INSIDE HIGH POINT APRIL 2026
TEAM LAUNCHPOINT TO ESTABLISH TEAM LAUNCHPOINT TO ESTABLISH STARTUP INNOVATION HUB STARTUP INNOVATION HUB
CITYCOUNCIL
MAYOR JEFFERSON MEETS
MAYOR REGMI, THE MAYOR OF KALIA MUNICIPALITY, CHITWAN, NEPAL
Mayor Cyril Jefferson recently welcomed Mayor Binod Regmi of Kalika Municipality, Chitwan, Nepal, to the City of High Point North Carolina for a special visit centered on community development, infrastructure, and shared leadership.
Mayor Regmi spoke about efforts underway in Nepal to strengthen local infrastructure and improve services for residents through initiatives such as road naming, house numbering and emergency services.
As part of the visit, he presented Mayor Jefferson with a token of appreciation and a formal invitation to visit Nepal. Mayor Jefferson also shared a City of High Point flag and City merchandise with Mayor Regmi in return.
It was a meaningful opportunity to connect across communities, exchange ideas, and celebrate the importance of partnership in building stronger cities.
MAYOR JEFFERSON MEETS
MAYOR REGMI, THE MAYOR OF KALIA MUNICIPALITY, CHITWAN, NEPAL
TEAMLAUNCHPOINTTO ESTABLISHSTARTUPINNOVATION HUBINTHECITYOFHIGHPOINT
Team LaunchPoint will establish a venture capital firm and startup accelerator in the City of High Point, creating a hub for business development and job growth. The project will redevelop a vacant 15,000-square-foot office building at 1321 Long Street into a multi-tenant facility for the parent venture firm and its startup companies, with two newly incorporated startups expected as initial tenants. The investment includes more than $300,000 in building improvements, and the project is expected to create approximately 40 jobs over five years.
“I’m proud to continue investing in High Point, and to support the momentum of our city. Team LaunchPoint is designed to create, develop, and scale highgrowth businesses, and we will be doing it right here in High Point, ” said Drew Haire, Founder of Team LaunchPoint. “Once established, this project will build a brand for High Point as a high-growth start-up launch point. I am grateful for the City’s partnership in supporting this ambitious project. ”
TEAMLAUNCHPOINTTOESTABLISH STA ITY
Team LaunchPoint received a $75,000 performance-based incentive from the High Point City Council, awarded under the City’s Job Creation and Building Upfit policies, to support renovation and occupancy of the building.
“This project represents a significant step forward in diversifying High Point’s economy and fostering innovation, ” said Cyril Jefferson, Mayor of High Point.
“Team LaunchPoint creates a pathway for small business owners and entrepreneurs to access capital, resources, and a collaborative environment that can accelerate growth. ”
Peter Bishop, Director of Economic Development, added, “Team LaunchPoint represents the kind of forward-thinking investment High Point needs. It transforms underutilized space into opportunity and helps new businesses launch, grow, and succeed. We’re proud to support projects that bring innovation, energy, and job creation to the City of High Point. ”
Funding for the incentives will come from the City’s Economic Development Incentive Fund, which is supported by general fund and electric fund revenues.
The High Point Museum hosted a dedication ceremony for the America250 – Guilford County Time Capsule on Saturday, April 18. This free event was open to people of all ages and took place from 2 to 4 p.m. at the museum, located at 1859 E. Lexington Ave.
This special event featured live music, refreshments, a photo booth, and a rare opportunity to view some of the items before they are sealed away at the end of the year. The time capsule will remain closed until America’s 300th anniversary in 2076.
The America250 – Guilford County Time Capsule will be housed at the High Point Museum in the High Point Historical Society collections storage area. The America250 – Guilford County Committee is collecting county-specific items for the capsule from community members, businesses and organizations.
“The time capsule is a way for Guilford County residents to speak directly to the future, ” said Museum Director Edith Brady. “The items we collect will tell the story of who we are as a community in 2026 and help future generations understand what life was like here as the nation marked its 250th anniversary. ”
The ceremony will coincide with the Museum’s launch of its Wish Wall, a nationwide project led by Made By Us to collect Americans’ hopes for the future ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. The finished wall will debut in High Point on July 4, 2026.
