Photo/Emily Sword Pictured from left: Steve Uryasz, Jeff Sandford, Lonn Reisman, James Hurley, Tom Kirkland, Trent Swearingen, Brett Powell and Glenn Decker. By Emily Sword Intern, SEDA Stephenville marked another milestone in its continued growth Wednesday with the groundbreaking of a new SpringHill Suites by Marriott, bringing additional lodging capacity and hospitality investment to the community. The hotel will be located at 400 South Harbin Drive and is a project by

Photo/TSU Media Relations By SARA VANDEN BERGE Stephenville is in for another treat. Literally. Guests can park in the Tarleton State parking garage. Panera Bread and Baskin-Robbins are set to make their joint debut at Tarleton State University with a ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20. In a previous interview with Beneath the Surface News, Jenna Partin, director of university communications, said the joint location will feature indoor seating and a covered outd

Special to Beneath the Surface News TexasBank is pleased to announce two leadership appointments that reflect the bank’s continued investment in people, relationships and the communities it proudly serves throughout Central Texas. Kelsey Goates has been promoted to Vice President, Financial Literacy and Community Outreach Manager, a newly expanded role dedicated to helping individuals, families, businesses and communities build greater financial confidence through educati

Photo/Stephenville Dance Center By SARA VANDEN BERGE Stephenville Dance Center recently returned from the National Dance Finals in Galveston, celebrating an outstanding week of competition and bringing home multiple national honors. The dance studio earned two national championship titles along with three 2nd place finishes, showcasing the dedication, talent and hard work of its dancers and instructors. “We are incredibly proud of every dancer who took the stage this

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Colleges of Distinction has once again named Tarleton State University to its list of schools across the United States known for their exceptional contributions to higher education. In addition to its undergraduate recognition as a 2026-27 National College of Distinction, Tarleton State was also commended in the categories of Texas, Public, International, Military, Business, Education, Eng

Alexis Rochester has her first microneedling treatment at Revision Aesthetics and Wellness. By Alexis Rochester Last month, I shared my skin cancer journey and why I am so passionate about daily sun protection and using high-quality mineral sunscreen. Protecting your skin is one of the most important things you can do for both skin health and healthy aging. While a good skincare routine is always the foundation, I am also interested in treatments that support the skin

Lea Contreras By SARA VANDEN BERGE A familiar face with years of experience working in the public sector has been hired to head the city of Stephenville’s Tourism and Visitors Bureau. Lea Contreras will step into her now role on Monday, June 29. “I am really excited for the opportunity to join the city,” Lea told Beneath the Surface News. “This job has everything that I love to do and what I have been doing for years wrapped into one.” Lea says her No. 1 priority wi

Prime is inviting the community to join the celebration and see firsthand how the new facility is helping the company continue its mission of delivering high-quality metal building products with unmatched service and speed. Photos/Prime Metal Buildings Special to Beneath the Surface News Prime Metal Buildings & Components is proud to announce the grand opening of its new flagship retail store in Stephenville, marking an exciting new chapter for the company and its customers

Chef Eric Hunter at his new restaurant Sidecar Smoke Shack. Photos/Kyle Davis By SARA VANDEN BERGE A new restaurant in Hico is dishing up some amazing authentic Texas barbecue. Sidecar Smoke Shack opened in March on 2nd Street in Hico. Chef Eric Hunter converted the former Chicken Express attached to the Chevron station into the restaurant. A Texas native, Eric has devoted his life to the craft of cooking and is also the head chef at Hico’s Midland Chophouse. “I d

By SARA VANDEN BERGE I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but here I am… Over the past few days, Beneath the Surface News has received several messages asking if Kroger is coming to Stephenville. I spoke with three local officials today who gave me one unanimous answer: No. Bummer. I, too, had hoped the rumor was true. On a positive note, Jeff Sandford, executive director of the Stephenville Economic Development Authority, said the city is actively recruiting grocers "but

