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Articles by Nancy McCleary
One Sunday in Lee County early voting schedule
Lee County voters will have one Sunday to cast early ballots for the 2026 midterm elections set for November. The decision was made after a Thursday meeting of the State Board of Elections regarding early voting on Sundays in 20 counties. Most were believed to have been adopted along party lines with Republicans, who did not favor Sunday voting, in the majority. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Data centers dominate comments at commissioners meeting
Data centers dominate comments at commissioners meeting NANCY MCCLEARY, The Sanford Herald, N.C. Thu, August 20, 2026 at 7:02 AM EDT Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Data centers dominate comments at commissioners meeting
Although no discussion of a proposed data center was on the Lee County commissioners’ agenda for Monday’s meeting, it was the dominant issue. For more than 90 minutes, residents who packed the meeting room at the Lee County Library voiced their continued opposition to the proposed center — or any data center — as they spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
14 charged in multi-agency sex offender sting operation
A multi-agency sex offender sting operation in July resulted in the arrests of 14 people accused of using computers to sexually exploit or attempt to exploit children in Lee and surrounding counties, Sheriff Brian Estes said at a news conference Wednesday morning. “The goal of this operation was straightforward: To identify the individuals who were attempting to exploit our children here in Lee County and throughout surrounding communities,” Estes said.
Commissioners to consider requests for two major subdivisions
Commissioners to consider requests for two major subdivisions NANCY MCCLEARY, The Sanford Herald, N.C. Sat, August 15, 2026 at 7:02 AM EDT Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Ascend tournament honors slain graduate Original
A fund-raiser basketball tournament will be held Aug. 22 at Ascend Leadership Academy to honor a former student and graduate who was killed in March. Harryson LaFayette Anderson, 19, had gone with friends to home in Fayetteville for a spring break party. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one.
Write-in candidate plans to seek District 2 commission seat
Jonathan Boyce of Sanford has announced his intent to run for the Lee County Board of Commissioners District 2 seat as a write-in candidate. “I work as an educator and life coach and, while my background isn’t in politics, it is in listening, and listening well. Throughout my career, I’ve learned how to bring people together, ask good questions, and help solve problems. I believe those are exactly the qualities our community needs right now,” Boyce said in a phone interview on Friday.
Ordinance amended to allow first-responder uses in all zoning districts
Ordinance amended to allow first-responder uses in all zoning districts NANCY MCCLEARY, The Sanford Herald, N.C. Sun, July 19, 2026 at 3:59 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Ordinance amended to allow first-responder uses in all zoning districts
The Lee County commissioners voted to amend the Unified Development Ordinance to allow the use of land in all zoning districts by first responder agencies and approved a rezoning request from Pocket Volunteer Fire Department at their Monday meeting. Fire Department officials had requesting the rezoning of a two-acre tract in the 400 block of Blackstone Road for a substation. No one spoke for or against the request during a public hearing.
Vorbeck resigns from seat as as a county commissioner
Vorbeck resigns from seat as as a county commissioner NANCY MCCLEARY, The Sanford Herald, N.C. Fri, July 17, 2026 at 3:59 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Residents continue to argue for moratorium on data centers
Residents opposed to data centers again made their case to Lee County commissioners on Monday, but this time they relied on information and facts rather than emotional arguments. About 20 people spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting and voiced concerns over a non-disclosure agreement between Helix Ventures and PointOne Data Centers that residents say is an effort to prevent transparency of plans.
Vorbeck resigns from seat as as a county commissioner
Taylor Vorbeck announced Monday that she is resigning her seat on the Lee County Board of Commissioners effective immediately. “After much prayer and consideration, I have concldued that stepping aside is the right decision for my family and for this office. I believe the citizens of Lee County deserve a commissioner who can fully devote themselves to serving this county for the remainder of their term and I believe it’s the appropriate time for me to ...
Public hearing set Monday for manufacturing project
Public hearing set Monday for manufacturing project NANCY MCCLEARY, The Sanford Herald, N.C. Sat, July 11, 2026 at 11:02 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Public hearing set Monday for manufacturing project
The Lee County Board of Commissioners have a full agenda for Monday night’s meeting including three public hearings. One of the hearings is on the economic development Project Sol, a healthcare company that plans to developer in Sanford, according to agenda packet items. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one.
