Maine
Lyme cases set another record as ticks spread across Maine
Lyme disease cases again set a new record in Maine this year, as the tickborne illness continues to spread and intensify, especially in the mid-coast and Down East regions.
Lyme rates in those regions are three times higher than the statewide average and have roughly tripled over the past decade.
The number of Lyme infections statewide stood at 3,035 on Dec. 3. That exceeds the total for 2023, which was the highest year on record with 2,943 cases. More cases will be added to this year’s total in the final weeks of December, although Lyme cases tend to slow down in the winter months as ticks are less active.
Much of the increase in Lyme cases in recent years has come Knox, Lincoln, Hancock and Waldo counties, while the rates have increased more gradually in the southern and interior counties, according to Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
Scientists are not sure why Midcoast and Down East Maine have seen rapidly rising rates of Lyme disease, which is caused by a bacterial infection from the bite of a deer tick. Lyme is the most common tickborne illness, although Maine has also experienced increases in other tickborne diseases, such as anaplasmosis and babesiosis.
“The Midcoast has really become the epicenter of tick abundance,” said Griffin Dill, integrated pest management specialist at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s ‘tick lab.’ “We’ve seen a shift in the focal point from Cumberland and York counties to the mid-coast range, where we’ve seen a drastic increase in tick density and corresponding human infections. We’re seeing ticks move further and further Down East.”
Indeed, the statewide average of Lyme case rates increased from 106 per 100,000 population in 2014 to 228.2 in 2024, slightly more than doubling. But many Midcoast counties have experienced a tripling of rates or more.
Waldo County, for instance, had a rate of 125.5 Lyme cases per 100,000 population in 2014, and a rate of 579 in 2024. In 2023, the rates were even higher, at 636.2. Knox went from 267.2 in 2014 to 675.3 in 2024.
And Washington County’s rates highlight the extent to which the range of the deer tick has expanded Down East, going from a rate of 44 cases per 100,000 in 2014, less than half the statewide average, to 292.6 in 2024, well above the state average.
Cumberland County, Maine’s most populous, meanwhile, has experience a much more gradual increase in rates, from 117.8 in 2014 to 124.6 in 2024. York County’s numbers have also increased slowly, going from 135.5 in 2014 to 125.5 in 2024, with a rate of 152.7 in 2023.
Interior and western counties have seen substantial increases as well, with Oxford County going from a rate of 75.1 in 2014 to 203.4 in 2024. Only Aroostook County has bucked the trend, with rates remaining close to zero for the entire 10-year period.
Dill said the spike in the Midcoast remains a mystery. Midcoast and Down East have coastal climates that are hospitable to ticks, with wet, humid weather and winters that don’t get as cold as the interior. But southern coastal Maine also has near-ideal habitat for ticks, and the region has not seen the same explosion in cases over the past 10-20 years.
“We don’t have a good reason,” Dill said. “The Midoast is perfect for tick proliferation, but why it’s directly translating to these really significantly higher case rates is a question that’s still trying to be figured out.”
Dill said it’s possible people in southern Maine have been taking tick precautions since the 1980s and 1990s and are better at avoiding tick bites.
Morgan Porter, public health educator at the Maine CDC, said it’s unclear why the Midcoast is such a hot spot for Lyme, but people who live in the region may be more likely to be in wooded areas or other tick habitats compared to residents of southern Maine.
“We really don’t have any slam dunk answers on why this is happening in the Midcoast and Down East,” Porter said. “We do know that right along the coast it’s a more constant mild climate, ideal from the perspective of a tick.”
Overall, climate change is contributing to increases in deer tick populations and the tick’s ever-extending range, Porter said.
“We’ve had some really mild winters recently,” Porter said. “With temperatures generally warmer, that helps the ticks get a running start into spring.”
Lyme disease is a year-round threat and ticks can still be active enough in the winter to spread the disease.
“When we get a nice February thaw, the ticks come out and are looking for a host,” Porter said.
