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By Karen Garnett, Contributing Writer February 10, 2026, Dayton Consolidated School (DCS) officially launched its new composting program last Friday with a school-wide assembly, marking an important step forward in the school’s commitment to sustainability, hands-on learning, and environmental responsibility. Dayton Consolidated School students participate in an interactive recycling and composting presentation during a school-wide assembly by EcoMaine, learning how to proper

By Tammy Wells/York County government, Contributing Writer February 9, 2026, Two local banks with deep roots in York County are leading the way in helping build the York County Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Center. Partners Bank and Kennebunk Savings have each contributed $150,000 to First County Foundation, Inc. earmarked for the York County Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Center, and paused for a photo on Feb. 9. Shown here are York County Manager Greg Zinser, F

📰YORK COUNTY | Former Biddeford City Councilor Launches Campaign for York County Commission February 9, 2026, According a public statement from previous Biddeford At-Large City Councilor Doris Ortiz, Doris has announced she will be launching her campaign to run for York County Commission to represent District 2. Doris Ortiz Formally a Biddeford At-Large City Councilor, Doris Ortiz resigned from the Biddeford City Council in September of 2025 and cited a "recent opportunity f

February 4, 2026, According to Biddeford City General Assistance Administrator Jacob Hammer, the City of Biddeford has recieved $94,502.86 from the National Opioid Settlement Fund (OSF) for fiscal year 2026. Hammer explained, "in 2014, US administrative units began filing lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and distributors... with over $56 Billion expected to be paid out nationwide. Settlement payments to individual governments started in 2022 and expected to be made throu

February 3, 2026, At this evening’s Biddeford City Council Meeting, councilors voted unanimously in favor to refer the “matter of rent practices in mobile home parks to the Policy Committee for review and recommendation.” This vote comes following a prior meeting where the council denied a request to establish a 90 day moratorium on Mobile Home Lot fee increases in Biddeford. Meeting materials state, “this new order is to refer the topic to the Policy Committee to review and

February 3, 2026, in addition to the already publicized news regarding city staff working with Senator Collins' office to have over 700k of IRS fines waived from a late filing penalty, City Manager Truc Dever also delivered more great news for residents tonight during her City Manager report. After announcing the waving of IRS fines, Dever went on to say, "...additionally I have great news to share. Again, with the help of Senator Collins and her staff, we received news last

“The judicial branch has made countless efforts to appease the primary complaint… Good fences make good neighbor's, but good manners make great neighbors. We cant [can't] please all the people all the time!”, wrote Edward Caron, Building Manager, York County Judicial Center January 30, 2026, A little over 2 weeks ago we shared a story about several Biddeford residents alleging “vindictive behavior” from staff at the York County Judicial Center located at 515 Elm Street (Route

📰SACO | Man Flees on Foot as ICE Agents approach him January 29, 2026, Footage submitted to the Biddeford Buzz that was taken earlier this morning, appears to show a male fleeing on foot on Green Street in Saco Maine as he was approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The individual who recorded the video wishes to remain anonymous.

"While the Department of Homeland Security does not confirm law enforcement operations, I can report that Secretary Noem has informed me that ICE has ended its enhanced activities in the State of Maine" January 29, 2026, According to U.S. Senator Susan Collins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ceased its enhanced operations in the State of Maine. The announcement comes after direct communicatio between Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Senator C

January 28, 2026, Following the approval of a 180 day moratorium by the Biddeford City Council pertaining to development for the University of New England (UNE), the University reached out to the Biddeford Buzz and issued the following statement: "While we do not think the development moratorium is necessary, UNE respects the council’s decision. We appreciate the opportunity for thoughtful dialogue about the future of our campus and its role in the community, and President He

By Tammy Wells January 28, 2026, Come spring, Advanced Life Support and Pediatric Life Support training programs will be in place at York County Regional Training Center. Advanced EMT classes and labs are ongoing now at the new facility. Firefighting classes are happening. Law enforcement classes are scheduled. A citizens academy that gives residents a look at policing meets there weekly. The decades-long dream of a centralized location for all manner of first responder tra

January 28, 2026, According to city officials, the city of Biddeford has been fined by the IRS for a "late filing" in 2021. The penalty assessed by the IRS totals $709,240, plus $543.16 in accrued interest as of April 15, 2024, please see full breakdown below: According to City Manager Truc Dever, the City received the following notices: CP215 dated April 8, 2024- Penalty under IRC Section 6721 for failure to file correct information returns: $354,760 CP215 dated April 15, 20

January 27, 2026, in a statement released yesterday from the leadership at the First Parish Congregational Church UCC located at 12 Beach St, Saco, the church informed the public of what they are claiming to be an illegal abduction by ICE of one of the members of their congregation. The statement from the church reads as follows: "This past Sunday, a member of our First Parish Congregational Church of Saco family, Makengo, welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. She is

"Like all nonprofits, Heart of Biddeford is required to be nonpartisan. Our role is not to support or oppose any political party or candidate, but to care for our community, and we invite you to join us." January 26, 2026, Below is a statement released today by Heart of Biddeford executive director Delilah Poupore regarding recent Immigrationand Customs Enforcement activity in Biddeford, please see below: "At Heart of Biddeford, we believe a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainabl

January 26, 2026, in a press release sent directly from Brian Pellerin to the Biddeford Buzz, Chief Deputy Brian Pellerin of the Cumberland County Sheriff's who is running for York County Sheriff, shared his sentiments regarding the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Below are Brian's remarks: "When I launched my campaign for Sheriff of York County earlier this week, the issues surrounding immigration enforcement in Maine, particularly the role of ICE and the responsibi

January 25, 2026, according to a press release sent directly from Brian Pellerin to the Biddeford Buzz, Chief Deputy Brian Pellerin of the Cumberland County Sheriff's has officially announced his candidacy for York County Sheriff. Below are Brian's remarks: Brian Pellerin (submitted photo) "Today, I am announcing my candidacy for York County Sheriff in the November 2026 election. I am running as a principled Independent candidate, committed to professional, nonpartisan leade

January 24, 2026, below is the updated statement we have received from Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain regarding ICE operating in Biddeford: "One week ago, I released a statement as information about federal enforcement activity and its local impacts were still evolving. Since then, conditions have changed and daily life in Biddeford is being affected. Families are staying home. Workers with valid documentation are calling out of their jobs. School absenteeism is rising. Staf

January 21, 2026, We have recieved video confirmation of ICE personnel at a residence located on Hubert Street. Multiple vehicles and officers were present.

“Ward 7 Councilor Brad Cote spoke from a very different perspective and even sounded a bit frustrated with some of his peers while stating, “If we can't support a 90 day moratorium… then how on god's green earth are we going to tackle affordable housing”. January 20, 2026, At this evening’s Biddeford City Council Meeting, councilors voted 6 to 3 against instituting a 90 Day Moratorium on Mobile Home Lot Fee Increases in the city of Biddeford… and City hall was packed with con

📰BIDDEFORD | Opinion: We deserve a Mayor who Communicates Cory Labrie, Biddeford Resident “...since the election, we haven’t heard anything from our new mayor, Liam LaFountain. I find it very hard to believe that nothing news-worthy has happened in our zip code since he was elected… As a long-time citizen of Biddeford, born and raised, I am looking to hear more from our mayor.” January 19, 2026, The last two mayors of Biddeford believed in communication and keeping the resid