Community members interested in donating items to the time capsule can learn more by visiting the museum’s website at www.highpointmuseum.org.
As the United States approached its 250th anniversary in 2026, the High Point Museum invited the community to participate in a Wish Wall, a nationwide initiative capturing Americans’ hopes and dreams for the future. Visitors were able to stop by one of the more than 15 locations around High Point between April 20 and June 22 to submit a personal wish — from small acts of kindness to big visions for change for the next 50 years in America. The final Wish Wall debuted at Social Saturday in Downtown High Point and Uncle Sam Jam on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
The initiative, coordinated by Made By Us and rolled out nationwide across dozens of museums, libraries, parks, community hubs and gatherings, created a powerful experience for individuals to participate in envisioning and shaping the future. Since the summer of 2025, more than 135 Wish Walls had been held, with more planned, from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and The New York Historical to smaller, local hosts.
“The Wish Wall gives everyone a voice in imagining what comes next, ” said Museum Director Edith Brady. “It’s a simple act of civic engagement that will result in a collective snapshot of what we value most at America’s 250th birthday. ”
“We are so glad to have people from so many different backgrounds and perspectives participate in the Wish Wall experience, ” said Caroline Klibanoff, executive director at Made By Us. “We all have a role to play in shaping history, and these installations offer everyone an easy way to get started. ”
There were kiosks to submit wishes at the following locations between April 20 and June 22:
High Point Museum
City Lake Park Meeting & Event Center
Oak Hollow Marina
Oak Hollow Golf Course
Blair Park Golf Course
Allen Jay Rec Center
Deep River Rec Center
Morehead Rec Center
Oakview Rec Center
Southside Rec Center
Washington Terrace Park
High Point Public Library
High Point City Hall.
Phase two of the Wish Wall project took steps to help make the wishes come true. Later that fall, the Museum hosted a series of programs centered on the most common themes from the wall. These events brought people together with subject matter experts and related community organizations to help individuals find ways to take action at the local level to realize their vision for the future.
To learn more about High Point’s Wish Wall, including how to submit online, submission locations and where the wall debuted, visitors were directed to highpointmuseum.org or to contact Tamara Vaughan. For more information on national Wish Walls, they were encouraged to visit www.OnOur250th.org.
CITYOFHIGHPOINTTRIUMPHSAT 2026APWA-NCEQUIPMENTROADEO
The City of High Point’s Public Works Department delivered a commanding performance at the 2026 APWA-NC Equipment ROADeo, showcasing the elite technical skill and safety standards of its operators. Competing against municipalities from across North Carolina, High Point solidified its reputation as a leader in public works excellence. Operators from the Public Services Department competed in Backhoe, Mini Excavator, Skid Steer, Knuckle Boom, Articulating Mower, Garbage Truck (Side Loader), and Snowplow events.
DEPARTMENTREPRESENTATION
Representing the City of High Point were team members from multiple divisions, including Street Maintenance, Environmental Services, and Water/Sewer Maintenance. This cross-departmental participation highlights the depth of talent and collaboration across the organization, reinforcing a shared commitment to operational excellence and public service.
THEULTIMATETEAMVICTORY
Mini Excavator
1st Place – Curtis Crisco (0:01:26.624)
2nd Place – Tyler Long (0:01:34.465)
3rd Place – Chris Lawson (0:02:10.728)
7th Place – Brad Rogers (0:02:41.515)
Knuckle Boom
5th Place – Richard Masters (0:01:25.291)
Backhoe
2nd Place – Tyler Long (0:00:31.347)
4th Place – Chris Lawson (0:00:42.201)
6th Place – Curtis Crisco (0:00:46.573)
THE ROAD TO HOUSTON: NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
The stakes were particularly high in the Backhoe and Mini Excavator events. Per APWA regulations, the first-place finishers in these categories earned the honor of representing North Carolina on the national stage.
“Bee City High Point and the Piedmont Environmental Center (PEC) hosted a garden tour and bee house building class this spring! Many native bees in our area our solitary and build their nests in reeds or small tube-shaped structures. Carrie Council with Bee City and the PEC explained how many of the plants grown at the PEC are beneficial to bees and other insects. Participants got to construct and take home a bee house which will support future nesting sites for these native pollinators. ”
“Keep High Point Beautiful (Environmental Services) and the city’s Environmental Division (Engineering Department) celebrated Earth Day at the Rockers baseball game on April 22nd. The first 300 guest through the gates were given Black Eyed Susan seed packets for planting to help support pollinators.
