TOWN OF SIMS COMMUNITY ALERT BULLETIN

Saturday, May 10, between approximately 4:30pm and 8:30pm, three male adolescents were spotted banging loudly on citizen’s doors and running through resident's yards and private property. The Wilson County Sheriff's department was called after several residents grew concerned and became frightened when their homes were targeted.

This behavior appears to resemble the "Ding Dong Ditch" prank, popular on TikTok. Last week, a similar incident in Virginia resulted in one teenager being wounded and another losing their life when a homeowner opened fire. (Read more of the story here Teenager Fatally Shot During ‘Ding Dong Ditch’ TikTok Prank - The New York Times)

We strongly advise parents and guardians to discuss with their children the potentially severe repercussions of what may only seem like harmless fun. This behavior not only risks charges of trespassing but could also provoke violent responses from property owners.

We ask anyone with video or door cam footage to please contact Town Hall at (252)237-4226, Mon-Fri. If your home is victimized, and you are concerned for you or your property's safety, call the Wilson County Sheriff's Department.

Together, we can maintain the safety and security of our community. Thank you for your vigilance and cooperation.

SIMS VFD TO CONDUCT CONTROLLED BURN

This Saturday, April 26 at 8am, the Sims Volunteer Fire Department will conduct a scheduled burn of a structure within the town limits.  They will be using this burn as a training session with four other local fire departments.  This burn has met all state regulations, approvals and inspections. 

 We ask that you avoid the area of Broad Street and 6249 Main Street (Green Pond Rd).  The Sims Community Park will be closed on this day to the public to allow access for the multiple fire department vehicles and equipment, and to ensure safety to the public. 

During this burn, the fire department may access water from our hydrants.  Any time a hydrant is open, it can create a disruption in water pressure or quality of water.  If you experience these issues, please know they are only temporary while the training is active.

Once the burn is complete, in the event that your water is discolored, please turn on the cold water and allow it to run for several minutes until clear again.

 We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  Scheduled burns are an important part of the training process. Thank you for your cooperation and patience with us during this time.

TOWN OF SIMS NO SOLICITING POLICY

The Town of Sims currently has an ordinance to prevent solicitation within the town limits. You may notice the ‘No Soliciting’ signs next to the Welcome to Sims signs when you enter town from any direction. This ordinance includes any commercial activities seeking personal gain but excludes religious canvasing. The First Amendment protects freedom of religion and speech, which includes the right to engage in door-to-door evangelism.

If you prefer to not have your home visited by a religious organization or any other entity, you must post a ‘No Soliciting’ sign on your property. Should the solicitors persist, you may call the local Sheriff’s Department to report the incident.

The Town of Sims wants all residents to feel safe and protected in their homes. If you have any questions, or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to Sims Town Hall during regular business hours.

SVFD TO CONDUCT A CONTROLLED BURN

Sims Volunteer Fire Department has scheduled a control burn for training purposes on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The small building at 6249 Main St was due to be removed as part of the new Community Center expansion. The SVFD offered to help the Town and allow for vital training while doing so. The Sims Community Park will be closed to the public as a safety measure the day of the burn. Please proceed with caution. The Town of Sims would like to thank you for your cooperation.

TOWN OF SIMS SPRING FLING

The Town of Sims is delighted to announce the Sims Volunteer Fire Department will be selling BBQ chicken plates for $12 at the Spring Fling.

There will be no presale for plates. Dessert will be available as well.

The SVFD is the first line of defense in an emergency for the Town of Sims. Please come out and show support.

The Spring Fling event will be host to local food trucks, Brandy’s Italian and Woodfired Pizza and BBQ, from 11am-2pm. Come visit the Easter Bunny and have your picture taken. The local churches are sponsoring the egg hunts for all age groups and one hunt for children with special needs and sensory sensitivities. There will be games, prizes, face painting, D’licious Icys, a live DJ - Louie Bowen, and much more.

TOWN OF SIMS UTILITY BILL IS GETTING A NEW LOOK

Residents and customers of the Town of Sims should be receiving their monthly utility bill for February usage by mail this week. The format has changed from a loose postcard to a sealed envelope with paper bill inside.

This new billing method will provide more privacy for account information and should reduce the amount of lost or misdelivered bills.

Please detach the bottom portion along the perforated edge and return to Town Hall with your payment. If you do not receive your utility bill in a timely manner, please contact Town Administration to check the status of your account. Mon-Thurs 9am - 5pm, Fri 9am - 6pm, closed for lunch 1-2pm (252) 237-4226

For more information on how to pay your bill please follow the link How to Pay — Town Of Sims

NCDOT 2025 SPRING LITTER SWEEP

The 2025 Spring Litter Sweep is taking place April 12-26​.​

​​​Traditionally scheduled for the last two weeks of April and September, Litter Sweep is the N.C. Department of Transportation’s biannual statewide roadside litter removal initiative. Residents throughout the state participate in local efforts to help clean up North Carolina's roadways. 

