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

The following list is from the Erath County District Attorney’s Office and includes last week’s grand jury indictments. • Jessie Lee Ainsworth for driving while intoxicated with child passenger (enhanced), a state jail felony. • Jesus Manuel Deleon for driving while intoxicated (3rd or more offense), a third degree felony. • William Edgar Hickey for possession of a substance in penalty group 1 (enhanced), a third degree felony. • Joshua Rolston Majors for unlawful p

Special to Beneath the Surface News ​ The American Conservation Foundation is working with Erath County to develop a Community Wildfire Protection Plan that reflects local wildfire concerns, community priorities and the county’s rural landscape. This planning effort brings together local officials, emergency response partners, landowners and other stakeholders to identify areas of concern, evaluate wildfire risk and outline practical steps that can support long-term prepa

By SARA VANDEN BERGE If you love a themed event, make plans to attend Dulce Panda Creamery’s glow party happening from 1-8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30. This whimsical creamery located on Washington Street in Stephenville specializes in small batch premium ice cream (think cookie smash and velvet chocolate), fresh waffle cones, milkshakes, malts, affogatos, iced/hot coffees, brownie sundaes, bubble waffles and ice cream sandwiches, cakes and pies. Owner Robyn Padilla told Beneath

By SARA VANDEN BERGE An Erath County grand jury on Thursday heard evidence involving an officer-related shooting that resulted in the death of a Stephenville man in July. Erath County District Attorney Alan Nash gave the following statement to Beneath the Surface News: “Today, the facts and evidence relating to the JuIy 21, 2026 law enforcement use of force on Parkwood Court in Stephenville were presented to the grand jury. “Texas Ranger B.J. Hill presented investig