Inside High Point | Aug. 2024

AUGUST 2024

INSIDE HIGH POINT

CITY COUNCIL

CYRIL JEFFERSON MAYOR

BRITT MOORE MEMBER AT LARGE

AMANDA COOK MEMBER AT LARGE

Cyril.Jefferson@highpointnc.gov

Britt.Moore@highpointnc.gov

Amanda.Cook@highpointnc.gov

VICKIE MCKIVER

TYRONE JOHNSON

MONICA PETERS

Vickie.McKiver@highpointnc.gov

Tyrone.Johnson@highpintnc.gov

Monica.Peters@highpointnc.gov

PATRICK HARMAN

TIM ANDREW WARD 5

WARD 6, MAYOR PRO TEM

Patrick.Harman@highpointnc.gov

Tim.Andrew@highpointnc.gov

Michael.Holmes@highpointnc.gov

WARD 1

WARD 4

WARD 2

WARD 3

MICHAEL HOLMES

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

HIGH POINT RECOVERS FROM TROPICAL STORM DEBBY AFTERMATH

5

CHEEKS SWORN IN AS CHIEF OF POLICE

6

HIGH POINT TRANSIT RESPONDS TO THE CALL OF CIVIL SERVANT DUTY

8

FARMER’S MARKET HOSTS PILOT STORM DRAIN ART PROJECT

10

PARKS & RECREATION

11

HIGH POINT MUSEUM EVENTS

13

HIGH POINT MUSEUM EVENTS

15

PROMOTIONS & NEW HIRES

HIGH POINT RECOVERS FROM TROPICAL STORM DEBBY AFTERMATH On Thursday, August 8, Tropical Storm Debby swept through North Carolina bringing statewide flooding, gusty winds and a storm surge along the coast. The storm brought high winds and heavy rains to the City of High Point. The Ward Water Treatment plant recorded 4.82 inches of rain that day and the local weather warned of wind gust around 30 to 40 mph. The Street Maintenance and Stormwater Services Divisions worked to remove around 40 trees and branches that were reported blocking roadways after initial calls started coming shortly before 5 a.m.

The following day and into Monday, all remaining trees and debris from roadsides were hauled to the Ingleside Compost Facility.

Crews worked diligently to restore power to more than 2,000 homes within a 12-hour time span and ensured 3

that our stormwater system worked properly. Public Services, Electric, 911 and Public Safety departments assisted residents; as well as Environmental Services staff who were able to still run routes and provide all collection services.

We extend heartfelt appreciation to all who ensured the safety and well-being of City of High Point residents, businesses and visitors.

4

CHEEKS SWORN IN AS CHIEF OF POLICE On Friday, Aug. 16, the High Point Police Department celebrated the swearing-in of Chief Curtis H. Cheeks, III. Appointed on July 1, Chief Cheeks is the 40th chief of police for the City of High Point Government. He also makes history as the High Point Police Department’s first Black police chief. Chief Cheeks joined the department in 2002.

Throughout his career, he’s served in a variety of roles. Prior to his current appointment, Chief Cheeks served as interim chief of police, assistant chief of the support services division, commander of the investigations section and lieutenant over the strategic intelligence unit, community engagement unit and public information office. He also served as field training supervisor.

Under Chief Cheeks’ leadership, the department remains committed to making the lives of the people in our community better while focusing on crime-fighting, community engagement, training and professional policing.

5

HIGH POINT TRANSIT RESPONDS TO THE CALL OF CIVIL SERVANT DUTY

The High Point Transit System's mission is to operate a multifaceted transit system for the citizens of High Point. However, on occasion, they are called to fulfill duties that exceed the scope of that mission statement.

It's rare that " everything goes according to plan" for either a fixed route or ADA Paratransit service.

However, Opestaff, including Raptors, Mechanics, Supervisory Staff, and Terminal Attendants, are adaptable and understand that they must be prepared for unexpected situations during the working day.

Over the course of the last month alone, the Transit System has responded to two calls for assistance from the High Point Fire Department, assisted with a High Point Police Department effort to locate the parents of a young child who was alone at a bus stop and transported a group of High Point Housing Authority residents from South Elm Towers who were displaced after an electrical fire.

6

6

On August 13, Transit had the chance to bring a little joy to the faces of those same South Elm Towers residents who stayed over a week at a hotel in Archdale.

There were a lot of smiles on their faces as Transit put down bus ramps on South Elm Street and helped the residents get back into their own space.

Their words of thanks and appreciation remind us that we are not merely here to "drive a route." The Transit department is in the Customer Service business and know that customers come from all walks of life and from all corners of the City.

Customers are the City’s livelihood – from the people riding the bus to work every day, seniors who need us to travel to their dialysis treatment, the Fire Department, and people who need a ride to Wal-Mart.

Everyone in the High Point Transit System has chosen to be a Civil Servant – even though we may not know what that will look like by the end of the workday!

7

FARMER’S MARKET HOSTS PILOT STORM DRAIN ART PROJECT On Aug. 17, the Farmer’s Market hosted a special event featuring three of the five artists from the City’s pilot Storm Drain Art project. Natalie Lucas, Naila (Dbnaila), and Kris Najera were in attendance, each showcasing their artwork and engaging with visitors at booths set up near their respective storm drains.