In addition to volunteers, NCDOT maintenance crews devote one week of their time to pick up litter and collect orange bags placed on the roadsides by volunteer pickups.

Volunteers are provided cleanup supplies, such as reversible orange/blue trash bags, gloves and orange safety vests,​ from their local NCDOT County Maintenance Yard office​.

If you or your team needs supplies, or if you have any questions, contact your local NCDOT litter program coordinator below.​

Ready to Get Involved? ​

​If you or your team needs supplies, or if you have any questions, contact your local NCDOT litter program coordinator.

N.E.W. Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan

Nash, Edgecombe, and Wilson Counties and incorporated communities are updating the N.E.W Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan update is required for all communities to maintain eligibility for pre-and post-disaster mitigation funding from FEMA. This effort will also help the counties and communities to identify hazard risks, understand vulnerability, and develop ways to proactively mitigate risk. Public input is vital to understanding local risks and mitigation opportunities.

Town of Sims has several representatives on this planning committee, including the Mayor/Town Administrator and Zoning Administrator. However, it is crucial that local business owners and residents give their input. Wilson Co is our first point of contact in a disaster situation.

Please take the survey by clicking here

THE TOWN OF SIMS WELCOMES NEW FINANCE OFFICER

The Town of Sims is incredibly pleased to announce Nichole Weeks has been chosen to serve as the new Town Finance Officer. She will have in-office hours to help manage the rising workload as Sims continues to rapidly grow.

Nichole grew up in Lucama and has been a long-time resident of Sims. She is married and is a mother to two lovely daughters.

Nichole is bringing her experience in finance, planning, and organization to the role. She will be a valuable asset for the town. Nichole is a former Town Commissioner and served on the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment, as well as the Land Use Committee.

Please stop by to say hello and help welcome Nichole.

Snow in Sims!

We hope you are enjoying the snow! Due to the weather and potentially hazardous road conditions, Town Hall is Closed today, Wednesday, January 22. All meetings scheduled for today have been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later time.

Trash pick-up will remain on schedule for tomorrow, so please put your bins by the road tonight, as usual.

Stay warm and safe! If you must travel, please drive slowly and be careful.

Make a Difference in your community today!

The Town of Sims is offering several enjoyable volunteer experiences. Do you need community service hours? Are you a scout? Do you want to beautify and enhance your community? Sims now has several different committees and events for which volunteers will be greatly appreciated. If you interested, please fill out the volunteer form and return it to Town Hall via email, the front or rear drop box, or stop in during normal business hours.

Holiday Trash Schedule

Trash will be picked up on Thursday, December 26th and Thursday, January 2nd.

Please put the cans out on Wednesday night.

Town Hall will be closed on Tuesday December 24th and Wednesday, December 25th, and Wednesday, January 1st.

Happy Holidays!

BOIL WATER ADVISORY HAS BEEN LIFTED AS OF 12/19/24 4:21 PM

There is no need to continue boiling water for cooking and drinking. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience. Happy Holidays!

WATER PRESSURE ADVISORY

Wilson County Water System Maintenance

Wilson County will perform necessary improvements to the water system this coming Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 9 a.m. through 2 p.m. The Town of Sims is currently on Wilson County’s water system while undergoing our own necessary improvements.  Due to this, Town of Sims customers will experience an interruption of water service including the loss of water pressure during this time. Following the service interruption and once water services have been restored, all customers are advised to boil their water. Please act in accordance with the following guidelines until you’re notified that the low-pressure advisory has been lifted.                                                                                                                                         

 Water System ID NO. 04-98-045

 System Pressure Advisory!

The water consumers of Wilson County’s Southwest Water District, in Wilson County will experience periods of low pressure and outages in the distribution system due to scheduled system maintenance.  Periods of low or no pressure in the distribution system increases the potential for back siphonage and introduction of bacteria into the water system.

Therefore, when water service is restored, consumers are advised to boil all water used for human consumption (including drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation) or use bottled water.

 Vigorous boiling for one (1) minute should kill any disease-causing organisms that may be present in the water.     

 Water customers are strongly urged to conserve water whenever possible. 

 This advisory will remain in effect until further written notification is issued.

Issue date: December 16, 2024

Wilson County Water Services Director Ronald Ford

Office Phone M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – (252) 399-2749

After Hours Emergency Phone – (252) 265-8017

Town of Sims- (252) 237-4226

10th Annual Tree Lighting

The 10th Annual Tree Lighting was Saturday, December 7th at Town Hall. It was a magical night with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. To begin the festivities, Mayor Boykin presented the year in review, highlighting town events, current affairs, and accomplishments. After the lighting of the luminaries, there was caroling, cookies and cocoa, and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The Town of Sims says thank you to everyone who braved the cold to join us for this event. We would also like to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers who helped throughout the year to make Sims a wonderful place to live.

