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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

"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’

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 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 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

April 29, 2026, Although early in the season, with a victory over the Portland Bulldogs yesterday, The Biddeford Tigers Varsity Baseball team continues 2026 with a strong start; a record of 2-0. When asked about yesterday's game, one attendee responded, "the boys looked good out there... very excited to see what the rest of the season brings". Tigers Pitcher Payton Blais throwing a pitch during 4/28/ game against Portland Bulldogs📸Laureen Sirois Biddeford secured the win wi

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

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

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

April 20, 2026, below is a letter from Ward 6 City Councilor Jake Pierson. In the letter, Councilor Pierson explains to Biddeford residents why City Council is unable to "tax different properties at different rates". Please see the Councilor's letter below: The city of Biddeford is currently in the time of the year affectionately known as ‘budget season.’ Hard decisions and complex discussions are the name of the game during this season. As I’ve sat on the dais during our de

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

By Tammy Wells, Contributing Writer, York County Government Media April 15, 2026, Firefighters dressed in boots and heavy protective gear made their way up five stories and into the steel drill tower, and they made it look easy. After about 20 minutes, heavy black smoke began to emerge from various windows of the structure, and firefighters – all instructors with years of firefighting experience, commenced to put it out. The drill tower is among the key components of the Yor