Their vibrant and creative paintings not only captivated attendees but also played a crucial role in highlighting the importance of water quality and stormwater management.

These eye-catching artworks are designed to draw attention to the often-overlooked storm drains, serving as a visual reminder of how they connect to our waterways and impact water quality.

By blending art with environmental education, the project encourages community members to think more critically about water conservation and pollution prevention.

NATALIE LUCAS

8

FARMER’S MARKET HOSTS PILOT STORM DRAIN ART PROJECT (CONT’D) The Stormwater Division extends heartfelt thanks to Keep High Point Beautiful for their partnership, the High Point Public Library for hosting the project, the artists for their exceptional work, and the selection committee for their guidance in choosing them. We also appreciate the Farmer’s Market for accommodating the Storm Drain Spotlight event.

Their collective support has made this initiative both impactful and memorable.

NAILA (DBNAILA) NAJERA

KRIS NAJERA

9

HIGH POINT HEROES CLUB High Point Parks & Recreation offers recreational and social opportunities for local veterans and active-duty military, including monthly meetings of our High Point Heroes group.

Activities in 2024 have ranged from kayaking to discussion groups to open gym time and most recently, a pottery class at TAG: The Art Gallery at Congdon Yards. To learn more about High Point Heroes and similar opportunities, please contact Timpani at 336.883.3483 or timpani.troxler@highpointnc.gov.

Summer Camp Kids Thank Parks Maintenance Kids enrolled in High Point Parks & Recreation’s summer camps made thank you notes and posters for the department’s Parks Maintenance staff, showing their appreciation for the clean, safe playgrounds and athletic fields where they enjoyed their summer!

10

HIGH POINT MUSEUM PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL NIGHT OUT On Tuesday, Aug. 6, the High Point Museum participated in National Night Out, a national community-building campaign promoting police community partnerships. The Museum opened their doors to neighbors who enjoyed crafts, snacks, a movie and a chance to meet local firefighters and police. This year, 40 visitors made crafts in Little Red Schoolhouse before coming into the Museum to grab some popcorn and watch “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.”

Keep High Point Beautiful also participated in National Night Out, as many different departments did. KHPB utilized the event highlighting efforts to spread the word about keeping High Point clean and beautiful. Booths were designated at several locations throughout the city and staff enjoyed talking with residents on how they can become part of cleanup efforts!

11

HIGH POINT MUSEUM HOSTS FAMILY FUN DAY On Saturday, Aug. 24, the High Point Museum hosted Family Fun Day and invited visitors to come out and enjoy the last few days of summer with a picnic in the park, historic games, sidewalk chalk, Nintendo Switch, toys, and more!

Visitors played with a parachute in the park and practiced their skills of walking on stilts while cooling off from the summer heat with popsicles. 65 people were in attendance.

12

RUN THE GREENWAY: PACK THE BAGS FOR SCHOOL

13

14

Promotions BRANDON C. COTHREN Groundskeeper I to Parks Maintenance Crew Leader MICHAEL A. LASTER Landfill Equipment Operator to Solid Waste Disposal Supt, Asst WILLIAM F. TIBBENS Police Officer II to Police Officer, Master I

New Hires JUAN P. ABREU IT Network & Security Manager JONAH E. BOAN Seasonal Park Attendant RYAN S. CAIN Firefighter 15

DESTINEE A. DORSEY Crime Scene Technician I

DENTON S. HOLT Firefighter

ADELE W. DOTY Administrative Associate

COREY H. INGRAM Power Line Technician I

SAMANTHA R. FYNN Seasonal Park Attendant

BENNIE JOHNSON, JR. Sanitation Equipment Operator I

ANDREW J. GOLDKAMP Police Officer Trainee

HOLLY B. JONES Librarian II

SHERAE A. HANCOCK Police Officer Trainee

BRIAN T. KIDD Firefighter

THOMAS H. HANSON Golf Shop Attendant

JENNA E. KOH Lifeguard

NIKKI R. HARDIN Custodian I LOGAN T. HARDY Motor Equipment Operator I 16

New Hires THOMAS G. KOPCHIK Groundskeeper I

JUSTIN W. NIXON Power Line Technician II

AARON N. MAYO Summer Camp Counselor

JAMES E. OURS Sanitation Equipment Operator I

BRITTANY L. MAZUR Parks Maintenance Crew Supervisor

GARY D. PEARCE Golf Shop Attendant

BRYCE M. MCDONALD Lifeguard

JEFFERSON L. PRICE Groundskeeper I

COLBY D. NANCE Sanitation Equipment Operator I RUSSELL A. NANCE Power Line Technician III 17

New Hires COOPER V. REICH Lifeguard ERIC J. RICHARDSON Summer Camp Counselor CHRISTOPHER B. ROAN Accountant I COLIN P. SMITH Groundskeeper I MICHAELA D. STAUDINGER Lifeguard TONY S. YOUNT Wastewater Operator I 18

INSIDE HIGH POINT BROUGHT TO YOU BY: CITY OF HIGH POINT COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

HAVE A SUBMISSION FOR NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE? EMAIL THEM TO PIO@HIGHPOINTNC.GOV.