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

Special to Beneath the Surface News   Members of the Stephenville High School Yellow Jacket Band traveled to Graham on Saturday for the ATSSB Region 7 All-Region band auditions.   “This is the first round of all-state auditions,” said SHS Band Director Michael Childs.     “The band was very well represented with 21 students earning placement in the bands and 19 of those advancing to the area round.”   Those students will participate in the ATSSB Region 7 clinic and concert a

Get festive with this beautiful holiday cocktail. By SARA VANDEN BERGE It appears that I am set to be the hostess with the mostest for the third year in a row thanks to this fancy winter cocktail I’ve mastered. The Brandy Ice. If you’ve never enjoyed one of these, you’re missing out. This holiday cocktail made with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream quickly became a fan favorite in our home a few years ago. The festive cocktail is perfect for a crowd. Here’s the recipe to make Brand

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Erath County victim services staff will host its 24th annual Tree of Angels ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Donald R. Jones Justice Center in Stephenville. The Tree of Angels is a time for families and friends to remember those who have been victimized or lost to violent crime. Beginning on Monday, Dec. 8, victims, families and friends are invited to bring a new angel to place on the tree, located at the justice center. Since its in

Photo/Tim O'Keefe TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   Chart-topping, multi-platinum country star, Parker McCollum, has announced dates for the second leg of his 2026  Parker McCollum Tour .     Known for being one of the busiest touring acts in country music, McCollum is bringing fans his No. 1 hits and fan-favorite tracks to cities across the U.S. including a stop at EECU Center in Stephenville on Sept. 24.   Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased

By Sarah Weaver   Christmas smash cookies are an excellent cookie to throw in your holiday rotation!   With lots of room to play around, and easy to make, these cookies can be as crazy and festive or as simple and elegant as you want.   Bring your butter and eggs to room temp by laying on the counter an hour before you are ready to bake.      HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED   1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) softened butter    1 cup white sugar   2 eggs   2 tsp. vanilla   2 ½ c flour   ¼ tsp b

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Stephenville Chamber of Commerce  is organizing its annual buyer’s pool, which supports youth taking part in the Junior Livestock Show of Erath Count y happening Jan. 4-10. The  Chamber accepts donations as small as $25, with most giving $100 - $500, and some giving more than $1,000. All donors will be recognized the night of the sale and in the Chamber newsletter. Click here to register. All funds will be used to support youth and their animal proje

Flour Riot can hardly keep these popular Christmas cakes in stock. The dense vanilla bean holiday treat is topped with a delicious vanilla cream cheese frosting. Photos/Flour Riot By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Flour Riot , a new bakery located in downtown Dublin, is officially open with a collection of delicious homemade baked goodies for sale.   Owner Sarah Weaver says all of Flour Riot's baked goods are made locally by cottage law bakers and prepared with simple, clean ingredients

TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   The 46 th  annual Charles and Cynthia Rives Masterworks Concert, featuring Tarleton State University's singers and chamber choir, guest orchestral musicians and the Cross Timbers Civic Chorale is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center auditorium.     This year’s program pairs a radiant holiday work, Ralph Vaughan Williams’   “First Nowell,” with selections from Handel’s “Messiah,” in

Get your Tarleton spirit gear at this weekend's warehouse sale.   Photo/Layerz Clothing By SARA VANDEN BERGE Erath County residents will get a rare opportunity to shop a warehouse sale from 8 a.m.- noon on Saturday, Dec. 6. Layerz Clothing  is a women's apparel brand based in Stephenville that specializes in unique fashion in sizes XS-3XL. Owners, Courtney and Brandon Rayzor are Tarleton State University alumni that proudly employ several Tarleton students and graduates. So

By Julie Brinkley   If you have any leftover turkey you need to use, you’ll want this recipe for turkey and wild rice soup.   This creamy dish has all the feels you want on a cold day.   Click here to watch a video on how it’s made.     HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED   3 tbsp butter   1 medium onion   2 medium carrots   2 stalks celery   3 cloves garlic   1 cup wild rice   6 cups chicken broth      2 cups cooked turkey   1 tsp dried thyme (2 tsp fresh)   1 tsp rosemary (2 tsp fresh)  

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   A to Z Plumbing is pledging to donate a portion of proceeds from its service calls inside the Stephenville city limits in December to the Foster’s Home for Children .   Branndon Bledsoe recently took ownership of the company after losing his father Brent, who owned A to Z for over 36 years.   He said giving back to the community is one of his top priorities.   “My dad has always supported the Foster’s Home and we handle their service,” Branndon told Be

Minty is ready for Christmas. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Minty, a quiet, easygoing cat who only wants a comfy bed, calm space and someone who appreciates a certified couch potato.   “Minty is a gentle little sweetheart who was brought in as a stray, and sadly, never reclaimed,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News .     “Now she's hoping her next stop will be her

TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Tarleton State University invites the community to attend its annual Purple & White Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 ,  in the   Barry B. Thompson Student Center.    This festive event, organized by the staff Senate, brings together the campus and community along with local artisans for a day of holiday cheer, shopping and celebration.    “The bazaar is an opportunity to support local small businesses, showca