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Free Press North Huron Town Hall Coverage Wingham

North Huron Meetings Go Virtual After Deputy Reeve Falconer’s Tantrum, Vile Comments, Cursing & Assault – for Safety of Public, Council & Staff

(Wingham, North Huron) At the 17Feb2026 North Huron council meeting Deputy Reeve had an apparent breakdown when he was belittled by the Reeve, and shown zero respect by council. Falconer has a taste of what it’s like to be treated as a taxpayer, and he didn’t like it. At 43:15 in to the meeting you can hear the Deputy Reeve say “F*ck the theater”.

Below is a witness statement for what happened after the meeting in the parking lot, where Falconer was later taken away in an ambulance.

17Feb2026 after the council meeting, Deputy Reeve Kevin Falconer exited the building where council chambers are located. Falconer accosted a member of the Public with vile comments. When I asked Mr. Falconer about the appropriateness of his comments, he became visibly aggressive and advanced toward me. 

Another member of the public attempted to stop the attack by placing himself between Falconer and myself. Falconer continued to advance, and to get by the Citizen blocking his access to me, Falconer apparently grabs the groin area of the man. Video, along with victim and witness statements strongly support this.

To stop the alledged sexual assault, the victim placed Mr. Falconer in a headlock and “rolled” him to the ground. Mr. Falconer’s calls for someone to call the police and cries of “oh my arm” seem contrived and preplanned. 

Mr. Falconer got up, and he appeared intent on continuing his attempted advancement on me. At that time Mr. Falconer seems to have lost his footing, and fell apparently hitting his head and/or “knocking the wind out of him” when he hit the ground. While comical at the moment, as the attack apparently backfired, Mr. Falconer may have been seriously injured. It took the police over 10 minutes to respond, and an ambulance arrived after.


This all started 01Dec2025 when council refused to change the tattered flag at the Wingham Cenotaph, and arranged for plain clothed police officers to attend the 15Dec2025 council meeting to attempt to stop questions before council meetings. Things have escalated to JCCF involvement and someone “knocked out” in a parking lot. All of this could have been prevented if the council showed the Fallen the respect they deserve back in December.

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Area OPP Morris-Turnberry North Huron Police Press Releases Wingham

Wingham Meth Bust – Repeat Offender Arrested Again – OPP Slow To Inform Public

(NORTH HURON, ON) – The Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged an individual following an incident in the Town of Wingham, Township of North Huron.

On Monday, January 19, 2026, Huron OPP officers were contacted about damage to a business property located on Josephine Street in Wingham. The suspect was later identified and arrested on January 27, 2026, and charged as follows:

Lester BRUBACHER, 35 years-of-age of Morris-Turnberry Township was charged with:

–      Mischief Under $5,000 – (three counts),

–      Fail to Comply with Probation Order – (two counts),

–      Possession of Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine.

The accused was processed at the Huron OPP detachment, held for a bail hearing, and remanded into custody with a future court appearance scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.

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Goderich North Huron OPP Police Press Releases Wingham

North Huron Repeat Offender Arrested & Released A Month Ago – Huron OPP Detachment Under Scrutiny

(GODERICH, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a North Huron resident with several criminal offences following a report of a dispute in the Town of Goderich.

On Monday, January 26, 2026, Huron County OPP officers responded to a dispute on South Street in Goderich. Officers attended the location and spoke to an individual who was subsequently arrested. A search of the accused revealed stolen property.

Charges were laid as follows:

Michael DALE, 35 years-of-age from North Huron has been charged with:

–      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000,

–      Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000,

–      Theft of Credit Card,

–      Possession of Identity Document – (five counts),

–      Breach of Recognizance,

–      Causing a Disturbance.

The accused was processed, held for a bail hearing and later released from custody with a future court appearance scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich. 

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Free Press North Huron Town Hall Coverage WFP Wingham

Council to Vote on Whether to Continue Violating Taxpayers’ Rights – Tonight (02 Mar 2026)

(Wingham, North Huron) A three-month standoff between members of the public/press and North Huron CAO Nelson Santos may finally reach a turning point tonight.

Council is scheduled to vote on whether to continue enforcing policies that have led to threats, intimidation, and arrests of citizens who assert their Charter-protected rights inside Council Chambers.

The current conflict has resulted in multiple arrests based on alleged “suspicion of video recording” during a public council meeting — a move critics argue directly conflicts with constitutional protections of expression and transparency.

