All Articles

"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

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

By Justin Chenette, York County Commissioner, Contributing Writer May 11, 2026, Three local high school seniors have been named the 2026 recipients of the Chenette Leadership Scholarship, an award recognizing students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community service, civic engagement, and leadership. This year’s scholars represent Thornton Academy, Old Orchard Beach High School, and Bonny Eagle High School. Each recipient was selected based on their proven track re

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

"Staff will be available to assist students in contacting home when needed..." Please note: This article pertains to the entire district (all schools in Saco, Biddeford and Dayton). May 6, 2026, Recently, the Maine Legislature made updates to LD 2212 that included a provision requiring all public schools in Maine to adopt (and enforce) a "bell-to-bell" cell phone policy. According to Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray, "Beginning August 1, 2026, all public schools across Ma

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’

"...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 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

“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 Karen Garnett, Contributing Writer April 27, 2026, The Saco School Department invites the community to experience the creativity and talent of its young artists at the upcoming PreK–Grade 8 Art Show, on display at the Dyer Library/Saco Museum. A special opening celebration will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., offering families, friends, and community members the opportunity to explore the exhibit together. The artwork will remain on display th

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

April 26, 2026, At approximately 1:00 - 1:15 AM this morning, Biddeford Police aressted and charged 27 year old Scott Allen of Biddeford. Allen was charged with Domestic Violence, a class D misdemeanor, and was transported to the York County Jail. Allen remained incarcerated until 12:35 PM today and was released after posting $200 cash bail. Class D crimes in Maine are considered a serious misdemeanor and are punishable by up to 364 days in jail, a $2,000 fine, and carry sign

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

April 23, 2026, In case you missed it, similarly to Portland, the City of Biddeford adopted a "Vacant Building Registration and Fee Ordinance" on April 1, 2025. City officials cited the purpose of the ordinance as a remedy to address what they deem as "negative impacts" from vacant buildings in Biddeford. According to the ordinance, A "vacant building" is a building or structure, regardless of its zoning designation, that meets either of the following criteria: Unoccupied or

"If approved, CMP filings will lower bills by approximately $4 per month" April 22, 2026, According to officials from Central Maine Power (CMP), a new proposal from the company would lower monthly electric bills for Mainers. The release from the company reads: Central Maine Power (CMP), a subsidiary of Avangrid Inc., has submitted a one‑year rate proposal to the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC). This filing follows CMP’s recent request for the MPUC to review its 2025

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