To see more photos please visit 10th Annual Tree Lighting — Town Of Sims -credit Lynda Nielsen Photography

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

TOWN OF SIMS LOSES BELOVED RESIDENT AND FORMER EMPLOYEE

It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the loss of a long time resident and town employee. Don served the Town of Sims in various capacities over the years. Don volunteered for numerous boards and committees and served as Chairman of the Planning Board/ Board of Adjustment, Special Event Committee, and Land Use Plan Committee. He was also the town maintenance worker and meter reader.

Don was a proud veteran and every holiday, he displayed the American Flags in town. He would lower the flag at Town Hall to half'-staff for all Federal and State Orders. He was truly a town treasure and will be greatly missed. The Town of Sims offers our deepest condolences to his family.

For full obituary follow the link: Donald Edward Payne Obituary 2024 - Joyners Funeral Home & Crematory

TRASH PICKUP FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

Trash pickup is scheduled to be on its usual day, Thursday, Nov 28th, Thanksgiving Day. Don’t forget to put it out Wednesday, the night before, as we do not know what time they will be in town. If you have any questions, please contact Town Hall during normal business hours.

UCPCOG LAUCHES INNOVATIVE AI VIRTUAL CARGIVING ASSISTANT

This week, Upper Coastal Plain Council of Government, shared some exciting news.

The groundbreaking generative artificial assistant, Ask Ashleigh, is officially live and available to support caregivers across our region.

Ask Ashleigh is not just another chatbot; it’s a virtual caregiving assistant designed to provide immediate, practical guidance tailored to the unique challenges of caregiving, particularly for those supporting loved ones with dementia. Built from the expertise of our aging professionals and infused with local knowledge, Ask Ashleigh delivers:

• Tailored Support: From answering late-night questions to connecting caregivers with local resources, Ask Ashleigh provides personalized guidance when it’s needed most.

• Privacy and Safety: Conversations are private, anonymous, and never stored. It’s like having a trusted friend who forgets the conversation once it ends.

• Actionable Advice: Whether interpreting caregiving challenges through photos or directing users to medical or community services, Ask Ashleigh bridges the gap between immediate needs and long-term solutions.

This innovative tool reflects our commitment to leveraging technology responsibly and meaningfully to improve lives. Operating under the UCPCOG AI Governance Policy, Ask Ashleigh prioritizes privacy, safety, and ethical AI practices while ensuring continuous quality improvements based on user feedback

Ask Ashleigh has the potential to transform the caregiving journey in our community, making vital resources more accessible and alleviating the emotional and logistical challenges caregivers face daily.

For more details or to experience Ask Ashleigh yourself, visit www.ucpcog.org/askashleigh 

RESIDENTS BEWARE OF RECENT FRAUDULENT MAILING

Public Notice: Solicitation Alert for Sims Residents

The Town of Sims wishes to inform residents about a letter being distributed soliciting donations and support for a petition. This letter claims to be from the “Sims City Council” and inaccurately suggests that residents have previously expressed support for this cause.

Important Information:

• No Affiliation: The Town of Sims has no connection to this organization, or the solicitation being made. We have not endorsed or initiated any fundraising activities related to this petition.

• Independent Donations: Any donations made in response to this solicitation are done so independently and will not be affiliated with the Town of Sims.

• Verification: If you receive such notices and are uncertain about their authenticity or affiliation with the Town, please contact the Sims Town Hall for clarification.

Legal Reminder

According to North Carolina General Statute § 131F‑20, it is prohibited to make misrepresentations or misleading statements suggesting that a person or organization sponsors, endorses, or is connected with a solicitation without their written consent.

We encourage residents to exercise caution and verify any solicitations they may receive. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Click here for example letter

WELCOME OUR NEWEST TOWN COMMISSIONER

Please welcome Heather Burke to the Town of Sims Board of Commissioners. Heather was appointed to the vacant seat at the Tuesday, November 12, 2024 meeting. She is a 16 year resident of Sims, moving to Magnolia Place in 2008.

Heather is currently a member of the Sims/NCDOT Bike/Ped Steering Committee and the Sims Special Event Committee. She worked as a volunteer at the 4th Annual Community Park Day Celebration. Heather is also a huge community advocate and volunteers for several projects with Wilson County every year.

Some of Heather’s hobbies include running, gardening and raising chickens. Heather is an animal lover and a devoted mom to two teenagers. We are so pleased to have her join the Board of Commissioners and we are certain she will absolutely serve in the best interest of the community.