<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rss version="2.0">
    <channel>
        <title>Watchtower Consulting &amp; Investigations</title>
        <link>https://watchtowerci.com</link>
        <description>Independent investigative journalism covering small-town Texas local governments.</description>
        <lastBuildDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:28:43 GMT</lastBuildDate>
        <docs>https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html</docs>
        <language>en</language>
        <copyright>© 2026 Watchtower Consulting &amp; Investigations</copyright>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Statement From Italy Councilmember Billy Long]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/04/statement-from-italy-councilmember-billy-long</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/04/statement-from-italy-councilmember-billy-long</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:33:26 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Italy Councilmember Billy Long issued a public statement on water infrastructure, road conditions, and public safety, calling for real fixes instead of temporary patches.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Italy, Texas</category>
            <category>Politics</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-04-statement-from-italy-councilmember-billy-long.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[What the Records Show: Officer Ochoa and the City of Tool]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/04/what-the-records-show-officer-ochoa-and-the-city-of-tool</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/04/what-the-records-show-officer-ochoa-and-the-city-of-tool</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Official Tool PD records reveal a motorcycle strike with a patrol vehicle, body camera violations, and disciplinary records that raise questions about officer accountability.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Tool, Texas</category>
            <category>Police</category>
            <category>Accountability</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-04-what-the-records-show-officer-ochoa-and-the-city-of-tool.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Former Officer Sues Seven Points, Mayor Betts, and Chief Katsoulas]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/04/former-officer-sues-seven-points-mayor-and-police-chief</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/04/former-officer-sues-seven-points-mayor-and-police-chief</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Former Seven Points police officer Justin Shaffer has filed a whistleblower retaliation lawsuit against the city, Mayor Keith Betts, and Anthony Katsoulas. Both individual defendants have been served.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Seven Points, Texas</category>
            <category>Police</category>
            <category>Lawsuit</category>
            <category>City Council</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-04-former-officer-sues-seven-points-mayor-and-police-chief.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Italy's Cleanup Day Locked Families Inside Upchurch Fields. The City Says "No Comment."]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/04/italys-cleanup-day-locked-families-inside-upchurch-fields-the-city-says-no-comment</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/04/italys-cleanup-day-locked-families-inside-upchurch-fields-the-city-says-no-comment</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:49:04 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[On March 14, the City of Italy held a cleanup day at Upchurch Fields, locked the gate with families still inside, trapped a disabled woman on a mobility scooter, and closed the park for spring break weekend. The Mayor was not there. The City Administrator said no comment. The former mayor read my text and never replied.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Italy, Texas</category>
            <category>Accountability</category>
            <category>Public Parks</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-04-italys-cleanup-day-locked-families-inside-upchurch-fields-the-city-says-no-comment.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Italy Said Shawn Holden and Charles Hyles Had 'Nothing to Do' with the Public Works Building. The City's Own Records Say Otherwise.]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/04/italys-public-works-building-cover-up</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/04/italys-public-works-building-cover-up</guid>
            <pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:37:57 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[On March 9, 2026, Italy's city administrator read a prepared timeline to the council claiming former City Administrator Shawn Holden and 15-year EDC President Charles Hyles had no involvement in a failed Public Works Building project. The documents in the city's own files tell a different story. I have the recordings, the emails, and the resignation letter.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Italy, Texas</category>
            <category>Public Works</category>
            <category>Accountability</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-04-italys-public-works-building-cover-up.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Exploring All Sides: A Conversation With Jerry Bannister]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/04/exploring-all-sides-a-conversation-with-jerry-bannister</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/04/exploring-all-sides-a-conversation-with-jerry-bannister</guid>
            <pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[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.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Trinidad, Texas</category>
            <category>Interview</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-04-exploring-all-sides-a-conversation-with-jerry-bannister.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[TCEQ Says Italy Had Approval. The Council Never Knew.]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/04/tceq-says-italy-had-approval-the-council-never-knew</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/04/tceq-says-italy-had-approval-the-council-never-knew</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:47:41 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[TCEQ closed a complaint about Italy's unauthorized water treatment installation, claiming the city had approval since January. But the city council voted against BiCARBUS three times and was never told.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Italy, Texas</category>
            <category>Water</category>
            <category>Public Safety</category>
            <category>TCEQ</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-04-tceq-says-italy-had-approval-the-council-never-knew.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Kerens ISD School Board: A Model of Transparency in Small-Town Texas]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/kerens-isd-school-board-a-model-of-transparency</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/kerens-isd-school-board-a-model-of-transparency</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[We attended our first Kerens ISD Board of Trustees meeting and found a school board that other TOMA-regulated bodies in Kerens could learn from.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Kerens, Texas</category>
            <category>School Board</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-03-kerens-isd-school-board-a-model-of-transparency.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Enough Is Enough, Paul Sessions of Seven Points]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/enough-is-enough-paul-sessions-of-seven-points</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/enough-is-enough-paul-sessions-of-seven-points</guid>
