Today's mammogram was quick and painless thanks to x-ray tech Marsha Rogers who has done my annual screenings for the past several years. By SARA VANDEN BERGE I had a mammogram today. October is, of course,  Breast Cancer Awareness Month , so I took advantage of Cross Timbers Imaging ’s special on breast cancer screenings. I spoke with Dr. Nanette Evans about the importance of annual mammograms for women beginning at the age of 40. I’m well past that age, and although I’ve ha

By SARA VANDEN BERGE If you like to cast an early ballot, it’s time. Polls in Erath County will be open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 20-24 and Oct. 27-29. Hours will be extended to 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Oct. 30-31. All early voting will take place at the new Erath County Annex.  Election Day, of course, is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at the following locations and registered voters in Erath County can cast a ballot at any of these locations no matter where th

Julie Brinkley after completing the Berlin Marathon. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Stephenville resident Julie Brinkley has been selected to march in the opening ceremony of the New York City Marathon.   The Parade of Nations will be held on Friday, Oct. 31, in Central Park prior to the NYC Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 2.   Julie, founder of the Stephenville Running Club and regular cooking contributor on Beneath the Surface News , is one of only 50 Americans chosen to participate in t

By SARA VANDEN BERGE An Erath County grand jury indicted 14 people Thursday on a variety of charges ranging from drug possession and theft to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The following list of indictments was released by the office of District Attorney Alan Nash. • Taylor Danielle Bigbie for manufacture or delivery of a substance in penalty group 1, a first degree felony. • Agustin Franco Carranza for possession of a substance in penalty group 1, a state jail felo

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   Tarleton State University invites the community to join in a vibrant celebration of tradition and Texan pride at its annual homecoming parade beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, proceeding along Washington and McIlhaney streets. This cherished event brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni and local residents to showcase their school spirit through an array of colorful floats and dynamic p

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   The annual L.V. Risinger Memorial Bonfire will ignite Friday at the Tarleton Agriculture Center, and the university will provide complimentary shuttle service to and from the festivities from 6 to 11 p.m.     A cherished tradition since the 1920s, the bonfire honors L.V. Risinger, who famously defended the structure in 1939 from rival students at North Texas Agriculture College.   The towerin

Absolute deliciousness.  By Julie Brinkley   There are several variations on these protein bowls, which are growing in popularity.   You can create a bowl using different protein like ground turkey or ground chicken and adding veggies, pickles, avocado and cottage cheese to pump up the protein.   Click here to watch a video on how I make it.       WHAT YOU NEED   2 tbsp ghee or olive oil   1-2 tbsp minced garlic   ¼ cup yellow onion, diced   ¼ cup red onion, diced   1 green

Ramona By SARA VANDEN BERGE   One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Ramona, a four to five-year-old German Shepherd mix who's as loving as she is loyal.   “She was found as a stray and never reclaimed, but she hasn't let that dampen her affectionate spirit,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News .     “Ramona is a clingy cuddle bug who thrives on human attention. She loves to be by your side and w

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU MEDIA RELATIONS SPECIAL TO BENEATH THE SURFACE NEWS Preparations are in full swing as Tarleton State University readies a plethora of traditions and events for students, faculty, staff and alumni to take part in during Homecoming Week Oct. 12-18.   The annual week of festivities is a favorite for Texans as the university is transformed with Tarleton State spirit.     “Homecoming is a time for alumni and current Texans to join together in celebra

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   It’s going to be a rare weekend in Stephenville with so many great events taking place that it’s hard to keep up....

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Stephenville Chamber of Commerce  and city of Stephenville  are partnering for an evening of fun with the annual Safe Trick ‘R Treat happening from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, at Stephenville City Park. The festive Halloween event will feature candy (and lots of it!), the annual costume contest, fun zone and plenty of entertainment. If you decide to enter the costume contest, there are a few things you need to know. The Chamber will award five prize

Bone marrow tacos are one of the many specialty foods you'll find at Comedor. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The Husband and I spend a lot of weekends in Austin where two of our kids live.   Much of our time there is spent exploring new restaurants and last weekend we scored a reservation at one of Austin’s coolest places, Comedor .   (It was also named in the 2024 Michelin Guide.)   This modern Mexican restaurant is led by Chef Philip Speer and is known for its unique dishes like bo

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Bull Nettle , Stephenville’s No. 1 sports bar, is hosting its third annual day of music and good vibes this...

The subway train at the entrance of the store. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If you’re counting down the days until Halloween, there’s a super store in Stephenville that’s waiting for you.   Spirit Halloween is now open at 2133 W. Washington Street in Stephenville (next to Harbor Freight).     I stopped by on Tuesday and spoke with manager Amanda Mills and was blown away by the amount of stuff they have.   From costumes for kids and adults to spooky (and downright scary) decor - it

By SARA VANDEN BERGE If you’re still undecided on who to vote for in the race for Stephenville’s next mayor - Lonn Reisman or David Baskett - there are a couple of opportunities for you to learn more about their plans for the city. Beneath the Surface News will publish its annual Candidate Q&A on Sunday, Oct. 12. Both candidates running in the Nov. 4 election were asked to respond to several questions on a variety of issues. The responses will be published exactly as they we

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   You don’t have to travel all the way to Germany to get a taste of Oktoberfest.   Daiquiriville and the Cross...

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If you can belt out a tune, now’s your chance to showcase your talent.   Entries are now being accepted for A Voice for Habitat , a talent competition benefiting Erath County Habitat for Humanity .     The competition gives solo artists and groups the exposure they need to break into the music scene with opportunities to meet casting directors, talent scouts, magazine writers and professional musicians. This year’s judges include Shayne Hollinger, Erin

Tarleton State's men's head basketball coach Billy Gillispie has been placed on temporary leave pending an investigation. Photo/Tarleton...

Tarleton President Dr. James Hurley during Thursday's "State of the University" address. Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News In his annual State of the University address Thursday, Tarleton State University President Dr. James Hurley highlighted enrollment growth, academic program expansion, key infrastructure investments and the soaring national prominence of the institution.   “By expanding access, opportunity and affordability

By SARA VANDEN BERGE It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month  and Cross Timbers Imaging is offering 2D mammograms for $125 and 3D mammograms for $150 all month long. I spoke with Dr. Nanette Evans about the importance of annual mammograms for women beginning at the age of 40. I’m well past that age and I get one annually. In fact, mammograms have detected breast cancer in my mother-in-law twice. “Breast cancer is common, usually affecting women without a family history, but when