Joseph Keel, Parks and Recreation director, talks about the return of youth and adult sports this spring and what the future sports complex will mean to youth athletics in Lee County. 

The Rant talks to longtime friend Lee County Sheriff Tracy Carter, who talks about his decision to step down in 2022, his 15-year career as sheriff and who he's supporting in next year's election.

Indie On Air CEO Jeff Popka and Hugger Mugger Brewing owner Tim Emmert talk about the upcoming Carolina Indie Fest (September 2021) in Sanford and some of the bands and musicians slated to perform (Paleface, The Accidentals, Willow Hill and the Cliff Wheeler Band, to name a few). 

Lee County Parks & Recreation outdoor specialist Jaime Osborne joins The Rant to talk about outdoor education programs offered by the county and the likelihood of whether they'll let us handle some snakes and turtles in the near future. 

State Rep. Robert Reives II (D-Chatham) joins The Rant to talk about becoming the new leader of North Carolina's Democratic caucus and about his work in Raleigh over the past year. 

Lee County Elections Director Jeni Harris joins The Rant to talk about her role overseeing the 2020 election locally, the process of ensuring a fair election and her thoughts on allegations of fraud in the national election. 

Wendy Bryan, executive director of the City of Sanford's Tourism Development Authority, joins The Rant to talk about how golf, breweries, parks, restaurants and a surprisingly big local wedding industry have sparked Sanford tourism in recent years. 

Chris Kelley, director of the Salvation Army of Lee County, talks about the organization's annual kettle drive and how COVID-19 has affected not only donations, but the number of volunteers out there. 

John Ramperger from Sanford Real Estate joins us this week to talk about Sanford's real estate market and what subdivisions like Galvin's Ridge and Laurel Oaks will mean to the city in the coming years. 

The Rant returns after a two-week hiatus to talk about the election in Lee County and North Carolina (we even talk a little national vote, too). Jonathan reporting live from Four Seasons Total Landscaping.