ACCIDENT & INJURY
•Car Accident •Slip & Fall •Medical Malpractice
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Volume 1, Issue 32
Weekend Weather Thursday
H 23º L 11º
Friday
H 25º L 11º
Saturday
H 24º L 12º
Sunday
H 25º L 16º
As reported from Environment Canada www.weatheroffice.gc.ca Harrow AAFC
“This is My Mexico.” Page 9
Leamington Lakers win Rookie OBA Pages 17 & 18
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Fundraiser planned for Jesse Phibbs
Jesse Phibbs, 21, lost control of his bike during a flat track race in Indianapolis on Saturday, August 31, and has been in critical care in hospital since. The Leamington dirt track motorcycle racer suffered major brain injuries, which required an immediate operation to remove a blood clot in his brain. Swelling became a major problem as surgeons had to wait until the next day to reattach his skull. Doctors were expected to operate on his broken bones – a shattered elbow, two broken shoulders and a broken finger.
Phibbs has raced locally at the Leamington and Wheatley tracks with the Erie Ramblers in the Thunderfest and regular events. His 2009 season was his best to date with 9 wins and 21 podium finishes in 23 races. This year Phibbs was building on his success and had turned pro. Phibbs was racing at the one-mile track at the Indy Mile flat track race. Reports state he made a wide turn, which bounced him off a bail of hay, and back into the path of the other bikes. Kevin Ford, of the Erie Ramblers said the group wants to help Jesse and his parents (Matt and Michele Phibbs) and show their support. “We’re going to have a barbecue on Saturday and a practice or exhibition on the Sunday,” said Ford. “I think it’s what Jesse would like,” said Ford. The fundraiser is slated for September 25 featuring Faubert Meats and includes live entertainment. Tickets are $20 each and will be available this week. From the information Ford has heard Jesse is showing signs of improvement, although he is still listed in critcal condition. Jesse reportedly has started to respond to different voices and is breathing more on his own. Watch The Southpoint Sun for more information about this fundraiser.
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OPP will take over Dec. 3; Chief Gow to retire By Fred Groves After 34 years, Chief Dean Gow is hanging up his badge and handing in his gun. The top peacekeeper with the Leamington Police Service will not be joining the Ontario Provincial Police when they assume policing responsibilities for the municipality. “I would have stuck around a couple of more years. I’m not going to start on a new organization. I’ve been here 34 years,” said Gow. On December 3, Gow will hand over the keys to the OPP. Leamington council opted to go with the OPP after a lot of debate and a decision that came down to a very close vote. “It was a very difficult decision. No one was upset with the Leamington police force,” said Leamington Deputy-Mayor Rob Schmidt who is also the Chairman of the Police Services Board. Last December, council was deadlock 3-3 before Mayor John Adams cast the deciding vote which meant dissolving the municipal force. It is estimated that the switch to OPP will save taxpayers $2.3 million over five years. “Policing is not about making money, its spending money. The whole thing was based on finance,” said Gow. Schmidt said that the decision to except the OPP five-year contract was based on finances and that it will save up to $50 per household per year. “Some of the savings are significant.” It has not been made public yet whether or not Deputy Chief Reg Campbell will also hand in his badge. However, Gow indicated that some civilian staff will be out of a job. Gow said that of the eight current full-time dispatchers, three part-time and five secretaries, only 10 people will be hired. The dispatching service is being axed and all calls will now be routed through London. Officers and civilians have had the opportunity to apply for positions with the OPP in Leamington. “The Leamington officers will still be here on Dec. 4. They will maintain a high level of service,” said Gow. Those officers who have opted not to stay will begin the severance process with the municipality and if not satisfied, can go to arbitration. Schmidt explained that the new OPP contract provides for 39 police officers. Currently there are 43. He said that one constable, an inspector, the deputy chief and the chief’s positions will be eliminated. “Overall morale is alright. It (change to OPP) is welcomed by some and despised by others,” said Gow. When asked if the community will see a difference in the way their neighborhoods are policed, Gow said, “That is yet to be seen. The OPP police a lot of municipalities and they do a fine job. The Leamington Police Service did a fine job. Hopefully there won’t be any reduction in police services.” The police station on Clark Street will remain open 24 hours and the court will continue to operate. “Change is always hard. It was the toughest decision I have had to make,” said Schmidt.
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