The Stephenville Running Club is known for having fun and offering encouragement to its members. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The Stephenville Running Club is celebrating five years of camaraderie with a 5K birthday bash.   The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at the Green Canoe in Hico.     The cost to participate is $30 (click here to sign up) and you must be registered by April 10 to guarantee a T-shirt.   The celebration will include door prizes and

Splash By SARA VANDEN BERGE   One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Splash, a five to six-year-old Australian Shepherd with a gentle soul.   “This sweet girl is looking for a calm, cozy home where she can be your one-and-only pup and truly shine,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News .     “This animal would do best in a home where it is the only dog.”   Splash might be a little shy at first, but

Photo/Mindy McCleskey By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Stephenville High School Theatre students performing Peter/Wendy have advanced out of bi-district and will compete at Area One Act Play on April 7 at Tarleton State University.   The contest begins at 10 a.m.     SHS Theatre will perform third, at approximately noon.   Admission is $5 and the public is invited to attend.   “Come cheer SHS Theatre on as they make a bid for regionals,” theatre teacher Mindy McCleskey told Beneath th

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Dublin FFA students have been busy over the past several months, growing, transplanting and designing hanging baskets for their annual plant sale. The three-day event will take place from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, April 10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, and noon-4 p.m. Sunday, April 12, at the Dublin High School greenhouse.     “We will have multiple different varieties of flowers including geraniums, begonias, fuchsia, petunias, pansies, vinca, impatiens, verbena,

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Just before midnight on Thursday, the Stephenville Police Department responded to a report of a shooting in the 300 block of S. Lillian Ave.   A press release from the SPD states that upon arrival, officers found an adult male inside a residence suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.   The victim, 23-year-old Devonte Johnson of Maine, was pronounced dead at the scene.   Twenty-year-old Lorena Yamileth Miranda of Dallas has been arrested and charged w

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Admit it.   You could use a big bowl of mac and cheese right now. If you play your cards right and purchase tickets to The Big Cheese benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erath County , you’ll soon be enjoying America’s favorite comfort food.  This year’s mac and cheese cook-off begins at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, at Lucky Vines Vineyard and Winery . “ We are back for our third annual Big Cheese,” BBBS executive director Sarah McNeal-Weaver told B

The sauna and cold plunge room is warm and inviting. Clients also have access to a robe and slippers. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If you’re on a health journey, Stephenville’s new wellness spa is for you.   The Wellness Bar , located at 195 River North Blvd, Suite 102 (next to Revision Aesthetics & Wellness) , is a sanctuary for clients seeking renewal.     Step inside the luxurious center and you’ll find friendly faces ready to guide you through a series of modern, personalized t

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The Texas Commission on Jail Standards issued a notice on March 11 that the Erath County Jail was in non-compliance after jail officials self-reported that a male staff member had strip-searched a female inmate twice on Feb. 24.   The violation, outlined in 265.2 (b), states that all strip searches “shall be conducted by jailer(s) or designated staff of the same gender in a reasonable and dignified manner and place.”     Erath County Sheriff Matt Coates

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver   Nothing says spring like a light, delicious slice of lemon bread.   This easy recipe for a lemon loaf will make a beautiful addition to your Easter table.     WHAT YOU NEED   1 1/2 cups flour   1 1/2 tsp baking powder    1/2 tsp salt    Zest of lemon    1/2 cup (1 stick) of salted butter      1 cup sugar    2 eggs (room temperature)    1 tsp vanilla    Juice from lemon    1/2 cup whole milk    Dash of white vinegar      HOW TO MAKE IT   Sift flour, po

Photos/Lane Cooper By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Stephenville is getting a major new travel center that will anchor the city’s north corridor.   Construction on the Cowboy Corner Travel Center , located at 1095 Morgan Mill Road near Atwoods , is underway and expected to be complete by the end of the year.     The $8 million project will include a more than 7,300 square foot convenience store and three quick service restaurants.   “We are working on the restaurants now, but it looks