Dill said extended warm weather in autumn is also likely a contributing factor in more Lyme cases, as people are outside more in the fall while ticks are more active. The University of Maine is researching how climate conditions affect tick survivability, and has set up 15 sites across Maine to measure tick density, soil temperature, soil moisture, air humidity, wildlife presence and other factors.
Symptoms of Lyme disease include a rash, although not everyone who contracts Lyme will develop a rash. Other symptoms could include joint pain, achiness, headache, fever, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. A tick typically has to be attached for more than 24 hours before transmitting Lyme disease, according to the U.S. CDC.
Treatment is a course of antibiotics, but it’s important to diagnose as quickly as possible.
Angéle Rice of Bath contracted Lyme disease many years ago, and she suffered from long-term symptoms. About 5% to 20% of Lyme cases can result in chronic symptoms that can last years. MaineHealth is participating in a national study about chronic Lyme.
Rice said Mainers should realize they are living in “Tickville” and take precautions.
“If you live in Maine you should have it in the forefront of your brain that the ticks are here year-round,” said Rice, who was one of the leaders of the now-defunct Mid-Coast Lyme Disease Support and Education advocacy group.
To minimize exposure to ticks, wear long sleeves and pants when hiking, use tick repellant, remove leaves and brush from your property and be careful when handling wood. Shower when returning from extended time in tick habitat, and perform frequent tick checks.
A Lyme vaccine is being developed – and is currently in late-stage clinical trials – by Pfizer and Valneva. Approval by federal regulators will probably take about two more years, according to news reports.
Noah Day hit an RBI double and Chace Lubchansky ended the game with a walk-off single as top-seeded Fryeburg Academy rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to beat fourth-seeded Cape Elizabeth, 4-3, in a Class B South baseball semifinal Saturday in Fryeburg.
Fryeburg (15-3) advances to play No. 3 Greely in the regional final on Tuesday in Standish.
The Raiders pulled within a run in the bottom of the fifth when Day scored on an error. Cape (12-6) had taken the lead in the fourth on an RBI double by Finn Connolly, who scored on an error to make it 3-1.
Connolly also had an RBI single in the first inning. Fryeburg scored on an error in the bottom of the first.
GREELY 7, LEAVITT 2: Jonah Clorius pitched a two-hitter and the third-seeded Rangers (13-5) scored five runs in the third inning on their way to a Class B South semifinal win over the second-seeded Hornets (15-3) in Turner.
Clorius allowed one earned run while striking out four and walking two.
Kyle Soule and Jarrett Bush both had two hits and drove in two runs for Greely. Rocky Axelson hit a triple and scored twice.
Ryder Sawyer-Brown and Brody Poland each had a hit for Leavitt.
MARANACOOK 6, OLD ORCHARD BEACH 5: The second-seeded Black Bears (16-2) took a 6-0 lead in the first inning and held off the third-seeded Seagulls (13-5) in a Class C South semifinal in Readfield.
Cam Jones had three hits and two RBI for Maranacook, which advances to the regional final Tuesday at the University of Southern Maine against No. 1 Monmouth Academy. Will Watson had two hits and scored two runs.
Wes Gallant and Aiden Hodgkins both had two hits for Old Orchard Beach, which scored four runs in the sixth and one in the seventh before its comeback bid fell short.
MONMOUTH ACADEMY 13, WAYNFLETE/NYA 3: Bryce Fletcher drove in three runs and Jake Harmon and Noah Schultz knocked in two apiece as the defending Class C champions (17-1) advanced to the regional final by taking down Waynflete/NYA (11-7) in a Class C South semifinal in Monmouth.
Monmouth, the No. 1 seed, will face No. 2 Maranacook (16-2) for the regional championship Tuesday at the University of Southern Maine. The Black Bears dealt the Mustangs their only loss of the season, 3-2, on April 29.
Fletcher finished with three hits, including a double, and scored three runs. Rory and Zane Foyt each had two hits and drove in a run.
Kellen Gardiner doubled and had three of fifth-seeded Waynflete/NYA’s seven hits.
