By SARA VANDEN BERGE White Horse Christian Academy is hosting a very special rodeo for those with special needs. The 6th annual event is part of the PRCA Cowboy Capital Pro Rodeo celebration and will take place from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, in the covered arena at the Erath County Cowboy Church. Vanessa Halford, executive director and founder of White Horse, told Beneath the Surface News that the rodeo is open to individuals of all ages with special need

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Editorial note: This story has been updated to show that his medical license has been revoked rather than suspended. A well-known orthopedic surgeon in Stephenville is being forced to close his practice after his medical license was revoked by the Texas Medical Board. Dr. Bill Evans was reportedly informed about the decision on Thursday. Several sources told Beneath the Surface News that Evans lost his medical license after giving an illegal medica

Erath County Courthouse By SARA VANDEN BERGE A rumor circulating that a data center is coming to Erath County has reportedly not been substantiated by county officials. “We have been told by citizens, but have not had any contact with a landowner or developer regarding any data center projects in Erath County,” Erath County Judge Brandon Huckabee told Beneath the Surface News. “There are a lot of developers bundling land and selling to data center developers across Te

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The long Labor Day weekend has arrived, and for the vast majority of you (based on results from our online poll), it marks the official end of summer and start of fall. So, we’re just going to focus on the fact that cooler temps and cozy night are on the way. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of fun happening this weekend to soak up those last days of summer. First up, the popular Farmers & Artisan Market is back from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the downtown pl

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Blueberry muffins: Because who doesn’t want to celebrate a long weekend with an easy breakfast treat. WHAT YOU NEED 2 cups flour 1 cup sugar 2 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt Mix and set aside. ½ cup melted butter ½ cup milk Dash vanilla 2 eggs Mix until smooth, then combine egg and flour mixture. Add about 1 cup of blueberries and pour into lined muffin tin. TOPPING In small bowl, mix 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp white s

Special to Beneath the Surface News Pocket prairies are growing in popularity and local gardeners can learn more during Erath County Master Gardeners’ next “Adventures in Gardening” program, Pocket Prairie Power: Small Space, Big Impact. Pocket prairies are small garden spots - less than an acre in size – that provide birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife with food, shelter and breeding spots. The class will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the AgriL

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Christmasville, Stephenville’s annual downtown holiday celebration on Saturday, Nov. 28. (Just two days after Thanksgiving.) “This all-day event is the perfect way to support local businesses while soaking up the festive spirit,” Main Street manager Ashley Thomas told Beneath the Surface News. “The downtown comes alive with holiday music, local vendors and visits from Santa as he makes his way throu

By Julie Brinkley If you are looking for a cozy, quick dinner, this recipe for broccoli cheddar beef bowls is for you. It’s similar to hamburger helper, but with a healthy twist. Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED FOR BEEF MIXTURE 1 lb. ground beef 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder ½ tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp dried thyme FOR THE SAUCE 2 tbsp butter 1 yellow onion 2

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The popular Farmers & Artisan Market will be back from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 5, at the downtown plaza in Stephenville. The plaza will be filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. There will also be live music by the North Texas Brass Quintet. See you there!

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Stephenville Police Department is hosting a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, on the home side of the at Art Briles Stadium. Chief Dan Harris will serve as the keynote speaker. “Please join us as we formally honor the 72 local state and federal law enforcement officers and the 343 New York City Firefighters who were killed in the line of duty on September 11, 2001,” Chief Harr

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The following report is based off the arrest warrant for Dana Whitley Buckelew, obtained by Beneath the Surface News. Erath County District Attorney Alan Nash said the use of flock cameras led investigators to Buckelew’s arrest. (Read the original report here.) “But for the availability of flock cameras to identify the perpetrator's vehicle on public roadways, the arsonist would not have been identified, apprehended and neutralized as a threat so quic

By SARA VANDEN BERGE I don’t know about you, but I am sick and tired of all things summer. I’m over this heat and I’m ready to curl up with a fall-like book with a cup of hot tea. These aren’t quite spooky enough for Halloween (that will come next month), but they will get us ready for the upcoming holiday season. Keep scrolling and let me know which book you’re most interested in reading in September. 1. The September House by Carissa Orlando 3.9 on Goodreads

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Seven consecutive years of enrollment growth have led Tarleton State University to another record fall, with preliminary enrollment exceeding 27,000 students across Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, RELLIS and online. Tarleton State welcomed more than 4,600 new Texans this fall, including 3,400 first-time-in- college students which is up 12% from fall 2025. As part of the growth, the unive

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Healthy treats aren’t just for people; our dogs deserve them too. This homemade treat recipe for your pup is easy to make and can store in the fridge for up to two weeks. Let’s make it! WHAT YOU NEED 2 cups rolled oats (old fashioned, not quick oats) 2 medium bananas ½ cup natural peanut butter (be sure its peanuts only, no added sugar) HOW TO MAKE IT Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a blender or food processor, pour in the oats

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Erath County residents are dealing with stinging eyes as a thick blanket of smoke envelops the area while wildfires rage in neighboring counties. Erath County emergency management coordinator Chris Brooks told Beneath the Surface News that the smoke in the area is from the Palo Pinto fire. He said he is not concerned that the wildfires will spread to Erath County, but that doesn’t mean the area isn’t at risk. “Erath County is not on fire, but th

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Cowboy Capital of the World PRCA Rodeo is set to take place Sept. 24-26 at The Fairgrounds Arena in Erath County, but first there’s always Rodeo Heritage Week, an annual slate of exciting events. Here’s a look at the official schedule. Thursday, Sept. 17 • Noon “Art of the Cowgirl” VIP Luncheon presented by CTFAC @Cross Timbers Legacy Center • 6:30 p.m. Ranch Rodeo Performance #1 @The Fairgrounds Arena Friday, Sept. 18 • 6:30 p.m. Miss Cowboy Ca

Huckabay VFD's new brush truck. Photo/Ian McKenzie Special to Beneath the Surface News The Huckabay Volunteer Fire Department will host a traditional “push-in ceremony” for its newest piece of emergency equipment, Brush 703. The community is invited to the ceremony, which will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, at the department. The ceremony will mark the official placement of the new brush truck into service with the Huckabay Volunteer Fire Department and celebra

By Julie Brinkley Smash tacos have become my new favorite and this recipe for buffalo chicken smash tacos is delicious. I will also make a yummy slaw to go with it and serve with a side of cauliflower. Click here to watch a video on how it’s all made. WHAT YOU NEED 1 pound ground chicken 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese ¾ cup buffalo wing sauce 10 f

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Stephenville Education Foundation is hosting Champions for Education Night on Friday, during the Yellow Jackets first home football game of the season. The event will take place on Friday, Aug. 28, at the Art Briles Stadium in Stephenville. Proceeds will support teacher grants, classroom resources and enhanced learning opportunities for students at Stephenville ISD. Board member Rachelle Donham told Beneath the Surface News that Teachers of

Say hi to Brother Thomas. By SARA VANDEN BERGE One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Brother Thomas, a sweet male cat ready to find his forever home. “Brother Thomas came to us as a stray, and sadly, no one ever came looking for him,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News. “He is a very chatty cat who loves to talk to anyone walking by his kennel.” When Brother Thomas is not busy having a c