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Stephenville  is kicking off its first Farmer & Artisan Market of the season this weekend at the downtown plaza and you should make plans to go. The annual markets are held on the first Saturday of the month between April and October. The market will be open from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 4, with live music by Landry Allen. So, make plans to grab a coffee and stroll through the market where you will find fresh produce, handmade goods and unique finds

By Julie Brinkley   Everyone is trying to get enough protein while searching for foods that are equally delish, and this recipe for a hot honey taco bowl satisfies both.   It’s tasty and high in protein.   Click here to watch a video on how it’s made.     WHAT YOU NEED   2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed   1 lb. ground beef   1 packet taco seasoning     2 tbsp olive oil   1 ½ cups cottage cheese   Dressed arugula    Avocado   Hot honey to drizzle     HOW TO MAKE IT   Cube sweet

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   A threat that a bomb had been planted at Stephenville High School prompted local law enforcement agencies to rush to the scene to begin evacuations Monday.   “Dispatch received a phone call this morning at about 11:48 indicating there was a bomb in the building,” Captain Jeremy Lanier told Beneath the Surface News .   “We have to treat every threat like they are absolutely valid, so we sent everyone to the school to start evacuating the building.”   At

Say hi to Gordon! By SARA VANDEN BERGE   One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Gordon, a five to six-year-old shepherd mix with a big heart.   Found as a stray and never reclaimed, Gordon hasn't let that dull his friendly spirit; he's been making friends since day one.     Gordon isn't shy about asking for love and will happily let you know when he's ready for pets, belly rubs or a hug.   “He's done well with other dogs, but w

Photos/Mindy McCleskey Special to Beneath the Surface News   Stephenville High School Theatre competed at District One Act Play contest on Friday, March 27, at the SHS Auditorium.   The cast and crew of Peter/Wendy ranked first and won advancing play, theatre teacher Mindy McCleskey said.   The following individual honors were awarded:   Claire Grove - All Star Technician    Kathryn Parish playing Wendy - All Star Cast Mya Guay playing Captain Hook - Best Performer   Chloe N

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The cities of Stephenville and Dublin are gearing up to host their annual community-wide Easter egg hunts.   Both events are free. Stephenville will host the “Megga Hunt” from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday, April 4, at Stephenville City Park.   The annual event is co-sponsored by the city and Timber Ridge Church.   Along with the hunt, there will be games, activities and bounce houses. DUBLIN’S EGGSTRAVAGANZA   Dublin’s 5th annual EGGStravaganza will take pl

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Hello Beneath the Book Clubbers!   It’s time to vote on our April read and I am excited to introduce these three books.       1. It Should Have Been You by Andrea Mara   3.9 on Goodreads   WHAT GOODREADS SAYS: “ Your neighbors have secrets. How far would they go to keep them? “’A simple, ordinary mistake explodes into a suburban nightmare in this hugely compelling, one-sitting read packed full of thrilling moments and genuinely surprising twists. Andrea

By SARA VANDEN BERGE An Erath County grand jury on Thursday indicted 12 people, including the former director of Dublin ISD ’s information and technology department who is accused of stealing more than $1 million from the school district. Craig Wayne Parks was indicted for making a false statement in order to obtain property/credit over $300,000, theft of services over $300,000 and money laundering over $300,000, all first degree felonies. Parks was released from the Erath Co

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver   Nothing satisfies a sweet tooth like a warm slice of banana bread.   It pairs well with a morning cup of coffee and makes a great afternoon snack.   Here’s how you can whip up a loaf for your family.     WHAT YOU NEED 1 1/2 cups flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt   1/2 tsp cinnamon 4 ripe bananas 1 egg, beaten 1 1/2 tsp vanilla 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled 1/4 cup sour cream   HOW TO MAKE IT Preheat oven to 350 degrees; grease loa

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   There’s good news and bad news for kids looking to stay cool this summer.   The bad news is that Splashville – Stephenville’s only waterpark – will not open this summer while it undergoes a major renovation.     The good news is that Splashville is transforming into a really cool spot for families.   Daron Trussell, the city’s director of Parks and Leisure Services, told Beneath the Surface News that the project will take up to one year to complete and