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By Karen Garnett, Biddeford School Department, Contributing Writer May 15, 2026, For 31 years, the Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club has encouraged local students to reflect on one of life’s most meaningful topics through its annual eighth-grade essay contest. Each year, the contest invites students from Biddeford, Saco, and Old Orchard Beach schools to explore the theme, “What the Word Family Means to Me,” which focuses on the students’ views of the importance of family life, their

By Karen Garnett, Biddeford School Department, Contributing Writer May 14, 2026, Few things bring people together quite like sports, and for 20 students from Biddeford Intermediate School (BIS), a recent trip to see Portland’s Hearts of Pine (HOP) on May 2, 2026, was about far more than just soccer. Thanks to donated tickets from Hearts of Pine, students had the opportunity to experience connection, teamwork, leadership, and belonging in a community setting, all as part of a

"At the heart of UNE's nursing program, Hutchins is part planner, part mentor, and part lifeline for students navigating one of the most demanding paths on campus" By Mackenzie Schors, UNE & Biddeford Buzz May 14, 2026, Behind every successful nursing student at the University of New England is someone guiding them along the way, someone like Sarah Hutchins. A Senior Professional Academic and Career Advisor and UNE graduate, Hutchins works closely with nursing students as the

“Our findings tell us something really significant. Maine businesses want to be here, Maine investors want to be part of the Maine economy,” By Katie Clark, MSCCMDF, Contributing Writer May 12, 2026, The Maine State Chamber of Commerce and Maine Development Foundation today released Maine Economic Vision 2035, a new long-term economic roadmap outlining key goals and policy priorities to strengthen Maine’s competitiveness, support workforce and wage growth, increase investment

By Alex MacPhail, Executive Director BSCC, Contributing Writer Local Businesses are Stepping up—Who Will Join The Hope Challenge with us? May 12, 2026, The Biddeford+Saco Chamber of Commerce (BSCC) is proud to partner with Sweetser to launch The Hope Challenge—a community‑wide effort inviting local businesses to support the development of Sweetser’s new Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) for Maine youth. Promotional Poster This new PRTF will fill a critical ga

"Monthly downtown event celebrates local art, music, and community" By Larry Weyand, Art of Biddeford, Contributing Writer May 11, 2026, The Biddeford Art Walk returns on Friday, May 15 from 5 – 8 p.m., kicking off the 2026 season with local art, live music, performances, exhibitions, food, and community programming throughout Main Street, the mills, and downtown storefronts. Presented by Art of Biddeford with support from Heart of Biddeford, the free, self-guided event takes

By Victoria Foley, Contributing Writer The proposed increase is approximately 26%, far outpacing inflation May 8, 2026, House Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford), Senator Henry Ingwersen (D-York), and Representative Marc Malon (D-Biddeford), today issued the following statements in opposition to a 26% rate increase proposed by Maine Water: “This request could not come at a worse time for ratepayers who are facing strained household budgets just about everywhere they turn. This

By: Jason Litalien, Contributing Writer, Independent Candidate Maine Senate 32 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a program from the State that allows us to retain additional tax money received from that district without having to share it with the County or the State. When structured properly, TIFs can be a great tool for redevelopment. Unfortunately, that is where part of the problem begins. Another part of the problem is the Credit Enhancement Agreement, which is a public su

By Karen Garnett, Contributing Writer May 7, 2026, What does learning look like when it extends beyond the classroom walls? At the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT), it looks like students crawling through attic spaces to run cable, navigating century-old brick walls, and braving the elements to bring real projects to life across the community. Students in BRCOT’s Electrical and Plumbing programs are gaining hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful l

"If the proposed rate increase is approved it could go into effect by May 12, 2027" May 6, 2026, Residents from Saco, Biddeford, and Old Orchard Beach, met this evening at Saco City Hall to testify in front of State of Maine Public Utilities Commissioners and representives from Maine Water, regarding a recent proposed increase of approximately 26% for water bills of residents in the Saco-Biddeford area. L-R: Commissioner Carolyn Gilbert, Comissioner Philip Bartlett Utilities

