By Alexis Rochester   Looking for the perfect skincare gift, but short on time or aren’t sure what to give someone?   Then this list is for you.     As a chemist, I’ve tested hundreds of products, and these are the ones I love the most.   Whether you’re shopping for a friend, teacher or skincare-loving family member, these picks are backed by science and guaranteed to please. 1. Firming serum   This is the one serum that everyone can use and benefit from because it combines n

By SARA VANDEN BERGE An Erath County grand jury indicted 16 people Thursday on a variety of charges ranging from family assault and abusing an elderly person to theft and drug possession. The following list of indictments was released by the office of District Attorney Alan Nash.  •  Johnny Charles Allen for assault (family violence) with previous conviction, a third degree felony.   •  Kendon Dawayne Baker for assault of a peace officer and manufacture or delivery of a subst

Tarleton student Hannah Reyling is back on campus after a serious bout of bacterial meningococcal meningitis. Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Life is full of unexpected twist and turns, with some being bigger challenges than others.    Hannah Reyling experienced this firsthand on Feb. 29, 2024. Two days earlier, bouncing back from a bout with allergies and a sinus infection, Reyling was feeling good enough to play in a kickbal

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Chief Deputy Tye Box with the Erath County Sheriff’s Office  said an old scam where someone pretends to be a local deputy asking for money has resurfaced, but the latest victim, he said, didn’t fall for it. “We got a call from an elderly resident who said they received a call from someone pretending to be Deputy Southerland,” Chief Box told Beneath the Surface News . “The scammer said there was a warrant out for their arrest and that they owed the sheri

Commissioner Miller says swift detection of symptoms is key to the preservation of animal health. Special to Beneath the Surface News The following is a press release issued by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller found here . AUSTIN – Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture on Tuesday issued an alert to Texas horsemen of an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) reported by Texas veterinarians after the recent World Championship Barrel Rac

Recipe by Sarah Weaver   With the holidays upon us, there’s a good chance you’ll need to whip up some buttercream icing or homemade whipped cream to top off those big mugs of hot chocolate.   The good news is that both are simple to make. Click here to watch a video on how I do it and keep scrolling for the full recipes. BUTTERCREAM ICING; WHAT YOU NEED   1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened   4 cups powdered sugar    1 tbsp. pure vanilla   2-4 tbsps. whole milk or hea

Photos/Rough Creek Lodge Special to Beneath the Surface News   This Thanksgiving, Rough Creek Lodge, Ranch & Resort invites guests to gather in the Texas Hill Country for an unforgettable three-course buffet lunch curated by Executive Chef Gerard Thompson.   Blending rustic elegance with refined Southwestern flavors, the menu features holiday classics elevated by locally inspired ingredients and gourmet flair.   During lunch, a pianist will be performing in the great room, f

By Julie Brinkley   This salad made with shaved brussels sprouts, pomegranate and candied pecans make a delicious Thanksgiving Day side.   Click here to watch a video on how it’s made.   WHAT YOU NEED   12 ounces brussels sprouts   1 ½ cup pomegranate seeds   1 ½ chopped Honeycrisp apple   1 cup candied pecans   ¾ dried cranberries   ¾ cup parmesan cheese   VINAIGRETTE   3 tbsp olive oil   1 ½ tbsp lemon juice   1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar   2 tbsp Dijon mustard   1 tbsp ma

The Erath County Courthouse. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The filing period for the March 3 Primary Election is underway now through Dec. 8, and several Erath County officials up for another term have already filed for re-election.   Erath County Judge Brandon Huckabee is seeking his second term.     “It’s been an honor to serve the citizens of Erath County during my first term and help move our county forward in many areas. It has taken partnerships and collaboration from local go

By SARA VANDEN BERGE With the holidays upon us, I ordered ingredients to whip up one of our favorite holiday appetizers that’s the perfect crowd-pleasing dish. I stumbled upon this recipe a couple of years ago, and now it’s a staple at holiday gatherings. I made a big crockpot of these festive cranberry meatballs for a recent Friendsgiving and they were gobbled up fast! HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED 1 can (14 ounces) jellied cranberry sauce 1 bottle (12 ounces) chili sauce 3/4 cup pac