SOFTBALL
CHEVERUS 10, GORHAM 0: Addison DeRoche struck out 10, and the top-seeded Stags (18-0) earned a spot in the Class A South final with a five-inning win over the fourth-seeded Rams (14-4) in Portland.
Cheverus which will face second-seeded Bonny Eagle on Tuesday in Auburn. The Stags are the No. 1 team in the Varsity Maine poll.
DeRoche allowed four hits and walked one.
The game was scoreless until the fourth, when Cheverus struck for five runs. The Stags put the mercy rule into effect by adding five runs in the fifth.
Sadie Collins had two hits, two RBI and scored twice. Anna Goodman and Anna Kennedy-Jensen also recorded two hits, and Tempy Lovejoy smacked a double, as did Goodman.
Sawyer VonderHaar hit a double for Gorham.
LAKE REGION 5, YORK 1: Haley Hamlin struck out 11 while throwing a four-hitter and also was 2 for 3 at the plate as the third-seeded Lakers (14-4) beat the No. 2 Wildcats (16-2) in a Class B South semifinal in York.
Lake Region opened the scoring with two runs in the second inning, then added two more in the third on consecutive singles by Haley Hamlin, Ava Cole and Vylet Robbins.
Emily Blake drove in York’s run with a single in the fourth inning.
The Lakers will play for the regional title Tuesday at St. Joseph’s College against top-seeded Medomak Valley.
NORTH YARMOUTH ACADEMY 10, FOREST HILLS 0: Lily Fortin homered for the game’s first run and struck out 14 while pitching a one-hitter as the second-seeded Panthers (16-1) defeated the third-seeded Tigers (14-3) in a five-inning Class D South semifinal in Yarmouth.
Fortin and Cami Casserly (two hits) both drove in two runs. NYA broke the game open with six runs in the fourth inning.
In the circle, Fortin walked two and allowed only two hitters to put the ball in play. Losing pitcher Janessa Moffitt got the lone hit for Forest Hills.
NYA will play No. 1 Buckfield in the regional final Tuesday at St. Joseph’s College.
DIRIGO 9, OLD ORCHARD BEACH 1: Leah Turnbull tossed a one-hitter, and the top-seeded Cougars (17-1) rolled past the No. 5 Seagulls (10-8) in a Class C South semifinal in Dixfield.
Dirigo will meet second-seeded Monmouth Academy (16-2) in the regional final Tuesday at the University of Southern Maine.
Turnbull struck out four and didn’t allow a walk. She also contributed offensively with a hit, a run and an RBI.
The Cougars finished with 13 hits and didn’t strike out once. Xandria Libby went 3 for 3 and drove in a run. Lana Waite and Abby Luczynski each had a single and a double, Emma Witas also notched two hits, and Zoey Bordeau drove in two runs and scored twice.
Reagan Partridge scored Old Orchard Beach’s run on an RBI double from Hannah Webber.
GIRLS LACROSSE
KENNEBUNK 15, BONNY EAGLE 5: Anna McCarron recorded four goals and two assists to lead the top-seeded Rams (14-1) to a Class A quarterfinal win over the eighth-seeded Scots (9-7) in Kennebunk.
Camdyn Keenan added a goal and seven assists for Kennebunk, the No. 1 team in the Varsity Maine poll. The Rams face No. 4 Cheverus on Wednesday.
Julianna Urban added three goals, Alexandra Foy, Helen Kennie and Madeline Dowling both scored twice, and Sofia Olsen had one goal. Kennebunk’s Eliza Nass and Brielle Thompson combined for five saves.
Elizabeth Hamilton led Bonny Eagle with two goals. Caroline Krunkkala, Kalia Davis and Allie Ryan each were the other goal scorers.
Summertime means packed touring schedules for bands of many musical genres, and plenty of them are making stops in Maine. From ’90s alternative darlings The Breeders to legends like Joe Jackson and Barry Manilow, along with Maine acts 12/OC and The Ghost of Paul Revere, there are many ways to make this a live music summer to remember.
