The acting director of Biddeford’s McArthur Library talks about a never-ending evolution of services and some of the challenges facing downtown libraries Even to the casual observer, it becomes quickly evident that once you walk through the front door of Biddeford’s McArthur Library – – you are no longer in […]
Tag: Biddeford Gazette
No more trash containers at Rotary Park
The city of Biddeford is launching a “Carry-in, Carry-out” pilot program at Rotary Park for the 2025 season. When the new initiative begins this spring, Rotary Park will not have trash receptacles in any outdoor areas of the park and visitors are asked to bring home any of their trash, […]
Chamber director announces pending departure
After nearly seven years at the helm, Jim LaBelle announced Thursday that he will be stepping down as executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry. LaBelle, 60, said he plans to stay in place and help the Chamber with its transition to new leadership. “It’s not an […]
City denies FOIA/FOAA requests
The city of Biddeford has denied the Biddeford Gazette’s request to release an internal email regarding the abrupt departure of former City Manager James Bennett on Feb. 20. The Gazette first learned that Bennett was leaving his post early by obtaining a February .20 email that was distributed to all […]
OPINION | The Times, They Are A Changin’
The news was inevitable, but still sad. We learned yesterday that the weekly Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier will no longer be printed and now accessible only in digital form, online. This is just part of a global trend in the newspaper industry. Let’s face facts. The cost of printing and distribution are […]
Biddeford-Saco Courier will no longer be printed, online only
According to its parent company, the Biddeford-Saco Courier — and several other weekly publications — will no longer be printed and will only be available online. The Courier and many other newspapers throughout southern Maine, including daily and weekly publications, are owned by the Maine Trust for Local News. Carolyn […]
Political gamesmanship threatens vulnerable Mainers
By HENRY INGWERSEN, State senator The last time I wrote to you, I spoke about the importance of MaineCare, our state’s version of the Medicaid program. MaineCare provides health care to low-income families and children, people with disabilities and pregnant women, and is overwhelmingly supported by Maine people. I also […]
Biddeford Deserves Better | OPINION
I honestly don’t get it. Six days ago, I broke and published a news story that Biddeford City Manager James Bennett was abruptly removed from his post. Bennett, well-known in several communities throughout Maine, capped off his nine-year stint in Biddeford under a cloud of mystery. Six days ago. I […]
Councilor explains Biddeford budget process
By Liam LaFountain Every year, the city makes difficult choices about where to invest tax dollars — from public safety and road repairs to parks and essential services. Budget season is when those decisions take shape. The city budget is more than numbers — it’s a fiscal statement of what […]
BREAKING NEWS | City Manager will not return
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor According to multiple sources, embattled Biddeford City Manager James Bennett will not be returning to work after his brief vacation this week. Employees report receiving an email Thursday from Brian Phinney, the city’s chief operating officer, that Bennett will not be returning to his post to […]