Some may view tonight’s vote as a victory. But the larger question remains: how did we reach a point where government deciding whether to stop violating rights is framed as progress?

Democracy is not strengthened when compliance with the law becomes optional. It is strengthened when public officials uphold it without being forced to.

Tonight’s decision will make clear where North Huron Council stands.

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Free Press North Huron WFP Wingham

Huron OPP Accused of Abusing Disabled Senior in Parking Lot Prior to Falconer Altercation – Video & Statements Disappear #OPPCoverUp

(Wingham, North Huron, ON) — The Huron OPP are once again facing serious abuse allegations after allegedly forcing a disabled senior citizen to stand in a freezing parking lot for approximately 45 minutes for questioning the OPP’s policy of forcibly removing cameras from individuals to prevent them from recording police interactions.

The incident began when officers enforced a trespass order issued by North Huron. According to Murray Foxton of the OPP, JCCF lawyers, and others familiar with the matter, the order itself was unlawful.

The disabled senior was reportedly denied access to a police vehicle to warm up. Witnesses state officers appeared to stall the interaction, at times using their phones, while the man remained outside in freezing conditions. Multiple citizens recorded the incident. The interaction also occurred within view of a parking lot surveillance camera — the same camera that would have captured North Huron Deputy Reeve Kevin Falconer changing direction prior to his alleged assault and groin grabbing.

Footage Erased & Victims Harassed

Sources indicate that the parking lot surveillance footage that allegedly implicates both police and Deputy Reeve Falconer “no longer exists.” Additionally, the OPP are reportedly seeking new statements from witnesses, as previous statements said to incriminate Falconer have also allegedly gone missing.

This is not the first time footage or evidence involving North Huron officials has reportedly disappeared.

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North Huron OFP Police Press Releases WFP Wingham

Disgraced Huron OPP Caught Unlawfully Deleting Video Evidence & Seizing Cameras Again – More Victims Coming Forward! #FilmThePolice #FTP

(Wingham, North Huron, On) The OPP’s recent coverup of North Huron Deputy Reeve’s latest assault, and OPP’s Murray Foxton declaring “There is no constitution” while violating a disabled senior Citizen’s rights. Despite Deputy Reeve Kevin Falconer’s assault going viral, numerous police statements, several witnesses, and video from the parking lot. Huron OPP claim there aren’t “reasonable grounds” to believe a crime had been committed. 

Several members of the Huron OPP detachment have once again been caught on video violating rights, illegally seizing cameras, and violent/aggressive behaviour of officers when unlawfully removing cameras from citizens.

Email Huron OPP Detachment Commander Laura Lee Brown, or their media relations officer Craig Soldan for comment.

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Free Press North Huron WFP Wingham

Deputy Reeve Kevin Falconer’s Alleged “Groin Grab” Sparks OPP Cover-Up Allegations #EndTheAbuse

(Wingham, North Huron, ON) The Huron OPP are facing allegations of another cover-up involving North Huron Deputy Reeve Kevin Falconer. Members of the public and the press are encouraged to contact Huron OPP Detachment Commander Laura Lee Brown and/or Media Relations Officer Craig Soldan to request an update and clarification on why charges have reportedly not been pursued despite what appears to be reasonable grounds.

On February 17, 2026, following the council meeting, Deputy Reeve Kevin Falconer exited the building where council chambers are located. Falconer allegedly accosted a member of the public with vile comments. When questioned about the appropriateness of those remarks, he became visibly aggressive and advanced toward the citizen.

Another member of the public attempted to intervene by positioning himself between Falconer and the citizen. Falconer continued advancing and, in attempting to get past the Good Samaritan blocking his access, allegedly grabbed the man’s groin area. Video footage, ChatGPT analysys, along with victim and witness statements, strongly supports this account.

In an effort to stop what witnesses describe as an alleged sexual assault, the Good Samaritan restrained Mr. Falconer, placing him in a headlock and taking him to the ground. Mr. Falconer called out for someone to contact police and shouted “oh my arm.” Those present have suggested his reaction appeared exaggerated.

After getting back to his feet, Mr. Falconer appeared intent on continuing toward the original citizen. At that point, he seemed to lose his footing and fell again, possibly striking his head or knocking the wind out of himself. Police reportedly took more than 10 minutes to arrive, and an ambulance attended shortly thereafter.

