Photo/Brittany Williams By SARA VANDEN BERGE A family is lucky to be alive after a devastating fire ripped through their home located on US Hwy 281 in Erath County early Monday morning. Brittany Williams, her wife Lee Ann and their 22-year-old son Merritt lived at the home, which was completely lost. “I was at work when I got a call about midnight (Monday),” Brittany told Beneath the Surface News. “By the time I got to the house, it was completely engulfed.” Lee Ann

Fernando Robledo Aguilar By SARA VANDEN BERGE A man accused of causing an accident that killed a mother in April has been indicted by an Erath County grand jury. Fernando Robledo Aguilar was indicted for collision involving death, manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, two second degree felonies and a state jail felony. He is being held at the Erath County Jail without bond. Others indicted last week include: • Carlos Juan Alvarado for obstruction or reta

Rendering/Prime Metal Buildings & Components Special to Beneath the Surface News While Prime Metal Buildings & Components has relocated its retail operations to its new flagship store in Stephenville, the company’s Dublin facility will continue to play a vital role in Prime’s future growth. Rather than closing the location, Prime is transforming the former retail facility into an expanded structural steel fabrication center to support the company’s growing demand for pre-

By Julie Brinkley Healthy, tasty and family-friendly recipes are what I love to focus on and this recipe for green goddess chicken salad fits the bill. It’s loaded with protein and makes the perfect summer meal. Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED 3 ½ cups shredded chicken 3 Persian cucumbers ¼ cup red onion 2 tbsp dill 2 tbsp basil DRESSING 1 cup cottage cheese ½ cup Greek yogurt 1 tbsp olive oil 4 green onions ¼ cup di

By SARA VANDEN BERGE It’s shaping up to be another big year for Big Brothers Big Sisters Erath County’s annual Dancing For the Stars event. BBBS executive director Sarah McNeal-Weaver said the five teams that signed contracts at Stephenville Dance Center on Thursday evening are exceptional. “I am thrilled with this year’s lineup,” Sarah told Beneath the Surface News. “These couples are so much fun and truly have a heart for kids.” Dancing For the Stars is the biggest fundrais

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver I’ve had several requests to share another version of my healthy granola bar recipe, so here it is. This recipe is super easy to make, delicious and stays fresh for several days. STEP 1 1 stick of butter 1/4 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup honey Let this melt over low heat; remove and add dash of vanilla. STEP 2 In large bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups protein oats 2 cups rice cereal 1/4 cup flour Dash of cinn

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Hispanic man behind the now viral video showing a Dublin police officer asking him if he wanted “some ice” is not only a legal U.S. citizen, but a business professional with a PhD. The 39-year-old man spoke to Beneath the Surface News about Saturday’s incident, but asked that his name not be released citing his children’s safety. For purposes of this story, he will be referred to as “E.” “My parents immigrated here from Mexico in pursuit of

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Summer is in full swing and so is the annual summer concert series held at Stephenville City Park. With only three performances left, you don’t want to miss Rodney Crowell at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 17, at Birdsong Amphitheater. All you need to do is bring a chair, cooler of drinks and your favorite people to enjoy these free concerts under the big Texas sky. Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder will perform on Saturday, Aug. 1. The final concert of the seaso

Say hi to Egg. By SARA VANDEN BERGE One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Egg, a five-month-old Heeler mix with a big personality and an even bigger heart. “His journey began when he and several of his siblings were found along the highway,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News. “While the rest of the litter found homes, Egg and his sister, Noodle, are the last two waiting for their chance.”

A still clip from the video shows a Dublin police officer leaving a store after offering a Hispanic man a bag of "ice." By SARA VANDEN BERGE A Dublin police officer filmed inside a convenience store telling a Hispanic man, “I can grab you some ice if you want,” will undergo additional training in cultural diversity and racial bias. A press release from Dublin Police Chief Cameron Ray posted to the department’s Facebook page, states: “The video being shared does not

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Frames Etc in downtown Stephenville is not only getting in on the action at Thursday’s (July 16) Great American Ice Cream Social, it’s also revving up for the new school year with its annual tailgate party. “We will be unveiling our newest crop of spirit gear; think new shirts, shorts, skirts, earrings, bags, caps and more,” owner Julie Lowrance told Beneath the Surface News. Members of the Stephenville Yellow Jacket Band will be on scene selling

By Alexis Rochester As a chemist and mom, I’ve learned that summer skincare works best when it’s simple. Between the Texas heat, pool days, sports practices, vacations and long hours outdoors, many people assume they need more products to keep their skin looking healthy. In reality, it’s all about using fewer products that work harder. The right products can save time and money, protect skin from damage and keep it looking healthy and youthful without a complicated

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Colleges of Distinction has once again named Tarleton State University to its list of schools across the United States known for their exceptional contributions to higher education. In addition to its undergraduate recognition as a 2026-27 National College of Distinction, Tarleton State was also commended in the categories of Texas, Public, International, Military, Business, Education, Eng

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

By Julie Brinkley A ton of variations for this viral recipe keep popping up on TikTok and I was dying to try it, so here we are. This crispy pasta salad is one worth trying and it makes the perfect summer meal. Click here to watch how it’s made. Here’s everything you need: CRISPY PASTA 8 oz bow tie pasta (or pasta of your choice) 1-1½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp kosher salt ½ tsp black pepper 1 tsp granulated garlic 1 tsp Italian seasoning SA

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Erath County Volunteer Fire Rescue department is asking the community for help with restocking its emergency supplies as fire season heats up. The department has a direct link to Amazon that allows you to click on the items you want to donate that will be sent directly to the station. Some of the items on the list include beef jerky, phone chargers, fruit cups, granola bars, sports drinks, bottled water, deodorant, sunscreen, crew socks and sn

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Stephenville’s Downtown Merchants group is bringing some extra sweet fun to the city with The Great American Ice Cream Social. The tasty event will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 16, on the Erath County courthouse square. “It’s a fun summer event for people to taste homemade ice cream and other goodies at each merchant location, then vote for their favorite,” KayLee Pemberton told Beneath the Surface News. “There will also be a chance to w

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Nothing says family-fun like the city of Stephenville’s annual Fourth of July celebration. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, July 4, and kick off with the traditional parade at 9 a.m. The parade will begin at the south entrance of Stephenville City Park, turn left on Graham, left on Washington and left on Harbin where it will come to an end. Make plans to hang around City Park where food vendors will be open from noon–10 p.m. followed by lawn

By Sarah-McNeal Weaver Love a good peach cobbler, but hate the time it takes to make one? I call this recipe a “cheater peach cobbler” but it’s got all the deliciousness your family will love! Oh, and this will make a great dish to serve on the Fourth of July. WHAT YOU NEED 29 oz can of peaches 1/4 cup salted butter 1/2 cup flour 1 cup white sugar 1 tsp baking powder 1/3 cup milk 1 egg Dash of vanilla Dash of cinnamon 1/4 cup brown sugar

Alexis Rochester has her first microneedling treatment at Revision Aesthetics and Wellness. By Alexis Rochester Last month, I shared my skin cancer journey and why I am so passionate about daily sun protection and using high-quality mineral sunscreen. Protecting your skin is one of the most important things you can do for both skin health and healthy aging. While a good skincare routine is always the foundation, I am also interested in treatments that support the skin