By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If you’re one of the estimated 25% of Americans participating in Dry January, the weekends just got easier.   Newton’s Saddlerack has unveiled its new “mocktail” menu, which includes the Desert Rose Ranch Water, Ranch Breeze, Cactus Blossom Mockarita, Cinnamon Pecan Coupe, Coastal Cowgirl and Lavender Lemonade.   “In honor of Dry January, we’re excited to announce the addition of these fun and flavorful, alcohol-free mocktails to our menu,” Melanie New

Kristy Allen is CASA's new executive director. Special to Beneath the Surface News   CASA for the Cross Timbers Area has announced its new executive director following the semi-retirement of Mindy Wooley.   Kristy Allen assumed the role of executive director on Jan. 1.   A statement from CASA about the transition says, “(Kristy) brings years of experience within the organization, having first served as a volunteer advocate and most recently as collaborative family engagement

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News    As a new year unfolds, one constant holds true: Tarleton State University is the leader in Texas for enrollment growth.   According to data released by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board following the fall 2025 semester, Tarleton State leads all Texas public universities with a 48.58% increase in enrollment since fall 2022.     The state total for public institutions is 6.36% over

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If you’re a homeowner looking to add some curb appeal to your abode, KSTV can help.   The Mighty 93 is hosting the Dowell Ace Hardware Home Improvement Vendor Expo from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, at City Hall at City Limits in Stephenville – and they’re looking for vendors.   “We are looking for vendors to join us for an exciting event that brings homeowners, local businesses and industry professionals together under one roof,” KSTV’s Boots Elliott

Terah Gibson  By SARA VANDEN BERGE There is a place in Stephenville that helps individuals and couples heal. Onyx Therapeutic Counseling helps clients unearth long-standing behavior patterns that are holding them back from reaching their full potential and leading a fulfilling life.     Owner Terah Gibson brings more than a decade of experience in treatment leadership and clinical counseling before dedicating her full focus to Onyx.   “Our life experiences mold and shape who

Tristen Raye Carr, owner of Blevins Hair Studio in Stephenville. Photo/Hadley Ann Photography  By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Local stylist Tristen Raye Carr says making women look and feel their best is the reason she opened Blevins Hair Studio in Stephenville.   “I love doing women’s haircuts; I love a good transformation for someone,” Tristen told Beneath the Surface News . “I think a great haircut can make anyone feel better.”   The salon, located at 1481 W. South Loop, suite 9,

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

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

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

The Reuben is built with house-made pastrami, sauerkraut and Russian dressing. Photo/Buzzi's Food Truck By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Stephenville is getting another new restaurant. Yay!   Buzzi’s Pizzeria (named after Ruth Buzzi) is slated to open on McNeill Street in Stephenville in mid-December. (Where BJ’s Restaurant was located.)     Owner Mark Bryant is currently serving up his delicious food from Buzzi’s Food Truck parked right in front of the new restaurant.   The food truck

The pickleball court at The Serving Station. Photo/Sierra Felton By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If you’re a fan of playing pickleball, this is for you.   A new indoor pickleball court – The Serving Station – opens Monday, Nov. 10, at 408 East Road in Stephenville.     Owners Sy and Sierra Felton opened The Serving Station after playing at an indoor court in Fort Worth.   “We love to play pickleball with our friends and thought that Stephenville could really use something like this,”

Brittany Jones, owner of Texas West Real Estate. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Brittany Jones is quite possibly one of the easiest people I have ever had the pleasure of interviewing.   Not only is this local broker incredibly knowledgeable about Erath County, she understands the laws and benefits buyers can use to their advantage.     Brittany owns Texas West Real Estate and her office is located at the edge of Erath County.   She specializes in farms, ranches and horse properties

Courtney Donegan applying DMY enzyme therapy to a client. Photo/Mandi Simmons Photography By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Courtney Donegan specializes in skin care and knows her stuff.   I sat down with the owner of Skin Med Spa in Stephenville and toured the recently renovated space that now includes private treatment rooms.     Courtney first opened as a hair salon in 2012, but transitioned into skincare four years ago.   “I had skin problems of my own and tried every product you c

Photo/Hard Eight BBQ  Special to Beneath the Surface News   Hard Eight BBQ, the family-owned Texas barbecue company known for its live...

The newly-named South Loop Plaza is undergoing a major renovation. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   A building formerly known as the 2180...

Lindsay Moore fits a client battling breast cancer with a wig. By SARA VANDEN BERGE Lindsay Moore, owner of Shear Heaven in Dublin, has...

Graphic/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   Centered around a commitment to answering the...

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   CASA for the Cross Timbers Area is searching for more people to become trained volunteers.   The organization is...

The cuckoo pineapple margarita is a fan favorite. Photo/El Corral Facebook page  By SARA VANDEN BERGE El Corral Mexican Grill and Bar  is...

Tarleton celebrated the grand opening of its new EECU Center in front of a crowd of passionate supporters on Thursday. Photos/TSU Media...