If you believe in accountability and transparency, contact the Huron OPP and request a formal update on the status of this investigation. Huron OPP Detachment Commander Laura Lee Brown and/or Media Relations Officer Craig Soldan. Ask whether charges are being considered and what steps are being taken. Public trust depends on equal application of the law — regardless of elected position.

Stay engaged. Document responsibly. Demand answers.

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Area OPP Morris-Turnberry OPP Police Press Releases Wingham

34 Year Old Arrested In Morris-Turberry – OPP Withhold Name To Protect Criminal’s Safety #WaitInTheTruck

(MORRIS-TURNBERRY TWP, ON) – On January 16, 2026, members of the Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a matter involving intimate partners in the Township of Morris-Turnberry.

As a result of the investigation, officers learned that the involved suspect had allegedly committed criminal acts against their partner.

A 34-year-old individual from Central Elgin has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with the following offences:

–      Criminal Harassment – (two counts),

–      Forcible Confinement.

The accused was processed, held for a bail hearing, and later released from custody with a later court date scheduled at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.

Victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) are not alone. If you or someone you know needs support, there are local resources available to help. One organization you can contact is Victim Services of Huron at www.victimserviceshuronperth.ca or by calling toll free at #1-866-863-4108, or #1-519-600-4108.

The OPP can be reached anytime, anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122, or 911 in an emergency.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a secure web tip at P3tips.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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North Huron Town Hall Coverage WFP Wingham

TAXES TO SOAR – Charter Fight Would Cost North Huron Millions

(WINGHAM, NORTH HURON) – North Huron taxpayers may soon be on the hook for a costly legal battle — all over a bylaw that could be fixed in under 30 seconds.

Call the Constitutional Crisis Hotline:
📞 Nelson Santos – 519-357-3550 EXT 124

Council has been formally warned that prohibiting the public and press from recording open meetings raises serious Charter concerns under Section 2(b) — freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

At this point, council can no longer claim they don’t know.

If a court finds the bylaw unconstitutional:

  • Legal bills could explode
  • Damages could be awarded
  • Insurance premiums could spike
  • Property taxes could rise

And you will pay.

This isn’t political.
It’s financial risk management.

Council has the authority to rescind or amend the bylaw immediately. One motion. One vote. Done.

They’ve moved faster before when bylaws didn’t suit their interests.

So why not now — when taxpayers are exposed?

Residents are encouraged to call CAO Nelson Santos at 519-357-3550 EXT 124 and ask:

  • Has legal advice confirmed Charter compliance?
  • What is the estimated financial exposure?
  • When will council vote to fix this?

Be respectful. Be direct. Leave a message.

North Huron does not need to become a constitutional test case.

Call the Constitutional Crisis Hotline:
📞 Nelson Santos – 519-357-3550 EXT 124

Council must open the meeting, rescind the contested bylaw, and restore transparency.

This affects every homeowner. Every renter. Every business.

Stop the legal risk.
Protect taxpayers.
Uphold the Constitution.

This should not be a big ask.

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North Huron Town Hall Coverage WFP Wingham

CAO Nelson Santos Scoffs At JCCF & Constitution – Attempts Coverup Of Illegal Arrests #ScoffLaw

(Wingham, North Huorn, ON) Arrests have occurred at the last two council meetings in North Huron, despite a local local “news” blackout and Town Hall attempting to sanitize the records of their illegal/unconstitutional acts. They happened. Even the letter from the JCCF is omitted from the agenda package. CAO Nelson Santos is attempting a massive coverup, despite witnesses, videos, and a paper trail.

Next council meeting is 17Feb2026, 271 Frances St. Wingham, Ontairo.

Below is a letter sent to council regarding the minutes for the 02Feb2026 meeting. It will be interesting to see which councillors vote in favor of covering this up by voting to accept the minutes as-is. Or will council stand up for what is lawfull, and demand current CAO Nelson Santos maintain accurate records and end this coverup attempt?

Dear Reeve and Members of Council,

I am writing to formally object to the adoption of the February 2, 2026 Regular Council Meeting minutes as currently drafted.

The minutes omit several material events that occurred during the meeting and immediately thereafter. As a result, the record does not accurately reflect the proceedings.