Here are 19 shows to consider between now and early September at some of Maine’s biggest indoor and outdoor venues.
Mumford & Sons
6 p.m. June 16. Maine Savings Amphitheater, 1 Railroad St., Bangor, $63.75-$159.75. waterfrontconcerts.com.
One of the biggest events of the summer of 2013 was Mumford & Sons bringing their “Gentlemen of the Road Stopover” festival to Portland’s Eastern Prom. This summer, the band will be performing in Bangor, in support of its sixth album “Prizefighter.” Dylan Gossett opens.
The Breeders
8 p.m. June 18. State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland, $49.50 in advance, $55 day of show. statetheatreportland.com.
Alternative rock darlings The Breeders is sisters Kim and Kelley Deal, Josephine Wiggs and Jim MacPherson. Since 1990, the band has released five albums and gone through several hiatuses while members were involved with other projects. Most notable is their 1993 release “Last Splash,” home to quintessential ’90s tune “Cannonball.”
Jelly Roll
7:30 p.m. June 20. Maine Savings Amphitheater, 1 Railroad St., Bangor, $85.25-$223.95. waterfrontconcerts.com.
Jelly Roll is the professional name of Jason Bradley DeFord. Popular songs by the country, rock and hip-hop singer-songwriter include “Need a Favor” and “Son of a Sinner.” Jelly Roll won a 2024 Best Contemporary County Album Grammy for “Beautifully Broken.” His Little Ass Shed Tour pulls into Bangor with blues, country, rock and folk artist Kashus Culpepper opening the show.
Wilco
7 p.m. June 21. Thompson’s Point, Portland, $62 in advance, $70 day of show. statetheatreportland.com.
Chicago-based rock band Wilco has played in Maine many times through the decades, and the next show is an outdoor one. Fronted by Jeff Tweedy, Wilco also features bassist John Stirratt, who owns a home in the Midcoast. With 13 albums of material to choose from, the show should satisfy new fans and longtime ones.
Barry Manilow
7 p.m. July 3. Cross Insurance Arena, Portland, $77-$385. crossarenaportland.com.
Pop singer Barry Manilow’s final concert in Portland is one of the crown jewels of the summer, after being rescheduled from April 19 because Manilow was ill. With classic songs like “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs,” “Can’t Smile Without You” and “Copacabana (At the Copa),” the legacy artist will likely draw a huge crowd as he takes his final bow in Maine.
Joe Jackson
8 p.m. July 11. State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland, $55.50-$99.50. statetheatreportland.com.
British singer, songwriter and pianist Joe Jackson released the album “Hope and Fury,” his 20th, in April. The Grammy winner’s discography dates back to the 1979 debut album “Look Sharp!,” home to Jackson staples “Sunday Papers,” “Is She Really Going Out With Him?” and “Fools in Love.” His piano chops are as impressive as his vocals, so you expect a first-rate show from Jackson and his band.
Alison Krauss & Union Station
6 p.m. July 11. The Bowl in the Pines at Snow Pond Center for the Arts, 1 Geranium Lane, Sidney, $70-$153. snowpond.org.
Alison Krauss & Union Station have been in the forefront of bluegrass and roots music for more than 40 years. With a show that will include songs from their latest album, “Arcadia,” you can look forward to a fantastic performance from the multiple Grammy winners. The band includes Krauss (fiddle, vocals), Jerry Douglas (Dobro, lap steel), Ron Block (banjo, guitar, vocals), Barry Bales (bass, vocals) and Russell Moore (guitar, mandolin, vocals). Theo Lawrence opens the show.
12/OC
6:30 p.m. July 18. The Bowl in the Pines at Snow Pond Center for the Arts, 1 Geranium Lane, Sidney, $27.76. snowpond.org.
This on-the-rise Maine country band was founded by Portland brothers Will and Reid Nichols, who started playing gigs when they were 10 and 13. 12 O/C has been building a loyal following in Maine for several years and moved to Nashville about two years ago. The show is a benefit for the Travis Mills Foundation, with Kelsey Hart opening.
