BIDDEFORD — In a surprise move, the City Council voted Tuesday to approve putting a referendum question on the November ballot asking residents whether they want harness racing and a racino to locate in the city. After the unusual step of entering into executive session early in their meeting ”“ executive sessions are typically held […]

Assistant Secretary of Commerce John Fernandez, right, examines the North Dam Mill property on Monday as Biddeford Mayor Joanne Twomey, left, looks on. JEFF LAGASSE/ Journal Tribune

BIDDEFORD — U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree and Assistant Secretary of Commerce John Fernandez toured Biddeford’s mill district on Monday morning and visited Portland’s waterfront that afternoon. Fernandez is the head of the U.S. Economic Development Administration, which provides financial support for economic development across the country through a variety of programs. Pingree said she hopes […]

Tony Galiard, a member of a breakdancing group that performs under the name B Boyvisions, spins during a dance move Friday evening near The Pier in Old Orchard Beach. JEFF LAGASSE- Journal Tribune

OLD ORCHARD BEACH — As a thumping beat emanated from a pair of gigantic speakers placed inches from the beach, Tony Galiard took a deep breath, stepped onto the rubber mat near Old Orchard’s iconic Pier, and launched into a spinning, gyrating dance. Twirling on his back in a flailing maelstrom of limbs, Galiard abruptly […]

OLD ORCHARD BEACH — With duties that range from handing out Band-Aids to saving people’s lives, being a lifeguard is not about relaxing in the sun and getting tan. This year, lifeguards have had an especially busy season. There has been an increase of riptides in the area and perpetually sunny skies have attracted large […]

Lifeguards Lance Timberlake, left, and Billy Corcoran sit atop their lifeguard tower while scanning the shoreline Wednesday at Old Orchard Beach. JEFF LAGASSE/Journal Tribune

Lifeguard Lieutenant Mike Peterson, standing atop the lifeguard tower behind the Brunswick Hotel, scans the shoreline during his shift at Old Orchard Beach on Wednesday. JEFF LAGASSE/Journal Tribune

BIDDEFORD — Mayor Joanne Twomey was a key presence during the July 20 City Council meeting, even though she didn’t attend. The mayor participated in the session, which considered a controversial zoning proposal, by sending e-mails to councilors while watching the meeting on cable television. Whether this approach conflicts with Maine’s open meeting law isn’t […]

Paul Cardinal of Portsmouth, N.H. was one of four motorcyclists who were riding on Newfield Road Sunday evening when a Shapleigh fire truck narrowly missed them and hit the soft shoulder. The fire truck rolled over twice and crashed and the driver is recovering from her injuries. Cardinal and a fellow motorcyclist, Bob Chevalier of […]