06/04/2026
The population of Lee County has never been more than 1% of the total population of North Carolina. And yet, despite the long numerical odds, our community still produced a visionary leader who has left a lasting impact across the state. Yesterday at a special ceremonial court session, a portrait of former Lieutenant Governor Dennis Wicker was unveiled at the Lee County Courthouse, joining the portraits of other celebrated community attorneys and leaders going back to the County’s founding. At the ceremony, joined by his family, friends, and colleagues, Wicker relayed the story of how his commitment to service and integrity propelled him from local lawyer to the General Assembly to the second highest office in the State. All that time, no matter what he was doing – be it toughening drunk driving laws or preventing a toxic waste dump – he held firm to the idea of leaving his community and his state better than he found it.
Community leadership like Wicker’s is extraordinary, but not uncommon in Sanford and Lee County. While none yet have risen to the same level of elected office as he has, men and women with the same dedication to service and to the betterment of their community can be found in every corner of our area, in a variety of roles. As much as any piece of infrastructure, industry cluster, or workforce program, it’s that culture of leadership, exemplified by Wicker, that has made Sanford and Lee County grow and thrive.
Our congratulations and deep thanks to Lieutenant Governor Wicker and his family. We know his example will inspire the next generation of leaders across our county, our state, and our nation.
