By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The filing period for the March 3 Primary Election is over and Erath County Judge Brandon Huckabee will sail into a second term without an opponent.   “It’s been an honor to serve the citizens of Erath County during my first term and help move our county forward in many areas. It has taken partnerships and collaboration from local governments and the public to make that happen and we still have work to do,” Huckabee told Beneath the Surface News .     O

Say hi to Apollo. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Apollo, a four to five-year-old male with a big heart and an even bigger smile.   “This happy boy truly loves everyone he meets,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News .   “He's friendly with dogs, strangers and kids and does well with cats, although he can overly excited and may get right up in their face.”   Apollo ha

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Beneath the Book Club: It’s time to choose our January read and I’m super excited about all three of these books because they are written by authors that I am unfamiliar with.   They are all a little different and come with positive reviews.     1.   Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy   Editor’s pick, Best Book of the Year 2025, Reese’s Book Club pick, instant NYT bestseller, Amazon’s No. 1 Best Book of the Year 2025   WHAT GOODREADS SAYS:  “A famil

By Julie Brinkley   Not only is this pasta filling and easy to make, it’s incredibly flavorful.   Made with Italian sausage, chicken stock, heavy cream and parmesan cheese, this delicious recipe is rich, creamy and the perfect end to a long day.   Click here to watch a video on how it’s made.   WHAT YOU NEED   1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)   1 onion, diced   1 green bell pepper, diced   Minced garlic, to taste   3 tablespoons tomato paste   1 can (8 ounces) tom

Little Drummer Boy By SARA VANDEN BERGE   One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Little Drummer Boy, a three to four-month-old male kitten.   “This sweet boy is still learning that people can be kind and comforting,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News . “He and his siblings didn't have much hands-on time before coming to the shelter, so he's a little unsure. He’s just a quiet soul taking things

By Sarah Weaver   Holiday baking is never complete without a batch of traditional sugar cookies.   This easy recipe is fun to make with the kids (especially the decorating)!   WHAT YOU NEED   1 cup butter 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 egg 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 cups all-purpose flour   HOW TO MAKE THEM Cream butter and sugar in a mixer; add vanilla and egg.   In a separate bowl, combine baking powder, salt and flour. Add flour mixture to butter mixtu

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   I hope by now your shopping is finished and your gifts are beautifully wrapped and waiting underneath the Christmas tree.   But if you still have a few things to buy (tsk, tsk), you have time.   These local retailers are open Monday and Tuesday with most closing early on Christmas Eve.   And, of course, they are all closed on Christmas Day.   Chick Elms Grand Entry Western Store and Rodeo Shop 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday 9 a.m. - 4 p.

Daniel Slocomb's mugshot from the Erath County Jail. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   An Erath County grand jury on Thursday indicted a Stephenville man accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a teenager.   Fifty-six-year-old Daniel Slocomb was indicted on four counts of sexual assault of a child (enhanced), sexual performance by a child (enhanced) and two counts of indecency with a child (enhanced).     All charges are second degree felonies.   According to the official complaint ob

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   Tarleton State University will be closed for winter break from noon on Tuesday, Dec. 23, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. Campuses and other operations will reopen Monday, Jan. 5.   Classes resume Monday, Jan. 12.   The Dick Smith Library in Stephenville will be closed from noon Dec. 23 until 8 a.m. Jan. 5.    The Campus Recreation Center and the Aquatics Center will close at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec.

