South Guilford News

Guilford College issued the following announcement on Jan. 21.

Due to a one-inch pressurized water line rupture occurring on the fourth floor of the Guilford County Courthouse in High Point Thursday afternoon, County officials have decided to temporarily close the Courthouse located at 505 E. Greene Dr. Monday, January 24 through Friday, January 28, 2022 to allow for repairs.

The east side of the building has been impacted on all floors by water damage resulting from a rupture in a pressurized water line. No records were damaged as a result of this incident. Experts from Guilford County Facilities Department have defined the problem and have identified the best approach to repair. The courthouse is anticipated to be able to fully reopen for business by Monday, January 31, 2022. Water mitigation professionals are optimistic that the situation will be addressed and handled by mid- week while reserving the option that repairs could take longer.

• The Guilford County Family Justice Center in High Point is located within the building and has a separate entrance. These services were not impacted by the water damage and will remain open for business, on their normal operating schedule. 
• Residents with pending court cases for next week who need to contact the High Point Public Defender’s Office are asked to call the Greensboro office instead at (336) 412-7777.
• The High Point Magistrates Office has been temporarily relocated and will be working out of the High Point Police Department located at 1730 Westchester Drive in order to prevent most first appearances from having to go to Greensboro during this impacted period. 
• High Point Criminal Superior Court Sessions scheduled for next week are canceled and will be rescheduled.
• Cases being prosecuted by the Guilford County District Attorney’s Office in High Point will be rescheduled. Anyone needing to contact the High Point Office can call (336) 822-6710 or the Greensboro Office at (336 412-7600.
• All other High Point Court matters will be referred to Greensboro until the incident is resolved.

“Many of the District Court cases are being moved to virtual hearings,” according to Guilford County Chief District Court Teresa Vincent. “Cases in our Juvenile Delinquency and High Point DSS courts will be moved to courtroom 3G in the Greensboro Courthouse. High Point First Appearances will be held in the High Point Jail, Domestic Violence ex-parte cases and the High Point Civil Calendar call will be held remotely.”

“It is Guilford County’s highest priority to ensure the safety and security of our staff and the public who utilize this building to conduct business daily,” said Guilford County Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Joe Craig. “The building houses employees from Guilford County Administrative Office of the Courts and Guilford County Government. All agencies have standing mitigation plans to ensure essential services can continue to operate in these types of situations.”

To find out the status of upcoming court cases to be held at the High Point location of the Guilford County Courthouse, please contact the Guilford County Clerk of Courts Office by calling (336) 412-7300.

Original source can be found here.