Guests also came to the education table to learn more about stormwater runoff, Bee City High Point and how to protect our environment by placing waste in the proper place. We are very thankful to the High Point Rockers for having us and loved celebrating Earth Day with the home team!”
The High Point Public Library Centennial cele n of National Poetry Month. Various books of poems were on display, and a book discussion with the author and poet Artress Bethany White was held Saturday, April 18, in the Morgan Community Room.
Artress is a poet, author, and English Professor at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.
She discussed her newest book titled “A Black Doe in the Anthropocene” . This book of poems confronts brutal truths unearthed by present-day descendants of an enslaved American family -author Artress Bethany White.
Mrs. White is the recipient of the Trio award for her collection My American Poems, and she received the Next Generation Finalist Indie Book Award.
Her discussion led to several questions, including library services and databases for ancestry research, and the future of library roles and AI.
This event was sponsored by the Friends of the High Point Library. After her discussion I conducted a library tour, which she was impressed by the variety of displays, the pods, and the lactation space on the 2nd floor. She spent some time at the Heritage Research Center, where she spoke with Librarian Larry Cates.
Thank you to the “Friends of the Library” for sponsoring this event.
On March 26, the Friends of the Library hosted a retirement reception for Lorrie Russell. Lorrie had been at the library for 20 years, serving as Research Services Division Manager and Assistant Library Director.
Lorrie also served the NC library community, serving in several roles in the NC Library Association (NCLA). She held the offices of Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President, and President of the Association. She also served as the NC representative to the Southeastern Library Association (SELA) and as the Chair of the Constitution and Codes Committee.
Lorrie was awarded the North Carolina Library Association Distinguished Service award at the NCLA Conference in October 2025.
Lorrie truly made her mark in serving High Point and the NC library community, and she will be very missed.
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK 2026: “FIND YOUR JOY!”
The High Point Public Library celebrated National Library Week April 19-25 with a variety of programs for the community.
The celebration unofficially started on Saturday, August 18, with the opening of the 2026 High Point Farmers Market season and with a visit by poet Artress Bethany White. On Sunday, April 19, the library partnered with the League of Women Voters of the Piedmont Triad to welcome a presentation by Christopher A. Cooper, author of Anatomy of a Purple State.
April 20-23, the Children’s Department presented several Story Time programs on the theme of “Love your Library. ”
On April 21, the library partnered with the RiverRun International Film Festival to present a screening of the award-winning documentary, “The Librarians, ” followed by an engaging discussion.
This week was also the kick-off of the library’s centenary year, and library staff were encouraged to wear their National Library Week and 100 anniversary tshirts. For more information about the upcoming anniversary events the library has planned, go to: https://bit.ly/HPPL100Years. th
HIGHPOINTHEROESHIKEATPEC
The recent get-together of the High Point Heroes Club went great, as our group of veterans met at the Piedmont Environmental Center (1220 Penny Road) met for a relaxing guided hike! Special thanks to the PEC staff Carrie Council for accompanying us and sharing so much interesting information. Through High Point Parks & Recreation, High Point Heroes offers recreation programs to veterans of all ages, from all branches, as well as active-duty service members. Monthly outings include community service opportunities as well as movie nights, bowling, art classes, pontoon boat rides, cookouts, hiking and more. Participants are welcome to bring a family member or friend.
HIGHPOINTHEROESHIKEATPEC
Coming up soon: In collaboration with the Heroes Center, we will host a Sunset Dinner and Pontoon Boat Ride at Oak Hallow Marina on June 26. We will meet at 5:30 p.m. for a light dinner and socialization. Afterwards, we will embark on the Heroes Center's newly renovated, wheelchair-accessible pontoon boat for a sunset cruise around the marina!
Please RSVP by registering at https://app.amilia.com/.../high.../shop/activities/6798686 to secure your spot. Space is limited, so you may choose to attend the same event also offered on the additional date of July 10: https://app.amilia.com/.../high.../shop/activities/6798690.
