The Rant | Sanford, N.C. (2024)

In season opener, Spinners top Bogeys 10-1

The Sanford Spinners topped the Sandhills (Pinehurst) Bogeys 10-1 Saturday in their 2024 season opener for the collegiate level Old North State League. The game, played in Pinehurst, saw the Bogeys score their only run… READ MORE

Open for business

Sanford to feel the economic impact of the U.S. Open this year (and for years to come) For the second time in the last decade, one of golf’s four major tournaments will be played 28… READ MORE

Sanford honors local doctor and wife for volunteer work

By Richard Sullins | richard@rantnc.com Mayor Rebecca Wyhof Salmon and Sanford’s City Council honored a local doctor and his wife for their volunteer work that provides “street medicine” to locals who otherwise would not have… READ MORE

Broadway considers property tax increase for 2024-25

By Richard Sullins | richard@rantnc.com Broadway’s 1,300 residents could see a property tax increase in the new fiscal year that begins on July 1, if the town’s board of commissioners adopts the budget recommended by… READ MORE

Prince Motel being demolished

(Update): The city of Sanford issued a press release at 4:49 p.m. Wednesday about the demolition. It it published in full below. PRINCE MOTEL DEMO CLEARS WAY FOR DOWNTOWN’S NEXT CHAPTER Sanford, NC – May… READ MORE

County budget proposal holds tax rate, contains modest spending increase

By Richard Sullins | richard@rantnc.com The Lee County Board of Commissioners got its first look Monday at the proposed budget for the next fiscal year, which contains a modest increase in spending and holds the… READ MORE

East Lee Principal Newby wins big on The Price is Right

East Lee Middle School Principal Robert Newby appeared on CBS’ “The Price is Right” Tuesday, winning a total of more than $62,000 in prizes. Newby, who is also Lee County’s current Principal of the Year,… READ MORE

Sanford’s Forbes wins ACC Coach of the Year

Sanford native and UNC Head Baseball Scott Forbes has been named the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Coach of the Year. Forbes was named the Tar Heels’ head coach in 2020, and had previously served as the… READ MORE

Robeson man charged with death by distribution

Lee County sheriff’s deputies have charged a Robeson County man with death by distribution in connection with a drug overdose that occurred here in January. Antonio Deangelo Heck, 42, of Robeson County faces one felony… READ MORE

Three charged with drug violations after vehicle chase

Lee County sheriff’s deputies arrested three people on a slew of drug charges after a vehicle chase Thursday. Sheriff Brian Estes said narcotics agents attempted on Thursday to stop a BMW driven by Randall Lewis… READ MORE

Broadway’s Andrews named vice chair of NC Mayors Association

By Richard Sullins | richard@rantnc.com Broadway Mayor Donald Andrews has been named vice chair of the North Carolina Mayors Association. Andrews’ selection was announced during the organization’s quarterly meeting as a part of the North… READ MORE

City’s summer concert dates canceled over alcohol debate

By Richard Sullins | richard@rantnc.com The first four concerts in Sanford’s Summer Concert Series have been canceled due to “unforeseen circ*mstances,” following attempts by a city councilman to persuade both the city council and the… READ MORE

LCHS teacher accused of sexual abuse

A teacher at Lee County High School has been charged with multiple counts related to an alleged inappropriate sexual relationship with a student. Frank Mauricio De Leon, 56, of Hickory Avenue in Sanford is charged… READ MORE

Lee Co. Ducks Unlimited gives Rouse $1,000 scholarship

Lee County’s chapter of Ducks Unlimited awarded a $1,000 college scholarship in April to a member of Lee County High School’s Shooting Team, senior Makyna “MG” Rouse. “When MG showed up, she was shooting a… READ MORE

Lawsuit claims county emergency management employee fired for reporting sexual affair, harassment

By Richard Sullins | richard@rantnc.com A former Lee County Emergency Services employee has filed a federal lawsuit alleging he was fired after reporting sexual harassment by his supervisor, who he claims was having an affair… READ MORE

Sanford Spinners season starts in June

Collegiate level summer baseball comes back to Sanford on June 7. That date marks the first home game of the Sanford Spinners’ fourth season as members of the Old North State League. And hopes for… READ MORE

Gordon closes out the Spring 2024 Carolina Indie Fest artist interview series by talking with Jive Talk (Nashville based sytnh-driven alt rock) and Tuatha Dea (progressive rock from Asheville mixing Celtic and Appalachian sounds). Tuatha… READ MORE

Daughtry exits 14th District Congressional runoff

Republican Kelly Daughtry announced Thursday that she was leaving the 14th Congressional District runoff and endorsing her opponent, fellow Republican Brad Knott, WRAL is reporting. The move means Knott will be the GOP nominee for… READ MORE

South Carolina basketball’s ‘secret sauce’

Gameco*cks are building a dynasty in women’s college basketball, and a big part of their success is their impressive health streak under athletic trainer (and Sanford native) Craig Oates By Billy Liggett Craig Oates hit… READ MORE