All Articles

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

BIDDEFORD 250 PRESENTS - AMERICA AT 250: A DEEPER HISTORY Voices & Visions Lecture Series -A special Presentation of Muster to Memory -A Powerful New Documentary on Maine in the Civil Wa By Diane Cyr, Contributing Writer May 6, 2026, The Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center (BCHC) invites the public to a special evening of film, history, and conversation as part of BIDDEFORD 250: Biddeford’s Commemoration of America’s 250th Anniversary (1776–2026). The next program in BCHC’

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

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

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

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 Karen Garnett, Contributing Writer April 30, 2026, More than 700 Biddeford High School (BHS) students in grades 8 through 12 stepped outside the classroom and into the community on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, for their Third Annual Community Service Day. Fueled by the values of Tiger PRIDE (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dependability, and Engagement), students dedicate their April Tiger PRIDE day to meaningful engagement and community impact by spending the day working

“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

"Stepping away is a matter of professional integrity and self-respect... It is difficult for me to acknowledge, but I will be candid and say that had the full extent of these conditions---and the limitations imposed on this role-been apparent when I applied, I would not have pursued the position." April 27, 2026, Earlier today we shared the news that recently hired Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever has submitted her resignation to Mayor LaFountain and City Councilors effectiv

By Danica Lamontagne, Contributing Writer April 27, 2026, Truc Dever, hired last summer to replace former city manager Jim Bennett, submitted her letter of resignation to the Biddeford City Council and Mayor Liam LaFountain Sunday evening. During her time in Biddeford, Dever led the City through a difficult and demanding FY27 budget season and supported ongoing municipal operations. In her letter of resignation, the outgoing city manager acknowledged "the scope and complexity

April 26, 2026, below is a statement from Vassie Fowler, Executive Director for Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center, pertaining to recent public dialog regarding the center and 2027 city budget propsoal - please see below: By Vassie Fowler, Executive Director, Seeds of Hope THE TRUTH ABOUT BIDDEFORD’S OVERNIGHT PROGRAM, AND WHAT NO ONE HAS BEEN SAYING For weeks, Seeds of Hope has remained quiet while misinformation, assumptions, and personal attacks have circulated online and i

By Karen Garnett, Contributing Writer April 24, 2026, Saco Middle School (SMS) Bobcat Players are bringing a beloved fairytale to life this spring with their production of Shrek The Musical JR., on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., in Thornton Academy’s Harold P. Garland Auditorium. Featuring a cast and crew of 55 middle school students, along with support from two high school volunteers, this family-friendly show promises to entert

FULL STATEMENT FROM BIDDEFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT INCLUDED BELOW April 23, 2026, Firefighters are currently working to extinguish a structure fire in an apartment building located in the area of 13 Hazel Street. According to a Firefighter on the scene, the fire has been contained and they are working to fully secure the area. We can confirm that Scarborough Fire Department is currently assisting by manning the Biddeford Firestation while our department addresses the issue with t

By Chelsea Miller, Contributed Story “At the heart of this is a simple belief: Maine’s kids deserve to be safe, seen and supported, right here at home,” says Mark Jones, CEO of Saco & Biddeford Savings. April 21 2026, Saco & Biddeford Savings and Paquin & Carroll Insurance are proud to announce their $20,000 donation to Sweetser in support of the construction of Maine’s first Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) on Sweetser’s Saco campus.​This transformative proj

By Danica Lamontagne, Contributing Writer April 20, 2026, We are pleased to share that the City Hall Clock Tower has received an Honor Award from Maine Preservation. Biddeford's original city hall was lost to a catastrophic fire on New Years Day in 1895 Architect John Calvin Stevens was commissioned to design its replacement. Using primarily brick and granite, Stevens executed the building in the Renaissance Revival stvle. The 135-foot clock tower (pictured below) was outfitt

By Loren McCready, Contributing Writer April 20, 2026, From park cleanups and campus programming to a downtown litter pickup and a sustainability workshop, local events are scheduled from April 22 through April 28. The Biddeford-Saco Climate Action Team has compiled a full list of events to help residents find ways to get involved throughout the week. Earth Day programming in Biddeford and Saco will stretch across nearly a full week this year. On Wednesday, April 22, the Uni

April 15, 2026, As budget discussions continue in the City of Biddeford, residents continue to voice their concerns to city leaders both in-person and by email. With that being said, former Biddeford City Councilor Bobby Mills asked us to share a letter that he sent to the City Council pertaining to the "social service budget" and funding essential services. Mills letter reads: "Let’s talk about the social service budget. I am not discounting any organization or member at all