Santa will be at Light Up the Night every Friday night through Dec. 21.  By SARA VANDEN BERGE The most magical time of year has arrived and the Erath County United Way  is gearing up for its sixth annual Light Up the Night Christmas Celebration. The festive trail, which includes more than two million lights, will be open from 6-9 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 5 through Dec. 21 at Stephenville City Park. The 3/4-mile path includes breathtaking holiday displa

Special to Beneath the Surface News   CASA for the Cross Timbers Area is launching “cards for CASA,” a project designed to ensure that every child in the foster care system has access to the same everyday experiences as their non-foster peers.   The community is invited to donate gift cards to allow children to choose items that fit their individual needs — whether that’s new clothing, school supplies, toiletries, books or a special treat just for themselves.   This flexibil

By Sarah Weaver   If your Thanksgiving Day table calls for a pumpkin pie, making one is easier than you think.   This is how you do it! (And for pre-made goodies, follow Flour Riot , located in the heart of Dublin, Texas.)   WHAT YOU NEED   One premade pie shell   15 oz. pumpkin (1 can)   12 oz evaporated milk    1/2 cup sugar    1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp salt    1/2 tsp ginger    1/2 tsp nutmeg   1/2 tsp vanilla    2 eggs    HOW TO MAKE IT   Prepare pie shell and set oven to 42

By SARA VANDEN BERGE I don’t know about you, but nothing sounds cozier than curling up with a holiday-themed book by the Christmas tree. All three of these books sound perfect for our December read and I can’t wait to see which one you choose. 1. Comfort & Joy by Kristin Hannah 4.2 on Goodreads, New York Times bestselling author WHAT GOODREADS SAYS:  “Joy Candellaro once loved Christmas more than any other time of the year. "Now, as the holiday approaches, she is at a crossro

TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   Ring in the season with Tarleton State University’ s annual Holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center auditorium.  This fast-paced, family-friendly evening brings together Tarleton’s premier musical ensembles for a seamless collage of holiday classics, cherished carols and sparkling seasonal favorites — including the always-popular “Sleigh Ride.”   Traditional carols and sacred

Photos courtesy James Pylant/ Blood Legacy ; reprinted with permission. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   It’s a story that lives on in infamy; one so gruesome that books have been written about it and tales of the grizzly homicide have been handed down from generation to generation.   In fact, Francis Marion Snow , the man dubbed the “Butcher of Stephenville,” has his own Wikipedia page that outlines the murder, discovery of the bodies and the trial.     I sat down with Janae Smith wit

By Alexis Rochester   Looking for the perfect skincare gift, but short on time or aren’t sure what to give someone?   Then this list is for you.     As a chemist, I’ve tested hundreds of products, and these are the ones I love the most.   Whether you’re shopping for a friend, teacher or skincare-loving family member, these picks are backed by science and guaranteed to please. 1. Firming serum   This is the one serum that everyone can use and benefit from because it combines n

By SARA VANDEN BERGE An Erath County grand jury indicted 16 people Thursday on a variety of charges ranging from family assault and abusing an elderly person to theft and drug possession. The following list of indictments was released by the office of District Attorney Alan Nash.  •  Johnny Charles Allen for assault (family violence) with previous conviction, a third degree felony.   •  Kendon Dawayne Baker for assault of a peace officer and manufacture or delivery of a subst

Beneath the Surface News reader Justin Tuggle says something weird is going on with gas prices in Stephenville   “They seem to be created by collusion between gas stations,” he said.   “Over the last several months, prices spiked 20 to 35 cents in a few days for no reason of geopolitical nature, supply, regional issues, demand or any legitimate reason.   “In my travels, I have found that Plains and Hico are usually always the highest price followed by Seminole and Lamesa, bu

Tarleton student Hannah Reyling is back on campus after a serious bout of bacterial meningococcal meningitis. Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Life is full of unexpected twist and turns, with some being bigger challenges than others.    Hannah Reyling experienced this firsthand on Feb. 29, 2024. Two days earlier, bouncing back from a bout with allergies and a sinus infection, Reyling was feeling good enough to play in a kickbal