This stunning 5-stone pendant was handcrafted using Sonoran Mountain. It’s sterling silver and handmade in Stephenville, Texas. By SARA VANDEN BERGE A Stephenville woman has started a business that designs stunning handmade jewelry and turquoise. Nineteen-year-old Aubrey Vanden Berge is the owner of VB Silver Co. “My company is inspired by a love for turquoise, silver and western style,” Aubrey told Beneath the Surface News. “What started as a passion has grown into

Kenneth and Heidi Witt By SARA VANDEN BERGE KSTV the Mighty 93 has a new tag line - Cowboy 93 KSTV - and new owners ready to take the popular radio station to new heights. Kenneth and Heidi Witt, owners of Lonestar Broadcasting Group, took over operations on June 1. They sat down with Beneath the Surface News to talk about their plans for the station and the interesting path that led them to Erath County. Kenneth graduated from the University of Kentucky, dabbled in p

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Albert Hale took a good idea and ran with it. Hale, owner of Hale Custom Solutions, developed a fertilizer spreader that attaches to zero turn lawn mowers. The Huckabay resident told Beneath the Surface News that after purchasing a zero turn mower, he discovered that pulling a fertilizer spreader behind one is impossible. Frustrated, he went into his shop to find a solution – and seven hours later – the first design of the Hale ZT Spreader was bor

Special to Beneath the Surface News Volleman’s Family Farm is adding something new to the family table and this time, it’s in the freezer aisle. Known across the community for its glass-bottled milk and family farm roots, Volleman’s has officially launched its first line of premium ice cream, made with A2A2 milk from cows raised right on their family farm. Texas Sage Nursery in Dublin will begin selling Volleman's ice cream on Wednesday, May 13. For the Volleman family,

Cody Stone is the new branch president of Wellington State Bank's Stephenville location. Photo/WSB Special to Beneath the Surface News Wellington State Bank is announcing the promotion of Cody Stone to branch president of its Stephenville location. Cody brings more than 25 years of banking experience to this role, having served local customers and the Stephenville area since 1999. Over the years, he has built a strong reputation for steady leadership, outstanding cust

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The struggle to find often sold-out accommodations in Stephenville will soon come to an end with the construction of three new hotels. With an ever-growing Tarleton State University, rodeo industry and the city’s bustling main street and tourism departments, visitors to Erath County often struggle to find places to stay. Jeff Sandford, president of the Stephenville Economic Development Authority, sat down with Beneath the Surface News to talk abou

The Beach Vacay Bow with Hibiscus Wreath is part of Wild Willow’s summer collection. By SARA VANDEN BERGE A new online company is transforming the entrance of homes and offices with artisan-crafted door décor. Katy Copeland and Krista Skiles, owners of Wild Willow, use premium material to handcraft luxury wreaths and bows for any occasion. Wild Willow’s gorgeous collection includes decor for baby and wedding showers, holidays, birthdays, game days and custom designs.

Inside the newly-renovated 377 Books at Frames Etc. Photos/Julie Lowrance By SARA VANDEN BERGE Book lovers like myself (and all you Beneath the Book Clubbers) have another reason to celebrate. Frames Etc., located in downtown Stephenville, has completely renovated its bookstore. 377 Books at Frames Etc. is no longer just a place to purchase gently-used books; it’s now a charming, colorful space where you can browse 1,500 new titles and releases, sit by a cozy electric

The sauna and cold plunge room is warm and inviting. Clients also have access to a robe and slippers. By SARA VANDEN BERGE If you’re on a health journey, Stephenville’s new wellness spa is for you. The Wellness Bar , located at 195 River North Blvd, Suite 102 (next to Revision Aesthetics & Wellness) , is a sanctuary for clients seeking renewal. Step inside the luxurious center and you’ll find friendly faces ready to guide you through a series of modern, personalized t

Photos/Lane Cooper By SARA VANDEN BERGE Stephenville is getting a major new travel center that will anchor the city’s north corridor. Construction on the Cowboy Corner Travel Center , located at 1095 Morgan Mill Road near Atwoods , is underway and expected to be complete by the end of the year. The $8 million project will include a more than 7,300 square foot convenience store and three quick service restaurants. “We are working on the restaurants now, but it looks