            <pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 04:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[A city council candidate posted a biased video clip after Seven Points' most productive meeting in months. Updated 3/29: The deleted post claim has been retracted after new information came to light. All other criticism stands.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Seven Points, Texas</category>
            <category>City Council</category>
            <category>Opinion</category>
            <category>Politics</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-03-enough-is-enough-paul-sessions-of-seven-points.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Italy's Council Said No to a Water Treatment System. It Got Installed Anyway.]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/italys-council-said-no-to-a-water-treatment-system-it-got-installed-anyway</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/italys-council-said-no-to-a-water-treatment-system-it-got-installed-anyway</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 22:27:57 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[A chemical water treatment system was installed on Italy's public water supply without council approval or TCEQ authorization. The council had voted to defer the matter twice. TCEQ has accepted a formal complaint.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Italy, Texas</category>
            <category>Water</category>
            <category>Public Safety</category>
            <category>TCEQ</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-03-italys-council-said-no-to-a-water-treatment-system-it-got-installed-anyway.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Seven Points Finally Passes a Budget After 170 Days of Crisis]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/seven-points-finally-passes-a-budget</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/seven-points-finally-passes-a-budget</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 01:38:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[After 170 days without an approved budget, the Seven Points City Council passed a balanced budget on March 24, 2026. But the meeting was anything but smooth.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Seven Points, Texas</category>
            <category>Budget</category>
            <category>City Council</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-03-seven-points-finally-passes-a-budget.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[No Property Taxes, No Cameras, No Thanks]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/no-property-taxes-no-cameras-no-thanks</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/no-property-taxes-no-cameras-no-thanks</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 06:21:19 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The S.M. Dunlap Library in Italy announced a candidate forum with no cameras allowed. The library pays zero property taxes. And the community already had a more transparent option on the table.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Opinion</category>
            <category>Italy, Texas</category>
            <category>Politics</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-03-no-property-taxes-no-cameras-no-thanks.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Jason Patrick on Hubbard's Future: Water Lines, Sewer, the School Bond, and Lake One Questions]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/jason-patrick-on-hubbards-future</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/jason-patrick-on-hubbards-future</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Hubbard City Manager Jason Patrick discusses water and sewer infrastructure, the school bond election, data center jobs, Lake One questions, and the city's future in a phone interview.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Hubbard, Texas</category>
            <category>Government</category>
            <category>Interview</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-03-jason-patrick-on-hubbards-future.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The Community Fights the Fire]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/the-community-fights-the-fire</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/the-community-fights-the-fire</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:45:13 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The ESD board voted unanimously to terminate the old contract. But termination was not the ending anyone expected.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Tool, Texas</category>
            <category>Emergency Services</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-03-the-community-fights-the-fire.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The Numbers on the Wall: What Tool's Fire Department Data Actually Shows]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/the-numbers-on-the-wall</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/the-numbers-on-the-wall</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The ESD posted performance reports at the fire station for anyone to see. I reviewed them. The data tells a complicated story, but the facts make it easy to follow.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Tool, Texas</category>
            <category>Emergency Services</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-03-the-numbers-on-the-wall.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Both Sides of the Fire]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/both-sides-of-the-fire</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/both-sides-of-the-fire</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 06:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[After days of interviews with people on every side of Tool's fire department fight, one thing is clear: this story is far more complex than it appears on the surface. Part 2 of a three-part investigation.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Tool, Texas</category>
            <category>Emergency Services</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-03-both-sides-of-the-fire.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Tool's Fire Department Is Fighting for Its Life]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/tools-fire-department-is-fighting-for-its-life</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/03/tools-fire-department-is-fighting-for-its-life</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[A three-part investigation into the battle between Henderson County ESD No. 4 and the Tool Volunteer Fire Department, where the future of emergency services for roughly 2,000 residents hangs in the balance.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Tool, Texas</category>
            <category>Emergency Services</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-03-tools-fire-department-is-fighting-for-its-life.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Italy EDC Discusses Bid Process for 101 E. Main Street Demolition]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/italy-edc-discusses-demolition-bid-process</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/italy-edc-discusses-demolition-bid-process</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The Italy Economic Development Corporation met to discuss putting the demolition of 101 E. Main Street out for bids, but the project still needs final details before that can happen.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Italy, Texas</category>