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Chief Deputy Tye Box with the Erath County Sheriff’s Office  said an old scam where someone pretends to be a local deputy asking for money has resurfaced, but the latest victim, he said, didn’t fall for it. “We got a call from an elderly resident who said they received a call from someone pretending to be Deputy Southerland,” Chief Box told Beneath the Surface News . “The scammer said there was a warrant out for their arrest and that they owed the sheri

Commissioner Miller says swift detection of symptoms is key to the preservation of animal health. Special to Beneath the Surface News The following is a press release issued by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller found here . AUSTIN – Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture on Tuesday issued an alert to Texas horsemen of an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) reported by Texas veterinarians after the recent World Championship Barrel Rac

Photos/Molly Blaylock By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If you like a good snack, this is for you.   Texan Vittles, a Stephenville-based company owned by Daikon and Molly Blaylock, is making build-your-own bags of popcorn and trail mix.     “We make authentic Texas snacks,” Molly told Beneath the Surface News . “You pick it and we mix it and pop it.”   The popcorn comes in a variety of sizes – from snack to jumbo – and flavors. Think barbecue, buffalo, caramel, chili lime, cinnamon, pi

TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   For the sixth straight year, data from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) confirms that in the state of Texas, Tarleton State has the highest percentage of graduates that land a job or enroll in graduate school within a year.    "This accomplishment reflects the determination of our students and the unwavering commitment of our faculty and staff," said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley.   "A

Recipe by Sarah Weaver   With the holidays upon us, there’s a good chance you’ll need to whip up some buttercream icing or homemade whipped cream to top off those big mugs of hot chocolate.   The good news is that both are simple to make. Click here to watch a video on how I do it and keep scrolling for the full recipes. BUTTERCREAM ICING; WHAT YOU NEED   1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened   4 cups powdered sugar    1 tbsp. pure vanilla   2-4 tbsps. whole milk or hea

Photos/Rough Creek Lodge Special to Beneath the Surface News   This Thanksgiving, Rough Creek Lodge, Ranch & Resort invites guests to gather in the Texas Hill Country for an unforgettable three-course buffet lunch curated by Executive Chef Gerard Thompson.   Blending rustic elegance with refined Southwestern flavors, the menu features holiday classics elevated by locally inspired ingredients and gourmet flair.   During lunch, a pianist will be performing in the great room, f

Lonn Reisman taking the oath of office Tuesday at Stephenville City Hall. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Lonn Reisman is officially mayor.   Reisman was sworn into office during Tuesday’s Stephenville City Council meeting.     Reisman told Beneath the Surface News that since he was elected on Nov. 4 , he has received at least 50 calls from residents about a variety of issues.   “My phone hasn’t stopped ringing with people expressing concerns and offering ideas on what they think nee

Peachy Keen is ready for the holidays. Photos/Peachy Keen By SARA VANDEN BERGE   When you’re out doing your holiday shopping, keep in mind that local, small business owners are depending on you for support.   Peachy Keen Gifts and Boutique is celebrating ‘Pink Friday’ this week (Nov. 21) with all-day specials and refreshments.     Owner Aly Kelly told Beneath the Surface News that the first 10 customers will receive a free gift at checkout (no matter how much they spend).  

By Julie Brinkley   This salad made with shaved brussels sprouts, pomegranate and candied pecans make a delicious Thanksgiving Day side.   Click here to watch a video on how it’s made.   WHAT YOU NEED   12 ounces brussels sprouts   1 ½ cup pomegranate seeds   1 ½ chopped Honeycrisp apple   1 cup candied pecans   ¾ dried cranberries   ¾ cup parmesan cheese   VINAIGRETTE   3 tbsp olive oil   1 ½ tbsp lemon juice   1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar   2 tbsp Dijon mustard   1 tbsp ma

The Erath County Courthouse. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The filing period for the March 3 Primary Election is underway now through Dec. 8, and several Erath County officials up for another term have already filed for re-election.   Erath County Judge Brandon Huckabee is seeking his second term.     “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 go