Specifically, the minutes:

  • Do not reflect that arrests occurred during the meeting.
  • Do not note that members of the public were removed from the premises by police.
  • Do not reference that recording devices were seized or removed.
  • Do not reflect that the microphone/audio feed was muted during the initial portion of the live stream.
  • Do not document the presence and active involvement of police in enforcing the procedural by-law.
  • Do not reference the dispute regarding the scope and duration of the trespass order.
  • Do not indicate that the OPP subsequently authorized Mr. Hill and Mr. Carther to re-enter the municipal building.
  • Do not reflect that envelopes reportedly issued as part of the trespass process were not accepted by Mr. Hill, Mr. Carther, or the attending OPP officers.
  • Do not accurately capture the sequence of events surrounding police direction and subsequent re-entry.

The current wording gives the impression that routine enforcement of procedural rules occurred. In reality, the meeting was materially interrupted by arrests, police involvement, contested trespass enforcement, and subsequent clarification by police permitting re-entry.

While minutes are not transcripts, they are required to reflect significant procedural events that alter the conduct and outcome of a meeting. Omitting these events results in a materially incomplete public record.

I respectfully request that the February 2, 2026 minutes be amended to accurately reflect these events prior to adoption.

Respectfully,
Buck

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Free Press North Huron Police Press Releases WFP Wingham

Community Destroyer: North Huron CAO Nelson Santos Doubles Down on Charter Violations — Mass Arrests Feared Feb. 17

(Wingham, North Huron, ON) What began as a simple, respectful request to replace a tattered Canadian flag at the Wingham Cenotaph on December 1, 2025 has spiraled into a full-blown constitutional crisis — one that now threatens mass arrests if North Huron refuses to respect the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

At the centre of the chaos: North Huron CAO Nelson Santos.

Instead of replacing a flag honouring the Fallen, Town Hall responded with intimidation. On December 15, two plainclothes OPP officers (PLT division) were seated in the public gallery — not to keep the peace, but to shut down questions and silence residents daring to demand basic respect for veterans and the community. That moment was a red line. Whoever called police into the gallery must be held accountable.

Things escalated quickly.

On January 12, police were summoned again. Two people were arrested. IDs were demanded. Public and press were expelled.

On February 2, the situation deteriorated further. Buck and Brad were arrested for passively recording a council meeting. Videos show they were not read their rights. Cameras were forcibly removed. Officers Foxton and Depatie refused recording inside the cruiser, creating what many are calling a “dark zone” — a place where words and actions go undocumented and accountability disappears.

Even more troubling: the CAO ordered cameras off while police stood at the chamber doors. The meeting’s microphone was cut at the start of the livestream — once again proving North Huron cannot be trusted to be the only one recording.

When the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) became involved, it was clear the situation had moved far beyond local politics. Yet, astonishingly, both CAO Santos and attending officers appeared unfamiliar with who or what the JCCF is.

Police later confirmed what constitutional law already makes clear: 24 hours is the maximum allowable exclusion, directly overriding the CAO’s vindictive attempt at a six-month ban. Officers themselves confirmed the CAO had overreached. Residents returned after arrest.

And now, with the February 17 council meeting approaching, residents fear a repeat — or worse.

Citizens have made it clear: they will not surrender their Charter rights, their dignity, or their country. If North Huron again refuses to honour lawful recording, free expression, and peaceful assembly, mass arrests are likely — not because residents are disruptive, but because Town Hall refuses to follow the law.

This is no longer about a flag. It’s about democracy itself.

CALL TO ACTION — FEBRUARY 17

  • Meet-up: Freedom fighters and concerned residents will gather at Buck & Jo’s, 235 Josephine St., Wingham, at 4:00 PM.
  • Council Meeting: 6:00 PM, 271 Frances St., Wingham.

Show up. Bring cameras. Stay peaceful. Know your rights.

North Huron must choose:
Respect the Charter — or own the consequences of breaking it.

Enough is enough.

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Free Press North Huron OFP Uncategorized Wingham

Council Turns Back On Cornered Female Councillor

(Wingham, North Huron, ON) It was supposed to be just another night of duck-and-cover democracy at North Huron Council — but instead, residents were treated to an impromptu hallway comedy special starring Councillor Anita van Hittersum, abandoned by her own colleagues.

As cameras rolled and questions flew, van Hittersum found herself outside the council chambers door with David Menzies and Buck asking simple, reasonable questions. Not hostile. Not threatening. Just questions. The kind public officials are allegedly paid to answer.