4 Reel Tackle and Outdoors is located at 4834 US Hwy. 281 in Stephenville. Photos/James Andrae  By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If you’re looking for a Christmas gift for that person in your life who enjoys fishing, stop by 4 Reel Tackle and Outdoors in Stephenville.   The outdoor and sporting goods company is owned by James Andrae and Rick Looney and specializes in premium fishing tackle, gear and apparel.     James, as many of you know, also owns Capital Hatters .   His own love fo

TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Tarleton State University is expanding its successful partnership with Opal’s Farm to offer urban agriculture education across all campuses. What began as a grassroots effort to improve access to fresh, healthy foods in one Fort Worth neighborhood has developed into an innovative education model that Tarleton State is now bringing to Stephenville, with course instruction also available online to make the program more ac

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver   Christmas is coming and your kitchen should be stocked and ready for a visit from Santa.   These delicious gingerbread latte cheesecake cookie cups are enough to get The Grinch into the holiday spirit.   Here’s how to make them.     WHAT YOU NEED   ¾ cup softened butter    1 cup brown sugar (I prefer light)   1 egg   4 TBS molasses   2 cups all-purpose flour      1 ½ tsp ground ginger   2 tsp cinnamon    pinch of nutmeg   pinch of ground cloves   1 ts

Maverick  By SARA VANDEN BERGE   One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Maverick, a seven to eight-month-old puppy that was adopted, then returned due to housing issues.   “This sweet, energetic young dog has a big heart and an even bigger love for cuddles,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News .     “One of his favorite pastimes is burrowing into blankets, and he's always up for a game with his b

A German Christmas market in the heart of Munich's Old Town.  By SARA VANDEN BERGE   You might have noticed that things have been a little slower than usual the past couple of weeks on Beneath the Surface News .   That’s because The Husband and I took a few days off to explore the famed Christmas markets in Paris, France and Munich, Germany.     The good thing about getting a little older is that once you’ve raised kids and helped them through college, there’s a little extra

By Alexis Rochester   As a chemist specializing in skincare, I spend a lot of time testing products that balance science and good results.   One of my favorite seasonal creations is our DIY gingerbread sugar scrub.   And it makes a really great gift for teachers and friends!     HOW IT WORKS   I start with a blend of organic brown sugar and organic white granulated sugar. When combined, they offer the perfect level of exfoliation.   The cozy mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove

By Sarah Weaver   Is there any better combo than chocolate and cherries?   This recipe combines the two for a perfectly delicious cookie.     WHAT YOU NEED   2 1/2 cups flour    ¼ tsp salt   1 cup softened butter   ¾ cup white sugar     1-2 tbs cherry juice from jar   1 tsp vanilla    ½ c chopped cherries (from jar)   ½ mini chocolate chips    HOW TO MAKE THEM   Place butter and sugar in mixer and let whisk until light and fluffy.   In separate bowl, combine flour and salt; a

Jayce Gazaway poses for a picture during his recovery. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Jayce Gazaway is fighting hard to get his life back.   The 17-year-old Stephenville High School senior is recovering from having a heart transplant at Children’s Medical Center Dallas in October.   Now, nearly two months later, Jayce continues to recover with his family right by his side every step of the way. “Jayce is doing fantastic,” his mother Haley Esslinger told Beneath the Surface News . “

By Julie Brinkley   It’s the most wonderful time of the year and if you’re looking for easy, delicious ways to entertain your guests this holiday season, these appetizers are for you.   Click here to watch how I make them.     GARLIC MOZZARELLA PUFFS   1 sheet puff pastry   200 g grated mozzarella cheese   3 garlic cloves   ½ tsp oregano    100 g of bacon   1 egg (for brushing)   Chopped parsley   Salt and pepper   HOW TO MAKE IT   Mix cheese, garlic, oregano salt and pepper

Say hi to Maizel. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Maizel, a six to seven-year-old mixed breed that has been at the shelter since May 2024.   “Maizel is a loving, people-oriented girl who's been waiting far too long for her second chance,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News .     “She was surrendered when her family welcomed a new baby and could no longer keep her. S

TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   Tarleton State University planetarium’s most popular holiday presentation, “The Mystery of the Christmas Star,” begins its annual showings Tuesday, Dec. 9.     The free full-dome feature investigates the possible dates for the birth of Christ by examining recorded sightings of significant astronomical events around that time.   During the show, planetarium visitors will see how signs in the sky could have been remarka