            <category>Economic Development Corporation</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-02-italy-edc-discusses-demolition-bid-process.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[I Asked Hubbard for Their Open Meetings Training Records]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/hubbard-open-meetings-training-records</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/hubbard-open-meetings-training-records</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[A Public Information Act request for Open Meetings Act training certificates revealed compliance gaps among Hubbard city officials.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Hubbard, Texas</category>
            <category>Government</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-02-hubbard-open-meetings-training-records.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[2026 Election Candidate Questionnaire]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/2026-candidate-questionnaire</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/2026-candidate-questionnaire</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Nine questions for every candidate running in the May 2026 city council elections. Here's the questionnaire, the format, and how to participate.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Elections</category>
            <category>Opinion</category>
            <category>Politics</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-02-2026-candidate-questionnaire.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[I Sat Down with Italy's Top Chief Candidate]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/i-sat-down-with-italys-top-chief-candidate</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/i-sat-down-with-italys-top-chief-candidate</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[I had a half-hour conversation with Brandon Torres. He left me cautiously optimistic, but the mold problem at the police department isn't going away on its own.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Opinion</category>
            <category>Police</category>
            <category>Italy, Texas</category>
            <category>Interview</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-02-i-sat-down-with-italys-top-chief-candidate.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[I've Been Doing My Homework, Seven Points]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/ive-been-doing-my-homework-seven-points</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/ive-been-doing-my-homework-seven-points</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:07:11 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[A week into researching Seven Points city government, here's what the public should know heading into the May election, and a message for the voices steering the conversation sideways.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Seven Points, Texas</category>
            <category>Opinion</category>
            <category>Local Government</category>
            <category>Elections</category>
            <category>Politics</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-02-ive-been-doing-my-homework-seven-points.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Goodlow Election: Five Candidates and an Unfinished Audit]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/five-candidates-file-goodlow-city-council</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/five-candidates-file-goodlow-city-council</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:01:12 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[With an incumbent stepping down, five candidates are set to compete for a seat on the Goodlow City Council this May.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Goodlow, Texas</category>
            <category>Elections</category>
            <category>Politics</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-02-five-candidates-file-goodlow-city-council.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Italy Candidate Forum Update]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/italy-candidate-forum-update</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/italy-candidate-forum-update</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:07:39 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The city called back about the candidate forum. They won't let me use city hall, and the alternative costs more than it's worth. So I'm doing it my own way.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Opinion</category>
            <category>Elections</category>
            <category>Italy, Texas</category>
            <category>Politics</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-02-italy-candidate-forum-update.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Five Candidates File for Hubbard City Council]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/five-candidates-file-hubbard-city-council</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/five-candidates-file-hubbard-city-council</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 23:28:51 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Three incumbents and two challengers will compete for seats on the Hubbard City Council this May.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Hubbard, Texas</category>
            <category>Elections</category>
            <category>Politics</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-02-five-candidates-file-hubbard-city-council.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Bringing a Candidate Forum to Italy]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/bringing-a-candidate-forum-to-italy</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/bringing-a-candidate-forum-to-italy</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 23:19:41 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Italy has never hosted an open candidate forum in recent memory. I called City Hall this morning to change that.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Elections</category>
            <category>Italy, Texas</category>
            <category>Politics</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-02-bringing-a-candidate-forum-to-italy.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Leaving Italy, Not the Fight]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/leaving-italy-not-the-fight</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/leaving-italy-not-the-fight</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:26:23 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[ITXN is done. I'm not. Here's what we built, why I'm walking away from Italy, and where this work is taking me.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Opinion</category>
            <category>Italy, Texas</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-02-leaving-italy-not-the-fight.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Seven Thoughts for Seven Points]]></title>
            <link>https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/seven-thoughts-for-seven-points</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://watchtowerci.com/2026/02/seven-thoughts-for-seven-points</guid>
            <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 19:33:05 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[After attending my first Seven Points city council meeting, here are seven thoughts I can't stop thinking about, and one reason to stay hopeful.]]></description>
            <author>Ron Helms</author>
            <category>Seven Points, Texas</category>
            <category>Opinion</category>
            <category>Local Government</category>
            <enclosure url="https://watchtowerci.com/og/2026-02-seven-thoughts-for-seven-points.png" length="0" type="image/png"/>
        </item>
    </channel>
</rss>