Inside the chambers? Silence.
Locked door.
Council and staff safely huddled together, refusing to let her in.

To be clear: she was not “cornered.” There was a wide-open exit door to her left. No one blocked her path. No one raised a voice. The only thing trapping her was the sudden realization that answering questions might be harder than avoiding them.

The hallway soon erupted in laughter as each non-answer piled on another. At first, Councillor van Hittersum laughed along — unsure why the crowd was laughing. Then it dawned on her: they weren’t laughing with her.

They were laughing at her.

In a moment that will live forever in Wingham folklore, she repeatedly knocked on the council chambers door, hoping one of her male colleagues would “man up” and let her in. Surely someone would open the door. Surely someone would help.

Nope.

Council stayed frozen inside — paralyzed with fear — much like they’ve been when asked to clear obstructed sidewalks forcing children into live traffic. Apparently, opening a door for a colleague is just as terrifying as enforcing bylaws evenly.

After several knocks and zero rescues, van Hittersum finally realized what the rest of the town already knows: council wasn’t coming to save her. They don’t rush to help residents, and they certainly weren’t about to help her.

Defeated, humiliated, and thoroughly unsupported, she eventually gave up waiting — and tried the other door.

The lesson?
When accountability shows up at the door, North Huron Council locks it… even on their own.

📅 Residents are strongly encouraged to attend the next council meeting on February 17.
It’s educational. It’s entertaining. And judging by recent events, it’s the best live comedy Wingham has to offer.

Bring popcorn.

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Free Press North Huron WFP Wingham

Rebel News to Cover Citizens Taking Back Their Country — Arrests Expected (Again)

(WINGHAM, North Huron, ON) — Groundhog Day, Feb. 2 is shaping up to be less six more weeks of winter and more six more minutes before someone’s cuffed as Rebel News confirms it’s coming to Wingham to cover citizens standing up to what locals describe as a corrupt and overreaching town hall.

In a rare moment of unity, bookmakers report they cannot establish a betting pool on whether arrests will occur — because 100% of bettors believe they will. With nobody willing to bet against arrests, the only odds available are 1:1, which even Vegas refuses to touch.

Residents say they plan to peacefully ignore Reeve Paul Heffer’s illegal demands, show up, sit quietly, and let the town’s biggest bully do what bullies do best: overreact in public.

“It’s the same movie every meeting,” said one observer. “The only thing that changes is who’s holding the camera when the credits roll.”

The ‘Grumpy Grandpas’ — a growing group of regular attendees whose crime appears to be existing while curious — are expected to attend alongside independent press and first-timers who have finally had enough of questions being banned, cameras outlawed, and citizens treated like naughty schoolchildren in a former school building.

Rebel News crew(s) are expected on scene early. Anyone willing to be interviewed should arrive around 5:30 p.m. at 271 Frances Street, Wingham, Ontario, to ensure their side of the story is captured before the predictable plot twist.

Organizers recommend attendees:

  • Bring a jacket
  • Bring a phone (even if you’re told not to look at it)
  • Bring your own bail money (just in case)

The meeting starts at 6:00 p.m., but history suggests the action may start sooner.

Citizens say this isn’t about causing trouble — it’s about ending it. It’s about the right to:

  • ask questions
  • record public meetings
  • assemble peacefully
  • and remind town hall who actually works for whom

As one resident put it, “If sitting quietly in a chair gets you arrested, maybe the problem isn’t the chair.”

Whether this Groundhog Day brings accountability or just another loop of the same nonsense remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Wingham will not be in the shadows — and the cameras will be rolling.

Show up. Sit down. Smile for Rebel News.

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Free Press North Huron WFP Wingham

Shocking Cenotaph Disrespect Draws National Attention to Wingham as “Menzie Mania” Arrives #RebellionStrikesBack

(WINGHAM, North Huron, On) — What should never have happened in a town that prides itself on remembrance finally crossed a line.

For days, the flag at the Wingham Cenotaph flew upside down and tattered, a universal signal of distress—after township officials had already been notified. No emergency response. No immediate correction. No public apology. Just silence.

That silence has now ended.

The ongoing refusal by North Huron’s leadership—under Reeve Paul Heffer—to take responsibility for the repeated neglect of the cenotaph has sparked outrage locally and far beyond the Square Mile. The issue has dominated the last three council meetings, triggered confrontations with the public, and even resulted in police being called to avoid answering questions.

