biddeford faces federal lawsuit regarding police

A federal lawsuit against the city of Biddeford, Mayor Marty Grohman and Police Chief JoAnne Fisk has been filed in U.S. District Court, alleging that the city mishandled the criminal investigation of a traffic accident that occurred on April 4 this year. The plaintiff, Katie Elie, 35, of Saco. has retained Biddeford attorney Jason Litalien … Continue reading Biddeford faces federal lawsuit regarding police

Police arrest suspect with gun near Biddeford High School

A 21-year-old Biddeford resident is now in police custody after being spotted with some type of firearm near the entrance of Biddeford High School on Maplewood Avenue early Friday morning. After receiving a report from an unnamed student, the school’s police resource officer was able to arrest Mohammed Hussein Kamalulldeen without incident. The high school … Continue reading Police arrest suspect with gun near Biddeford High School

Councilor offers inside view of Biddeford’s budget

Editor's note: The following is a response that Biddeford City Council President Liam LaFountain sent to a resident who expressed concerns about this year's municipal budget. By Liam LaFountain Thank you for taking the time to write and for your thoughtful engagement with this year’s city budget. Your questions about affordability, sustainability, and fiscal discipline are essential. … Continue reading Councilor offers inside view of Biddeford’s budget

DUPUIS HARDWARE | A Trusted Community Staple

One of Biddeford’s most beloved local businesses is also located in the epicenter of the so-called ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’, the six-month-long sewer upgrade project that has significantly interrupted traffic flow on Elm Street. Dupuis Hardware is an old-fashioned hardware store, where knowledgeable employees can help you figure out what parts you need to repair a toilet or help you select the perfect grass seed for your lawn.

OPINION: What do I want? How about some tax relief?

They say that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results. That’s how I felt on Tuesday evening, sitting in the back row and watching the second and final public hearing on Biddeford’s proposed budget for the upcoming year. In fact, Tuesday’s meeting was almost a carbon … Continue reading OPINION: What do I want? How about some tax relief?

Aquarium Science Center opens in Biddeford

Tucked away in one of Biddeford’s former mill buildings on Pearl Street, there is a growing and thriving display of underwater life – from tropical coral reefs to freshwater rivers and lakes. The Northeast Aquarium Science Center attracted hundreds of visitors Saturday during its grand-opening event that showcased several species of sea life and an … Continue reading Aquarium Science Center opens in Biddeford

City touts ‘major success’ in addressing homelessness

(From city personnel and previous stories by the Biddeford Gazette) Biddeford city officials say that a new partnership between the city and the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center is delivering "real results" in addressing homelessness, with 43 individuals successfully housed since November through a "coordinated, compassionate approach." At the core of this success is what … Continue reading City touts ‘major success’ in addressing homelessness

FEATURE: Not Your Father’s Library

The acting director of Biddeford's McArthur Library talks about a never-ending evolution of services and some of the challenges facing downtown libraries Even to the casual observer, it becomes quickly evident that once you walk through the front door of Biddeford’s McArthur Library - - you are no longer in your father’s library. Gone are … Continue reading FEATURE: Not Your Father’s Library

Biddeford Marching Arts named New England champions

Blackout Percussion earns first place while Blizzard Winds secures second place.    By KAREN GARNETT Biddeford’s Marching Arts program is closing out a remarkable season with top honors at the New England Scholastic Band Association (NESBA) Winter Percussion Finals. BlackOut Percussion earned first place, while Blizzard Winds secured a strong third-place finish, solidifying Biddeford’s standing as … Continue reading Biddeford Marching Arts named New England champions