By Julie Brinkley   If you’re looking for a healthy, delicious (and easy) dinner your family will love, you’ll want to give these chicken Caesar smash tacos a try.   Click here to watch how I make them.     WHAT YOU NEED   1 pound ground chicken   4 flour tortillas   2 tsp Greek seasoning   1 tsp garlic powder   1 egg beaten     1 cup Panko bread crumbs   Romaine lettuce   Caesar dressing (store bought or homemade)   Parmesan cheese   Crispy bacon for topping     HOW TO MAKE

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The race is on to fill the unexpired term of place 4 on the Stephenville ISD board of trustees following the recent resignation of Doug Young.   The board has called a special election to fill the open seat for Saturday, May 2.     Dr. Jill McAngus and Jason Smith have both filed to run for the position.   Beneath the Surface News spoke with both candidates about the reason behind their decision to run for school board.   Dr. Jill McAngus Dr. Jill McAn

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   It was a scary moment for a Morgan Mill family when one of their dogs was recently attacked by a rabid raccoon.   “A raccoon attacked one dog and two others (dogs) came in and killed the raccoon,” Erath County Sheriff Matt Coates told Beneath the Surface News .     The raccoon tested positive for rabies and the Texas Department of Health was notified of the positive rabies exposure in Erath County.   “The dogs have been tested and are being quarantined,

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Four kittens – all siblings – are among this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society .   “Gotzi, Crixus, Ruckus and Ureelo are an adorable group of five to six-month-old siblings ready to find their forever homes,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News .     “These sweet kittens came in as strays with their mom and may be a little shy at first, but once they feel safe, their playful, curious

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   Tarleton State University will welcome more than 11,000 Texas Future Farmers of America members for Invitational Career Development Event judging contests on Thursday, March 26.   This marks the 54th year for Tarleton State’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to host the statewide FFA invitational, the largest in the United States.     Approximately 1,800 ag science teachers repres

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The Stephenville Police Department is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred in the 200 block of N. Ollie Street around 3:30 a.m. Sunday, according to Captain Jeremy Lanier.   “Officers responded to a report of a vehicle that had left the roadway and struck a residence,” a press release from the SPD states.   “Upon arrival, emergency personnel located multiple individuals with injuries. They were transported to Texas Health Resources S

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Beneath the Surface News is preparing to launch its 2 nd  annual Guide to Summer Fun highlighting Erath County summer camps and Vacation Bible Schools. Inclusion into the online publication, which publishes on Sunday, May 17, is free. Organizations hosting summer events should email information to sara@beneaththesurfacenews.com . Please include the dates, location, cost and link to registration. Do not submit events through social media; everything must b

Special to Beneath the Surface News A new opportunity for women in the Dublin area is opening its doors this month as the Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC) prepares to launch its next round of classes focused on life skills, job readiness and personal growth. The 10-week program begins March 26 and will meet from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. Participation is free, making it accessible for women who are looking to build skills, gain confidence and take next steps

I still enjoy a daily walk, but I always wear a hat, sunglasses, protective shirt and lots of sunscreen. By SARA VANDEN BERGE With warm weather upon us, time spent at the pool and beach is on the agenda. But how I approach these wonderful days of sunshine is different following last year’s skin cancer diagnosis . My journey began in late January/early February 2025, when I noticed a small, itchy bump on my right forearm. I thought it was a bug bite. It was a flesh-colored, ha

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Erath County Humane Society  is hosting its third annual Cinco de Mayo 5k and fun run beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Bosque River Trailhead near Timber Ridge Church. A one-mile fun run will begin at 10. After the fun run, stop by El Corral to enjoy a delicious margarita and fajitas. This non-timed event costs $25 if you register by March 31 or $30 after. Click   here  to register. No dogs are allowed during the 5k, but leashed pups are al

By Julie Brinkley   You don’t have to be a Michelin Star chef to make this recipe from the famed Obstinate Daughter in Charleston.   This Michelin Star restaurant makes a celery apple salad that’s absolutely delicious. I am adding some protein to mine for a healthy dinner.   Click here  to watch a video on how it’s made. THE DRESSING   1 tbsp honey   2 tbsp lemon   2 tbsp olive oil   Salt and pepper   THE SALAD   2 apples, thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)   6-8 stal

David By SARA VANDEN BERGE   One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is David, a five to six-year-old domestic shorthair with a big personality.   “This sweet boy came to the shelter after his owner sadly passed away, but he hasn't let that dull his friendly spirit,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News .     “Walk past his kennel and he'll likely reach out with a paw to snag your attention. He loves

Alexis Rochester enjoying a spring HydraFacial from Amy Roach. By Alexis Rochester   One facial I consistently return to over the years is the HydraFacial treatment .   I’ve been seeing Amy, the RN behind Revision Aesthetics & Wellness , since 2021 for this treatment.   Recently, I went back to update one of my most popular skincare articles about HydraFacials, which still brings in Google traffic every single week. That alone tells me people are still curious about whether t

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   Spring break hours will be implemented March 16-20 for students at Tarleton State University .   Offices will close Thursday, March 19, and reopen Monday, March 23.     Tarleton State’s Dick Smith Library will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, March 16, through Wednesday, March 18.   The Dick Smith Library will close Thursday, Friday and Saturday and reopen at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 22.   Th

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Parents of students at Morgan Mill ISD say they are concerned about a student who allegedly threatened to bring a “sniper rifle” to school this week.   The student – a second grader – was reportedly on the school bus when the threat was made on Tuesday afternoon.     On Thursday, parents received a message from Morgan Mill ISD Superintendent Wendy Sanders, which states:   “Dear Parents and Guardians,   “This message is to inform you of a safety-related

Special to Beneath the Surface News   The  Texas Humane Legislation Network , in collaboration with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of State Health Services, has released a newly designed animal-friendly license plate available for purchase now for $30, with $22 going toward supporting spay/neuter initiatives across Texas.  Like the iconic dog and cat license plates many Texans know well, these new plates are part of the Animal-Friendly License Plate

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   More than 1,500 Texans braved the wet weather Saturday, March 7, to pitch in on an array of community projects during the annual Tarleton Round Up.   Tarleton Round Up is the largest yearly day of service organized by Tarleton State University students.     The campus-wide initiative organizes students, faculty, staff and community members to volunteer throughout Stephenville and the surround

By SARA VANDEN BERGE “With every bass you hook, think of Jayden Kahne McKinney.” The third annual bass fishing tournament honoring Jayden McKinney is set to take place on Sunday, March 29, at the Rough Creek ramp at Lake Granbury. The cost to enter is $100 per boat (three people allowed to fish per boat). There is a five-fish limit and guaranteed payouts for first through third places. Registration will begin at 5 a.m.; lines in at 6. All proceeds from the tournament benefit

Special to Beneath the Surface News   The Dublin Chamber of Commerce invites residents and visitors to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Irish Capital of Texas with a full day of community events, entertainment and family fun on Saturday, March 14.   Leading into the celebration, the longstanding tradition of the Dublin ambassador pageants will take place at the Dublin Auditorium, featuring Little Miss Dublin on March 12 and Junior Miss and Miss Dublin on March 13. Festival

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The inaugural Dowell Ace Hardware Home Improvement Vendor Expo is coming up and this is one event you don’t want to miss.   The expo will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at City Hall at City Limits in Stephenville.     The event is designed to bring together homeowners, local businesses and industry professionals for an evening showcase focused on inspiration, education and community connection.   The expo will serve as a central hub for home