DISCOVERKINDERGARTENDAY
Zech Spruill (left) and Dean Benbow (right) from Morehead Recreation Center represented High Point Parks & Recreation at the recent “Discover Kindergarten Day” sponsored by Guilford County Schools.
Held at the High Point Children’s Museum, this was a great opportunity to provide visitors with lots of information about the facilities, programs and events provided by High Point Parks & Recreation year-round. Approximately 650 rising kindergarten students and their families attended.
Here's an exciting addition to High Point City Lake Park! For his Eagle Scout project, Joshua Montgomery, a local Boy Scout with Troop 26, has designed and built a swing along the lake near Camp Ann.
High Point Parks & Recreation is so appreciative of Joshua's ingenuity, time and generosity in developing and completing this project. Come visit this special spot, where you can "Cast Your Cares Away" and enjoy the beautiful views!
High Point Look-Alike Day brought out the coworker doubles, twins, triplets, celebrity look-alikes, and a few “wait… y’all aren’t related?” surprises. Now that’s some serious Twinergy!
PROMOTIONS
ANDREW PIERCE
Park Attendant to Marina Operator
ANTHONY ESTES
Fire Captain II to Fire Battalion Chief
ANTHONY MARLAND
Firefighter to Firefighter, Master I
ARMANDO TOLEDO-VAZQUEZ
Firefighter, Master II to Fire Equipment Operator I
AUDREY HARDIN
Seasonal Park Attendant to Theatre Associate
BRYAN LONG
Firefighter to Firefighter, Master I
CHRISTOPHER SHOFFNER
Firefighter to Firefighter, Master I
CLINTON WHITTEN
Fire Equipment Operator II to Fire Captain I
PROMOTIONS
CURTIS SMITH
Firefighter to Firefighter, Master I
DEREK BARKER
Police Officer, Master II to Police Officer, Master III
ELONA PRESSON
Police Supervisor I to Police Supervisor II
FRANCIS SANTORA
Fire Captain I to Fire Captain II
IAN STANICK
Police Supervisor I to Police Supervisor II
JAMISON ROBERTS
Firefighter to Firefighter, Master I
JORDAN FORD
Firefighter to Firefighter, Master I
JOSHUA HEPLER
Street Maint Supervisor to Street Maint Supervisor
PROMOTIONS
KENDALL CLINARD
Firefighter to Firefighter, Master I
MARK WEATHERMAN
Wastewater Operator II to Wastewater Operator III
MICHAEL KERSEY
Firefighter, Master II to Fire Equipment Operator I
NATHAN BLAKENEY
Firefighter to Firefighter, Master I
NATHAN LAMBETH
Fire Inspector I to Fire Inspector II
NICHOLAS JACOBS
W/S Technician I to W/S Technician I
PATRICK ALABE
Convenience Center Attendant to Landfill Equipment Operator
PHILLIP PRUITT
Firefighter to Firefighter, Master I
PROMOTIONS
RYAN CAIN
Firefighter to Firefighter, Master I
RYAN GORMAN
W/S Technician I to W/S Technician I
SEAN CHERRY
Traffic Signal Tech I to Traffic Signal Tech I
TUCKER MESSINGER
Fleet Services Tech I to Fleet Maint Technician I
WESTON BLACK
Lifeguard to Pool Manager, Assistant
NEW HIRES
AERIEL EATMON
Transit Operator I
BRYSON DELANE
W/S Technician I
CLAIRE LEWIS
Crime Analyst
CODY LANE
Motor Equipment Operator I
CODY MILLS
Parks Maint Crew Leader
DANNY WHITE
Emergency Vehicle Maint Tech I
JORGIA MULLINS
Telecommunicator I
MADELINE BRADY
Seasonal Park Attendant
MICHAEL PECARICH GROUNDSKEEPER I
NICHOLAS TEDALDI
MOTOR EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I
SHERYL BOWLING
ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN II
TAHEISHA COLEMAN RISK MANAGEMENT ANALYST
WILEY E DUPREE JR. WATER PLANT OPERATOR I
TANNER LOGAN
FIREFIGHTER
TONYE DOUKPOLAGHA
LIBRARIAN I
URIAH RORIE POLICE OFFICER
WESTIN VESTAL
FIREFIGHTER