Patriots celebrate 250th anniversary in Broadway
BROADWAY — About 100 people braved the sweltering, humid weather Saturday morning to attend the annual 4th of July Celebration at the N.C. Veterans Memorial on Main Street. The event, hosted by the Town of Broadway and the Lee County Veterans Council, included musical performances by the Temple Teens and the Sanford Community Orchestra. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Commissioners approve Fire District budgets, tax rates
Commissioners approve Fire District budgets, tax rates NANCY MCCLEARY, The Sanford Herald, N.C. Thu, July 2, 2026 at 11:01 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Dry conditions require close attention to back-yard fireworks fun
Dry conditions require close attention to back-yard fireworks fun Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Attending an organized fireworks show or watching them on TV is the safest way to enjoy July 4th festivities this year due to the fire threat posed by drought conditions and hot weather.
Commissioners approve Fire District budgets, tax rates
The Lee County Board of Commissioners approved the 2026-27 Fire District Budget Ordinance at a special meeting Monday setting tax rates for the county’s eight fire districts. With their vote, the commissioners also approved budget requests for each of the fire departments. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one.
July 4 ceremony scheduled at NC Veterans Pavillion
July 4 ceremony scheduled at NC Veterans Pavillion Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Tent sales give residents chance to choose own fireworks display
Tent sales give residents chance to choose own fireworks display Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Residents in Sanford are planning to celebrate July 4th with their own fireworks displays using a variety of pyrotechnics available at TNT Fireworks stands throughout the city.
July 4 ceremony scheduled at NC Veterans Pavillion
BROADWAY — The 250th anniversary of America’s independence will be commemorated with a special service at the N.C. Veterans Pavillion in Broadway. The 4th of July Celebration, hosted by the Town of Broadway and the Lee County Veterans Council, is scheduled from 10-11 a.m. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one.
Commissioners to hold special board meeting Monday
Commissioners to hold special board meeting Monday Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Broadway OKs 2026-27 budget that increases tax rate
Broadway OKs 2026-27 budget that increases tax rate Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Broadway residents will see a 3-cent increase in their tax rates, bringing the total to 49 cents per $100 of assessed property value, due to rising costs and the need to delay projects to minimize budget impact.
Broadway OKs 2026-27 budget that increases tax rate
Broadway residents will see a 3-cent increase in their tax rates after the town commissioners approved the 2026-27 budget of $2,172,090. The rate increase reflects the challenges of maintaining services amid rising costs in nearly all areas, according to Town Manager John Godfrey. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one.
Commissioners OK budget that keeps tax levy at current rate
The Lee County commissioners adopted the 2026-27 budget at Monday's meeting. The budget totals $128,307,503 and keeps the property tax rate at 65 cents per $100 of assessed property value. The initial budget presented by County Manager Lisa Minter totaled $126,856,002 and raised the tax rate to 70 cents per $100 of assessed property value. However, at a June 5 budget workshop the commissioners instructed Minter to revise the budget without increasing the property tax.
Women who lost family members to suicide urge surviors to seek help
NANCY MCCLEARY, The Sanford Herald, N.C. Thu, June 18, 2026 at 11:03 AM UTC 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Debbie Kindle and Stephanie West shared their personal stories of losing loved ones to suicide at the Sixth Annual Sierra Awareness Day event in Broadway, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and talking to others about mental health.
Angry residents speak against application to build data center
NANCY MCCLEARY, The Sanford Herald, N.C. Thu, June 18, 2026 at 11:02 AM UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Residents in Lee County expressed anger and opposition at a recent proposal for a $900 million data center on Lower Moncure Road. PointOne Data Centers is seeking approval to build a 300,000 square-foot building on a 430-acre site, sparking concerns about safety, environmental impact, and water usage.
Angry residents speak against application to build data center
A request to build a data center on Lower Moncure Road drew angry residents to the Lee County commissioners meeting on Monday. They packed the community meeting room at the Lee County Libraries main branch filling nearly all the seats and standing against the wall. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one.