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If things are a little tight this year and you’re struggling to purchase what you need for Thanksgiving dinner, Lida’s Bakery is offering to help.   Manager Michelle Pierce said every year the bakery donates a large meal to a family in need, and this year, they can help even more.     “When we advertised it on our Facebook page, three customers donated large meals and two customers donated a small meal to help those that need a hand up this year,” Miche

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   Tarleton State University ’s Texan Theatre will present a five-performance run of "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" Nov. 20-23 in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center auditorium in Stephenville.  Directed by Tarleton theater professor Dan Stone, the show is an adaptation of the children's book by Kate DiCamillo and follows a self-centered China rabbit's journey of learning to love and b

The Reuben is built with house-made pastrami, sauerkraut and Russian dressing. Photo/Buzzi's Food Truck By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Stephenville is getting another new restaurant. Yay!   Buzzi’s Pizzeria (named after Ruth Buzzi) is slated to open on McNeill Street in Stephenville in mid-December. (Where BJ’s Restaurant was located.)     Owner Mark Bryant is currently serving up his delicious food from Buzzi’s Food Truck parked right in front of the new restaurant.   The food truck

This wine will be center stage on my holiday tables this year. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If you’ve ever dreamed of wine tasting your way through Northern California’s epic vineyards, Napa is likely the place you plan to visit.   And while Napa is a gorgeous place you shouldn’t skip, Paso Robles offers a different, but equally incredible experience.     The Husband and I just returned from a three-day trip to Paso, where our long-time friends from high school opened Creekcut Win

Recipe by Sarah Weaver   The holidays are upon us, and if you’re like a lot of people, making a pie crust can be a little intimidating.   The good news is that it’s not as hard as you think. Follow these steps to make the perfect crust for your holiday pie and click here  to watch how I make it. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED   1/2 cup shortening or butter    1 1/2 cups flour, plus 1/2 cup for surface  1/2 tsp of salt    1/2 cup ice cold water        HOW TO MAKE IT   Start by adding fl

By Alexis Rochester   Before you know it, the holiday season will be in full swing.   Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, there are endless activities happening, and if your home needs a quick refresh, these chemistry-based cleaning hacks can make a big difference.     At Chemistry Cachet , I love bringing science into everyday life, especially when it comes to cleaning smarter, not harder.   Here are a few of my favorite tricks that use simple ingredients you already have at

By Julie Brinkley   Soup season is officially here and this recipe for creamy Tuscan tortellini is a family favorite.   Heavy cream, chopped kale and shredded chicken makes for a flavorful, creamy and filling dish that will warm you up on a cold night.   Click here to watch how it’s made.     WHAT YOU NEED   ½ diced onion diced   1 leak, diced   3 stalks of celery, chopped   3 cloves garlic   1 can crushed tomatoes     1 box of chicken stock or bone broth   Parmesan rind   2

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The Stephenville Downtown Merchants organization is ringing in the Christmas shopping season with a holiday open house on Friday, Nov. 14.   The festive event is one of my favorites and will include refreshments, entertainment, and of course, the chance to do lots of shopping.     The Erath County courthouse square and downtown plaza are already being decorated for Christmas, beckoning holiday shoppers to keep it local.   KayLee Pemberton, manager of th

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Officials with the Erath County Courthouse and Erath County United Way  have partnered for a program aimed at keeping residents warm this winter. Becky Keith, HR director at the courthouse, said the drive is ongoing through Dec. 20 ECUW executive director Lisa Scroggins said the coats will be boxed by sizes and taken to local food pantries where they will be dispersed. “All the coats stay local and are given to people in Erath County who need them,” Lis

TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   “Voices of Service: A Tribute to Veterans” will honor the service and sacrifice of local veterans with a community celebration featuring music, remembrances and recognition from 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Tarleton State University ’s Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center. The tribute is a collaboration by the university’s Lozano Long Division of Global, Community and First-gen Initiatives, the College of Education and