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

Say hi to JP! By SARA VANDEN BERGE One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is JP, a nine to 10-month-old male kitten. “He was found as a stray and has quickly blossomed into a friendly, lovable companion,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News. “He's curious, social, loves people, enjoys car rides and wants to be part of whatever you're doing.” JP enjoys hanging out with dogs and may do well wit

Brandon Merriman served in the U.S. Air Force for 18 years before he was medically retired after suffering multiple injuries while on deployments. By SARA VANDEN BERGE Plans for a benefit to help an American soldier injured during January’s ice storm is underway in Erath County. A fundraiser for Erath County resident Brandon Merriman will be held on Saturday, June 20, at Melody Mountain Ranch. Dewayne Terry, known for his Toby Keith tribute, will headline the event,

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Tarleton State University has received approval for $100 million in Permanent University Fund (PUF) support to construct a new Agricultural Sciences Building, marking the largest PUF project in the institution’s history. The investment reflects continued support from Chancellor Glenn Hegar and the Texas A&M System Board of Regents and reinforces Tarleton State’s leadership in agricultural ed

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The following report is from Erath County District Attorney Alan Nash’s office and includes a full list of May’s indictments. On Thursday, the Erath County grand jury indicted 14 people on a variety of charges: • Brandon Nathaniel Arndt for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon (enhanced) and possession of a substance in penalty group 1 (4-200G) (enhanced). • Crystal Lee Bates for possession of a substance in penalty group 1 (1-4G). • Cindy Fl

CTFAC Executive Director Christine Newton and Erath County Judge Brandon Huckabee Special to Beneath the Surface News The Texas Commission on the Arts in Austin has selected the Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council to receive an America250 grant, awarded through TCA’s Commission Initiative program. CTFAC was chosen to represent Texas’ U.S. 25th Congressional District in this statewide celebration of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The America250 grant supports ar

Special to Beneath the Surface News The following narrative was released by the Stephenville Police Department on Monday, May 20. At approximately 2:34 p.m. on Monday, the Stephenville Police Department received reports about a male subject entering multiple businesses within the city and making threats. “Stephenville Police Officers immediately responded to the area and began actively searching for the suspect. "Officers located the subject driving a pickup truck sho

The W.K. Gordon Museum and Research Center in Thurber. Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Tarleton State University’s W.K. Gordon Museum and Research Center in Thurber is hosting a watch party for an episode of the PBS series “The Daytripper” featuring the recently opened Palo Pinto Mountains State Park. The free event, set for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23, highlights the nearby park, North Texas’ first new state park in a quarte

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Stephenville ISD is making sure that no child goes hungry this summer. The district is kicking off its annual summer feeding program from June 1-25. All kids ages 18 and under can receive a free breakfast and lunch at Hook Elementary when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Breakfast will be served from 7:15-8 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The city of Stephenville is gearing up for another exciting event! Wings & Wonders will take place from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, June 6, at Stephenville Clark Regional Airport. There will be various aircrafts on display, food, entertainment, shopping, art and a unique experience the whole family will love! The event will take place on the final day of Moo-La Fest at City Park, so there will be double the fun that weekend!

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The dog days of summer are upon us and Beneath the Surface News’ 2nd annual Guide to Summer Fun will keep your kiddos happy and busy! Keep scrolling for a (long) list of summer camps and Vacation Bible Schools happening across Erath County. Stephenville Dance Center is hosting several dance camps this summer. Click the ad to learn more. Tarleton State University is hosting a slew of great camps from ag, choir, theatre and cheer to drumline and every