Revised county budget without tax increase goes before commissioners Monday
NANCY MCCLEARY, The Sanford Herald, N.C. Sun, June 14, 2026 at 3:59 AM UTC 1 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Lee County commissioners are expected to approve a revised budget of $128,306,503 that does not include a proposed tax increase, reflecting concerns voiced by commissioners in a work session held June 5.
Upward Bound students get live look at training for police, fire personnel
A group of high school students got a first-hand look of law enforcement activities during a Monday event at the Lee County Emergency Management Training grounds. About 45 students are enrolled in the TriO Upward Bound, a federally funded program offered through Central Carolina Community College. The program serves students from low-income families, households where neither parent holds a bachelor degree or those have a high risk for academic failure, according to information on the CCCC website.
Tractor trailer driver charged in N.C.87 wreck that killed 9-year-old boy
LILLINGTON — An 8-year-old boy was killed Friday in a three-vehicle crash that happened at the intersection of N.C. 87 and Olivia Road in Harnett County. It happened about 3:30 p.m. when a northbound 2017 International tractor trailer operated by David Allen Cuellar slammed into the back of a 2026 Hyundai Palisade sport utility vehicle that was stopped for a red light, according to a report filed by Trooper J.D. Foushee.
EMS franchise awarded to FirstHealth for $2.87 million
The Lee County Board of Commissioners voted Monday to award the emergency services franchise to FirstHealth of the Carolinas just before the current contract ends June 30. The new five-year contract with FirstHealth is $2.87 million, an increase of $1,67,665, or 160%, and represents 1.73 cents of the five-cent property tax increase included in the proposed 2026-27 budget of $127,856,002. The board awarded the franchise after negotiations with MedEx Medical Transport Inc.
EMS franchise awarded to FirstHealth for $2.87 million
The Lee County Board of Commissioners voted Monday to award the emergency services franchise to FirstHealth of the Carolinas just before the current contract ends June 30. The new five-year contract with FirstHealth is $2.87 million, an increase of $1,67,665, or 160%, and represents 1.73 cents of the five-cent property tax increase included in the proposed 2026-27 budget of $127,856,002.
Budget hearing draws calls for focus on schools funding
About 15 people spoke at Monday night's public hearing on the $127,856,002 proposed 2026-27 budget held during the Lee County Board of Commissioners meeting. The proposal calls for a five-cent increase in the tax rate which would bring it to 70 cents per $100 of assessed property values. Most speakers urged board members to fund Lee County Schools, citing the need as an investment for the future and to remain competitive with nearby systems.
Budget hearing draws calls for focus on schools funding
About 15 people spoke at Monday night’s public hearing on the $127,856,002 proposed 2026-27 budget held during the Lee County Board of Commissioners meeting. The proposal calls for a five-cent increase in the tax rate which would bring it to 70 cents per $100 of assessed property values. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one.
Public hearings on budget proposals Monday
Public hearings on the proposed 2026-27 budget and the Capital Improvement Plan 2027-2031 will be held Monday at the Lee County Board of Commissioners meeting. The General Fund proposal is $127,856,002, an increase of $8.46 million from last year. The proposed budget includes a 5-cent increase in the property tax rate, raising it from 65 to 70 cents per $100 of assessed property value. The hike, the largest in several years, is needed to keep up with the growth and development in the county.
Public hearings on budget proposals Monday
Public hearings on the proposed 2026-27 budget and the Capital Improvement Plan 2027-2031 will be held Monday at the Lee County Board of Commissioners meeting. The General Fund proposal is $127,856,002, an increase of $8.46 million from last year. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one.
Uncertainty prompts delay of some county projects
County Manager Lisa Minter has proposed pushing back major construction projects to be able to provide money for school projects and as little impact as possible on residents. The total Capital Improvement Plan funding request for 2027-2031 is $304,211,427 with Minter’s proposal of 12 county-funded projects totaling $144,112,667. That is a reflection of growth and the needs of the county.
