By SARA VANDEN BERGE It didn’t take long for things to heat up in Texas, and with temperatures expected to keep climbing, you’ll want to take extra steps to keep your pets cool. Last summer, Serena Wright, executive director of the Erath County Humane Society, gave the following tips to Beneath the Surface News on ways to keep your furry friends safe in the summer. Now seems like a fitting time for a reminder. 1. Don’t take your dog on a walk in the heat of the day when the

Campsville takes place June 15-18. Photo/Mindy McCleskey By SARA VANDEN BERGE Summer is in full swing and there’s still time to get your kiddo registered for a summer camp and vacation Bible School. If dancing is your childs thing, check out the offerings at Stephenville Dance Center. Tarleton State University is hosting a slew of great camps from ag, choir, theatre and cheer to drumline and every sport you can imagine. The university is making it easy for parents

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Soccer fans have been vying for tickets and anxiously awaiting the start of the World Cup 2026 for months, and now it’s finally here. The global event begins tonight (Thursday) with matchups between Mexico and South Africa followed by Korea Republic and Czechia. You can watch the World Cup matches in the comfort of your home on FOX, FS1, Fox One and Tubi, but if you’d rather gather with friends at a local hangout spot in Stephenville, here’s where t

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The night is calling… Enjoy Stephenville’s downtown plaza in an entirely different light when Fae-Root and Fossil Oddity Market makes its atmospheric return on Saturday, June 13. The event will be held from 6-10 p.m. and include a chance to do some unique shopping. Kandas Newby, owner of Kitty's Kottagecore, co-hosts the event. In a previous interview with Beneath the Surface News, she said, “I want to celebrate the interest and cultures of other oddball

By Sarah McNeal Weaver Flour Riot This is a super simple and delicious way to turn watermelon into a fresh summer treat. The first time I made it, my son said, “Wow! This tastes like a beach in Mexico!” Now, it’s a staple in out home because who doesn’t want to snack like they’re on a beach? WHAT YOU NEED Two cups seedless watermelon, cut into small pieces Handful of fresh mint leaves, washed and chopped One lime Drizzle (or two) of honey HOW TO MAKE I

Taylor Ashlynn and her team are gearing up to provide florals for the Dallas World Cup. Photos/PinaTaylotta Petals By SARA VANDEN BERGE Taylor Ashlynn, owner and designer of PinaTaylotta Petals in Bluff Dale, has a big job on her hands. She has been hired to do all of the florals for the Dallas World Cup. “We will provide all of the flowers for the soccer matches and private suites - every floral entering the Dallas Stadium,” Taylor told Beneath the Surface News. “Eve

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Summer vacation is just getting started, but the Dublin Public Library is preparing to give students and families a boost for the upcoming year. The library will host its annual back-to-school fair from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 25. Dublin Public Library director Adina Dunn told Beneath the Surface News that it's partnering with Dublin Lions Club and Dublin Dairy Queen to serve hot dogs and ice cream. “We are so excited for this year's event!” Ad

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

Bubble Bath By SARA VANDEN BERGE One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Bubble Bath, a sweet six to seven-year-old girl waiting for a family to call her own. “Bubble Bath thrives on attention and would happily spend her days by your side, soaking up pets and affection,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News. “She is gentle, loyal and easygoing and has done well around other dogs, cats and la

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Summer is in full swing and so is the annual summer concert series held at Stephenville City Park. Grab a chair, cooler of drinks and your favorite people and enjoy these free concerts under the big Texas sky. Here’s the remaining summer lineup. (There have been a few changes to the original schedule.) FRIDAY, JUNE 26 - Scott Kirby and Davin James opening for Mac McAnally at 7 p.m. SATURDAY, JULY 4 – Presley Haile at 6 p.m.; Larry Joe Taylor and Dave Per

Carnival Americana opens at 4 p.m. Thursday at Stephenville City Park. File photo/City of Stephenville By SARA VANDEN BERGE The wait is finally over. Stephenville is set for a big weekend of fun with Moo-La Fest and Wings & Wonders. Moo-La Fest takes place from Thursday, June 4, through Saturday, June 6, at Stephenville City Park. A crowd favorite - Carnival Americana – will also be back with those famous games, rides and fun houses the whole family will love. The midway will

Rendering/Courtesy TSU Media Relations By SARA VANDEN BERGE Stephenville is in for another treat. Literally. Panera Bread and Baskin-Robbins are set to make their debut at Tarleton State University later this summer. Jenna Partin, director of university communications, told Beneath the Surface News that the joint location will feature indoor seating and a covered outdoor patio designed for year-round comfort, with heaters available during the winter months and fans

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Stephenville officials are gearing up for its Fourth of July festivities and if taking part in the annual parade is on your wish list, here are a few things you need to know. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. Check-in will begin at 7 a.m. at the main entrance at Stephenville City Park (off Graham Street). The deadline to register is June 29, so don’t wait! Click here for rules, regulations and to register. The parade will begin at the s

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

Say hi to Rocco. By SARA VANDEN BERGE One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Rocco, a three to four-month-old mixed breed puppy who's ready to bring nonstop fun and laughter into your life. “This handsome little guy came to us as a stray with nine siblings and is now looking for a family to call his own,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News. “Rocco is everything you'd expect from a puppy;

Special to Beneath the Surface News Vendor registration is now open for the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Festival. This year’s event will be held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Stephenville City Park. Hosted by Knights of Columbus Council 10816, the festival will feature a full day of food, music, culture, shopping, family activities and entertainment. One of this year's featured attractions will be the 5th Annual Lights Out Tournament, hosted by the St

Special to Beneath the Surface News This summer, there’s no better place to gather with friends, enjoy great food and catch all the action than Buffalo Wild Wings. Their “Summer at B-Dubs” lineup is packed with weekly specials, themed trivia nights, bingo, watch parties and family-friendly events designed to bring the community together all season long. Guests can enjoy bingo night every Tuesday with $2 cards, cash prizes and $10 beer pitchers from 6-8 p.m., while Thu

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Ahhhh. Beach season… the best time of year to dive into a juicy, feel-good book with vacation vibes. I know how much my fellow Beneath the Book Clubbers love a good thriller, so I put two on June’s list of choices. Both are recently released books; one written by one of my favorite authors, Nora Roberts. And then we have a romance by a New York Times bestselling author. Take a look and tell me what you think. 1. The Divorce by Freida McFad

Scroll down to get a discount code for FRÉ mineral sunscreen. By Alexis Rochester Living in Texas means spending a lot of time in the sun, whether it’s ball games, splash pads, summer camps, pool days or simply running errands in the heat. As someone who had skin cancer at a young age, sun protection is something I take very seriously for myself and family. After years of searching for the best mineral sunscreen as both a mom and a chemist, I finally found one I truly l

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Have a sweet tooth? Try this French butter cake that’s sure to make you feel fancy at your next summer soiree. It’s a cinch to make and oh-so-good! WHAT YOU NEED 1 1/2 cups cake mix. (You choose flavor, I prefer yellow mix) 2 eggs 1 stick melted butter Combine in a bowl; this will be thick. In a stand mixer: 8-oz softened cream cheese 4 cups powdered sugar 2 eggs Dash of vanilla Mix until creamy; press cake mixture