Weird Al Yankovic
7:30 p.m. July 19. Maine Savings Amphitheater, 1 Railroad St., Bangor, $56.75-$213.45. waterfrontconcerts.com.
No one writes and sings pop parodies quite like Weird Al Yankovic. The Grammy winner has been at it for more than 45 years, and has sold more than 12 million albums. Hits include parodies of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” (“Eat It”) in 1984, Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” (“Like a Surgeon”) in 1985 and Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (“Smells Like Nirvana”) in 1992. Yankovic’s “Bigger & Weirder” show will kick off with Puddles Pity Party, a sad clown character who sings covers.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
6:30 p.m. July 21. The Bowl in the Pines at Snow Pond Center for the Arts, Sidney, $63.43-$120.06. snowpond.org.
For a summer night full of rock, funk, soul, jazz, blues, hip-hop and Caribbean-influenced music, head to Sidney for Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Shorty is the pride of New Orleans and his shows are both celebratory and musically tremendous. JJ Grey & Mofro will open the show.
Toto, Christopher Cross and the Romantics
6:45 p.m. July 23. Maine Savings Amphitheater, 1 Railroad St., Bangor, $35-$233.50. waterfrontconcerts.com.
Relive the heyday of ’80s pop music with a trio of acts who know how to pack a Top 40 punch. Toto will have you scream-singing along to “Africa,” Christopher Cross will remind you that the canvas can do miracles with “Sailing,” and the Romantics will have you jumping up and down with “What I Like About You.” All three have multiple hits, so plan on a highly entertaining and nostalgic night of music.
Herbie Hancock
7:30 p.m. Aug. 1. Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland, $75-$110. porttix.com.
Herbie Hancock, 86, has been a huge presence in modern jazz, funk, electronic music, rock and other genres for his entire career. It’s no wonder he’s won 14 Grammys, including the Lifetime Achievement Award. You may recall Hancock’s 1983 instrumental hit “Rockit,” and his 2007 release “River: The Joni Letters” with its lush piano interpretations of Joni Mitchell’s songs like “Both Sides Now” and “Sweet Bird.”
Guster on the Ocean
4 p.m. Aug. 8 & 9. Thompson’s Point, Portland, $70, $40 kids, $130 adult two-day pass, $30 kids two-day pass. statetheatreportland.com.
This will be the eighth year that the rock band Guster, featuring Cape Elizabeth singer and guitarist Adam Gardner, has made Portland the home of its summer festival. The Merrill Auditorium show on Aug. 7 with the Portland Symphony Orchestra is long sold out, but there are still tickets to two big outdoor shows at Thompson’s Point. The lineup features Iron & Wine, Watchhouse, The Barr Brothers, Neal Francis, Eggy, Dave Butler & Friends, Bebe Stockwell, Khatumu and Cilla Bonnie.
Billy Idol
7:30 p.m. Aug. 11. Maine Savings Amphitheater, 1 Railroad St., Bangor, $44.50-$181.50. waterfrontconcerts.com.
British rocker Billy Idol will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with the ceremony taking place in Los Angeles in November. Before that happens, he’ll be on a huge tour that includes a show in Bangor. Sing along with hits like “White Wedding,” “Eyes Without a Face,” “Dancing With Myself” and “Rebel Yell,” among others.
Brandi Carlile
7 p.m. Aug. 13. Cross Insurance Arena, Portland, $85-$497. crossarenaportland.com.
Singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile’s latest record is “Returning To Myself.” The Human Tour, named for its second track, swings through Portland in August. Since 2005, Carlile has released nine studio albums, including a collaboration with Elton John, and has won 11 Grammy Awards. Some of Carlile’s best known songs include “The Story,” “Hold Out Your Hand” and “The Joke.”
Indigo Girls
7 p.m. Aug. 25. Thompson’s Point, Portland, $53 in advance, $61 day of show. statetheatreportland.com.
