A small Henderson County city on the western shore of Cedar Creek Reservoir. Eight years of unresolved audit findings, a general fund that collapsed into the negative, five mayors in five years, and a water system drawing TCEQ fines tell a story of systemic financial mismanagement and governance failures.
I asked Trinidad's council candidates and community figures what's wrong with the city. Then I went through the records: a $291,723.78 meter vote set beside a budget that's 27 days late, carries no meter line, and shows no fund balances, debts or tax rate.
I asked Trinidad's council candidates and community figures what's wrong with the city. Then I went through the records: a $291,723.78 meter vote set beside a budget that's 27 days late, carries no meter line, and shows no fund balances, debts or tax rate.
A bank camera shows three toddlers alone outside Steven Stearman's Seven Points daycare. On body camera he told the officer the door had done it before; now he says nobody told him and the wind held it open. The teacher who opened that door says the center was badly short-staffed and that he coached her before an investigator's interview. Every place I believe he lied, strongest first, and what parents can do now.
Three toddlers walked out of a Seven Points daycare in December 2023. Nearly three years later, parents on Facebook brought it back. Here is what the records and Steven Stearman's own answers show.
One year after bonding out of jail on the Fourth of July, I look back at the Texans I have met who were arrested for showing up, and ask a hard question on America's 250th birthday.
An update on Chief Charles Gregory and the Trinidad Police Department storyline after process service today, the side of the story most people are missing, and what is on the agenda for the May 28 council meeting.
Winston Wesley Noles filed a federal civil rights lawsuit Thursday over his May 12 arrest at Trinidad City Hall, alleging First Amendment retaliation, an unconstitutional Fourth Amendment seizure, and municipal liability against the City of Trinidad.
A connected timeline of recent Trinidad events: two arrests, on-record water-quality remarks from the city's contracted operator alongside a contrasting view from a neighboring mayor, and a call to action for the May 19 council meeting.
Jennifer Combs of Kerens was arrested on a state jail felony charge over a Facebook post about Trinidad's water system, with Trinidad PD's §42.06 warning fifteen days before the City's own Boil Water Notice.
A 45-minute phone call with Trinidad P&Z and EDC member Jerry Bannister, who offered his perspective on the city's divide, the Bannister family's history, and why Trinidad needs to focus on city business.
3rd Tuesday at 6:00 PM
Trinidad City Hall
212 Park Street, Trinidad, TX 75163
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Dennis Haws | Mayor |
| Marie Bannister | Mayor Pro Tem |
| Velma Womack | Council Member |
| Melvin Thompson | Council Member |
| Chandra Sutton | Council Member |
| Leah Melton | Council Member |
Council data is cross-referenced from the Texas Municipal League directory and city records. If you notice an error, please let me know.
If something in Trinidad does not add up, send it. Documents help, but a date, a place, or a name is enough to start. I read every tip myself.
How I handle tips and protect sources →