By Chelsea Miller, SBSI, Contributing Writer May 6, 2026, Saco & Biddeford Savings (SBSI) is pleased to announce that Micah Smart has joined the organization as Senior Vice President and Director of Legal. Micah Smart Smart brings more than a decade of legal experience to SBSI. Most recently, he served as a partner at Murray, Plumb & Murray, where he worked in the firm’s Bankruptcy & Business Reorganization and Litigation practice groups, representing businesses, lenders and

"...in an effort to involve community members, Stantec will be hosting "public engagement feedback sessions, during the planning process". May 5, 2026, This past February we published a story announcing the City of Biddeford was "accepting proposals for the 5-Points intersection" located in the area of 392 Elm Street. The previous article about the proposal announcment can be viewed here: https://www.biddefordbuzz.com/post/biddeford-city-accepting-proposals-for-5-points-inte

By Karen Garnett, Contributing Writer May 5, 2026, What started as a spark of curiosity in the classroom has turned into a statewide victory. Biddeford High School (BHS) Junior Maxwell House has been named the first-place winner of the 2026 Maine App Challenge, earning top honors for his innovative mobile application and showcasing the power of student-driven learning at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT). Hosted by Tyler Technologies in partnership with the

"My belief is that.... the moratorium was in effect" - ZBA Board Member May 4, 2026, A big win for those who have expressed opposition to the University of New England building a new pier along the Saco River - at tonight's Biddeford Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) hearing, the ZBA voted to uphold the City's recent application denials issued to the University of New England pertaining to trees being "cleared" along the waterway, as well as the demolition of a building (Leonard

By Delilah Poupore, Executive Director, Heart of Biddeford, Contributing Writer May 4, 2026, Heart of Biddeford is pleased to announce the hiring of Larry Weyand as Program Director of Art of Biddeford (AOB), marking an exciting new chapter for the city’s creative community. Larry Weyand A practicing artist with experience in arts administration, governance, and leadership, Weyand brings a strong commitment to supporting artists and building thriving creative ecosystems. In t

By Karen Garnett, Contributing Writer May 4, 2026, T he Biddeford High School (BHS) Athletics Hall of Honor welcomed six outstanding individuals and one historic team into its ranks during an induction ceremony held on May 2, 2026. This year’s honorees exemplify the legacy of excellence, sportsmanship, and dedication that define Biddeford High School’s athletic tradition. The Class of 2025 inductees include Gerry Berthiaume ’73, Carrie (Binette) LeGrow ’03, Brian Curit ’82, B

May 1, 2026, according to an announcement from the leadership at Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center, the organization has assumed operations of the former York County Family Shelter. Although details are unclear at this time, we have included the announcement from the organization below. In addition please note, a comment posted publicly by Executive Director Vassie Folwer states the shelter is located in Sanford. "The Board of Directors of Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center, t

By Loren McCready, Contributing Writer April 30, 2026, The development at the end of Barra Road, including the recently announced Thatcher Brook Apartments, is being presented as progress in Biddeford. A closer look shows a pattern of decisions that prioritize speed and private return over long-term planning and public benefit. The financial structure makes that plain. Three separate Tax Increment Financing districts (TIFs) have been established for this area, along with a Cr

“I want to take a moment to thank Truc for her service to the city over these last nine months…. Looking ahead, the city will be engaging an interim city manager and a process from outside the organization... I know, this process will raise a lot of questions, and I want you to know that the council and I are committed and focused on serving the residents of Biddeford and keeping all of you involved. ” - Mayor Liam LaFountain, Biddeford April 28, 2026, This evening, Mayor LaF

April 27, 2026, the following letter was sent this evening to Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain from University of New England President Dr. James Herbert. In the letter, Dr. Herbert writes to the Mayor to discuss "current inability of the City leadership and the University to work together constructively." Later in the letter, Herbert reminds LaFountain, "As you know, you are in receipt of correspondence from UNE on April 15 requesting that you agree to an independent mediator