Indigo Girls is the folk duo of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, known for their vocal harmonies, songwriting and musicianship. The show will feature sing-alongs of Indigo Girls’ signature songs like “Closer to Fine,” “Galileo” and if we’re lucky, “Kid Fears.”
ZZ Top
7 p.m. Sept. 6. Maine Savings Amphitheater, 1 Railroad St., Bangor, $65.20-$304.70. waterfrontconcerts.com.
Texas rock band ZZ Top’s hits include “Legs,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’” and “Sharp Dressed Man.” The band continues to play righteous shows after losing original Dusty Hill, bassist, in 2021. “The Big One!” tour features opening act George Thorogood & The Destroyers. Be ready to belt out “Bad to the Bone.” B-b-b-bad!
Ghostland
5 p.m. Sept. 6. Thompson’s Point, Portland, $55 in advance, $65 day of show, free for kids 3 and under. statetheatreportland.com.
Take part in a festival that’s a reunion for one of Maine’s best-loved bands. The Ghost of Paul Revere, started by childhood friends Griffin William Sherry, Sean McCarthy and Max Davis from Buxton and Hollis, were together for more than a decade and toured nationally before breaking up in 2022. The band hosted its own annual festival, Ghostland, usually at Thompson’s Point. They’ll play this year’s Thompson’s Point show with Futurebirds, Weakened Friends and Mikaela Davis.
LCD Soundsystem
7 p.m. Sept. 9. Thompson’s Point, Portland, $75 in advance, $85 day of show. statetheatreportland.com.
With a devoted following, dance-punk act LCD Soundsystem is led by James Murphy. Popular tracks include “Dance Yrself Clean” and “Daft Punk Is Playing at My House.” They called it quits in 2011, then rebooted in 2016. They’ve released five albums, starting with their breakthrough self-titled 2005 release.
This story was originally published by the Maine Trust for Local News. Aimsel Ponti can be reached at aponti@pressherald.com.
PORTLAND, Maine (WGME) — While the statewide moratorium on data center development was vetoed by Governor Mills, local communities across the state are now taking matters into their own hands, with some passing their own pauses.
At least four southern Maine cities and towns, including Scarborough, Sanford, and Westbrook have all implemented local data center moratoriums in recent weeks.
It comes as new polling show most Mainers opposed the construction of these facilities.
That poll, conducted by UMass Lowell and released last week, shows 72% of Mainers don’t want a data center built in their community, including 51% who strongly opposed it.
Just 28% said they would support that type of development.
The results mirror what’s being seen across the country.
According to a poll released Friday by Reuters, only 14% of Americans said they felt comfortable with a data center being built nearby.
77% said they worried AI-driven data centers would raise their electricity costs.
Those are concerns lawmakers here in Maine say cross the political spectrum.
“Red states, blue states, purple states are having this conversation, and people just want to have some answers about what this technology means, what this development opportunity means,” Rep. Melanie Sachs said.
Maine currently has a data center advisory council studying the potential impact large-scale data center development could have on the state’s energy grid and resources.
They’re expected to release a final report in January.
-
Dallas, TX6 minutes agoFormer Dallas Cowboys DE Tragically Passes Away at 36
-
Miami, FL9 minutes agoMiami police officers are attempting to locate blue car they think was involved in fatal hit-and-run
-
Boston, MA14 minutes agoRed Sox secure first home series win since early April with another win over Rangers
-
Denver, CO21 minutes agoKalshi World Cup Promo Code DENVER: Claim $10 Trading Bonus for Any Match – Denver Stiffs
-
Seattle, WA24 minutes agoUPDATE: Crash at 35th/Fauntleroy
-
San Diego, CA29 minutes agoCoast Guard intercepts 17 suspected migrants off San Diego coast
-
Milwaukee, WI36 minutes agoShots fired at Milwaukee’s Lake Park, woman arrested
-
Atlanta, GA39 minutes agoJudge disciplined for sex in chambers and lying to investigators apologizes for ‘offensive conduct’