Uncertainty prompts delay of some county projects
County Manager Lisa Minter has proposed pushing back major construction projects to be able to provide money for school projects and as little impact as possible on residents. The total Capital Improvement Plan funding request for 2027-2031 is $304,211,427 with Minter’s proposal of 12 county-funded projects totaling $144,112,667. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Proposed budget calls for 5-cent hike in property tax rate
The proposed 2026-27 budget in Lee County includes a 5-cent increase in the property tax rate, raising it to 70 cents per $100 of assessed property value. County Manager Lisa Minter presented the proposed budget at the Lee County Board of Commissioners meeting, citing a shortfall due to contractual cost increases, building maintenance needs, and long-term debt planning.
Martin elected new chair of county commissioners
The Lee County Board of Commissioners chose Samantha Martin as its new chairman at Monday’s meeting. The commissioners voted via ballot with Martin collecting six votes to one cast for former Commission Chair Kirk Smith. Martin, a Republican, is an at-large representative who was elected in November 2024, the top vote-getter among six candidates vying for three seats. Her election allowed the Republicans to hold a 4-3 majority on the board.
Martin elected new chair of county commissioners
The Lee County Board of Commissioners chose Samantha Martin as its new chairman at Monday’s meeting. The commissioners voted via ballot with Martin collecting six votes to one cast for former Commission Chair Kirk Smith. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one.
Smith, citing proposed rules changes, gives up chairman seat
The chairman of the Lee County Board of Commissioners is relinquishing his seat after proposed changes in the Rules of Procedures for all members. Kirk Smith submitted a letter of his intent to county administration on Thursday. Smith said he will continue as the District 2 representative.
Smith, citing proposed rules changes, gives up chairman seat
The chairman of the Lee County Board of Commissioners is relinquishing his seat after proposed changes in the Rules of Procedures for all members. Kirk Smith submitted a letter of his intent to county administration on Thursday. Smith said he will continue as the District 2 representative. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one.
N.C. county moves to keep FirstHealth as EMS provider
By Nancy McCleary The Sanford Herald, N.C. LEE COUNTY, N.C. — The Lee County commissioners voted Monday to negotiate with FirstHealth for the EMS franchise to provide ambulance service for residents. The decision comes after talks between the county and MedEx Inc., who originally was chosen, fell through and no contract was signed.
Lee commissioners want definitive measures for no-confidence votes
Lee County commissioners table a change in board rules procedure allowing a no-confidence vote to remove the chairman due to lack of defined criteria. Chairman Kirk Smith questions the move, citing that parliamentary democracies, not constitutional republics, typically have no-confidence votes for leaders. Commissioners express concerns over the lack of guidelines and parameters for what would constitute a no-confidence vote, with suggestions for defining unbecoming conduct and providing examples.
Lee commissioners want definitive measures for no-confidence votes
On Monday, the Lee County commissioners opted to table a change in the board’s rules procedure that would allow a no-confidence vote to remove the chairman. The recommendation was included in an update to the Board of Commissioners' Rules of Procedures. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one.
Commissioners to negotiate with FirstHealth for EMS services
The Lee County commissioners voted Monday to negotiate with FirstHealth for the EMS franchise to provide ambulance service for residents. The decision comes after talks between the county and MedEx Inc., who originally was chosen, fell through and no contract was signed. On May 18, the commissioners plan to hold a first reading of the franchise ordinance to award EMS services to FirstHealth, which has been the provider since 2021. FirstHealth and MedEx Inc.
Commissioners to hold special meeting Monday
The Lee County commissioners were scheduled to have a work session Monday but have put that aside for a special meeting. It will be held in the new Lee County Main Library Multi-Purpose Room beginning at 6 p.m. An orientation is on the agenda. A discussion on the status of the Emergency Medical Franchise for the county is scheduled. The current contract with FirstHealth Moore Regional is set to expire June 30. The board opted in December to purse a contract with MedEx Transport Services Inc.
Lee commissioners adopt data center regulations
The Lee County commissioners voted Monday, 5-1, to approve zoning regulations for data centers after a nearly three-hour public hearing. Commissioner Taylor Vorbeck was the sole vote against the regulations, stating she favored an abandonment clause and a fine of $10,000 for noise violations. Commissioner Cameron Sharpe, who works in code enforcement for the City of Sanford, recused himself from the vote and discussion.
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