What began as a local failure of basic respect has now drawn national attention, and this Groundhog Day, the spotlight gets brighter.

Enter Dave Menzies.


When the Camera Shows Up, Power Behaves

Menzies—best known for his uncompromising reporting with Rebel News—is coming to Wingham as part of what supporters are calling “Menzie Mania.”

For years, residents have watched council meetings where questions were discouraged, cameras were restricted, and uncomfortable issues—like the cenotaph—were quietly brushed aside. But history has shown that when daylight arrives, excuses evaporate.

“Funny thing about power,” one local resident remarked. “It behaves real nice when the cameras show up.”

That sentiment has become a rallying cry.


The Cenotaph Was the Final Straw

The cenotaph is not a prop. It is not optional. It is not political.

It represents sacrifice, service, and the dead—men and women who did not get to “look the other way.” Allowing the flag to remain inverted and damaged after notification wasn’t a clerical error; it was a choice. And for many in Wingham, it symbolized a deeper rot: leadership that reacts only when embarrassed, not when it’s right.

Veterans’ families, long-time residents, and newcomers alike have asked the same question:

If they won’t protect the cenotaph, what will they protect?


From the Screen to the Street

Menzie Mania isn’t about celebrity. It’s about presence.

As the promo anthem for the event declares:

“Every movement has a moment when it leaves the screen and hits the street.
This is that moment.”

For years, Canadians have shared clips, liked posts, and said, “Someone should do something.”
This Groundhog Day, the message is blunt: someone is—and you’re invited to stand beside them.

The song’s central chant says it plainly:

MEN UP. MEN UP WITH MENZIE.
Not behind a screen—but in the land.


Groundhog Day: A Date with Accountability

This isn’t about left vs. right. It isn’t about chaos or confrontation.

It’s about accountability, respect, and showing up when it matters—especially when the issue involves the honour of the fallen and the right of the public to witness their own government.

Groundhog Day has become symbolic in Wingham: the same problems, the same excuses, repeated year after year. But repetition only works when people stop paying attention.

This year, attention is arriving with a microphone.


Where Will You Be?

Supporters are calling on Dave Menzies fans, free-speech advocates, veterans, families, and everyday Canadians who believe sunlight still matters to pack the gallery and stand peacefully but visibly.

Years from now, people will talk about this moment.

They’ll ask:

  • Who showed up?
  • Who stayed home?
  • Who decided that this was the day to stop scrolling and start standing?

As the anthem’s final line warns:

“You don’t get two shots at a day like this.”

Groundhog Day.
Wingham.
Menzie Mania.

The cameras are coming.
The country is watching.
Be there.

Categories
Free Press WFP Wingham

“Impotent Paul” To Be Openly Defied At 02Feb Council Meeting – “Grumpy Grandpas” to Return #ImpotentPaul #GroundhogDay

(Wingham, North Huron) At the January 12, 2026, North Huron council meeting, Reeve Paul Heffer disrupted proceedings to confront the peaceful, silent public and press gallery. It should be noted that council continues to refuse to answer public questions—despite being paid to do so. (Next council meeting is 02Feb)

Reeve Heffer asked, “Are you recording?”

Public/Press Gallery responded: “I don’t answer questions—that’s your job.”

Reeve Paul Heffer then declared that anyone recording was required to leave. Despite zero evidence that any recording was taking place, 911 was immediately called and the entire public and press gallery was removed.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrived and detained everyone under threat of arrest, demanding identification before allowing anyone to leave—despite no charges being laid and no offence identified.

Wingham Wakening “Raise a little Hell February 2nd”

Are video recording prohibitions legal in Ontario?

Council chambers are not a free-for-all media zone; they are a workplace where elected officials conduct the public’s business. Ontario law expressly empowers Council to govern its own proceedings through a procedure by-law. The public’s right is to attend and observe, not to convert proceedings into a personal broadcast operation. The Township already meets transparency expectations by livestreaming and archiving meetings, while the camera ban protects order, safety, and the willingness of residents and staff to participate without fear of being clipped and targeted online. In Canadian public institutions—including courts and tribunals—recording is commonly restricted to preserve fairness and integrity. For these reasons, North Huron’s by-law is a reasonable, content-neutral rule that Council is entitled to enforce.