Scroll down to get a discount code for FRÉ mineral sunscreen. By Alexis Rochester Living in Texas means spending a lot of time in the sun, whether it’s ball games, splash pads, summer camps, pool days or simply running errands in the heat. As someone who had skin cancer at a young age, sun protection is something I take very seriously for myself and family. After years of searching for the best mineral sunscreen as both a mom and a chemist, I finally found one I truly l

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Have a sweet tooth? Try this French butter cake that’s sure to make you feel fancy at your next summer soiree. It’s a cinch to make and oh-so-good! WHAT YOU NEED 1 1/2 cups cake mix. (You choose flavor, I prefer yellow mix) 2 eggs 1 stick melted butter Combine in a bowl; this will be thick. In a stand mixer: 8-oz softened cream cheese 4 cups powdered sugar 2 eggs Dash of vanilla Mix until creamy; press cake mixture

Brandon Merriman served in the U.S. Air Force for 18 years before he was medically retired after suffering multiple injuries while on deployments. By SARA VANDEN BERGE Plans for a benefit to help an American soldier injured during January’s ice storm is underway in Erath County. A fundraiser for Erath County resident Brandon Merriman will be held on Saturday, June 20, at Melody Mountain Ranch. Dewayne Terry, known for his Toby Keith tribute, will headline the event,

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The following report is from Erath County District Attorney Alan Nash’s office and includes a full list of May’s indictments. On Thursday, the Erath County grand jury indicted 14 people on a variety of charges: • Brandon Nathaniel Arndt for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon (enhanced) and possession of a substance in penalty group 1 (4-200G) (enhanced). • Crystal Lee Bates for possession of a substance in penalty group 1 (1-4G). • Cindy Fl

CTFAC Executive Director Christine Newton and Erath County Judge Brandon Huckabee Special to Beneath the Surface News The Texas Commission on the Arts in Austin has selected the Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council to receive an America250 grant, awarded through TCA’s Commission Initiative program. CTFAC was chosen to represent Texas’ U.S. 25th Congressional District in this statewide celebration of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The America250 grant supports ar

Special to Beneath the Surface News The following narrative was released by the Stephenville Police Department on Monday, May 20. At approximately 2:34 p.m. on Monday, the Stephenville Police Department received reports about a male subject entering multiple businesses within the city and making threats. “Stephenville Police Officers immediately responded to the area and began actively searching for the suspect. "Officers located the subject driving a pickup truck sho

Barrett Hutchison By SARA VANDEN BERGE Barrett Hutchison, the principal and athletic director at Morgan Mill ISD, was arrested Tuesday, May 19, and charged with driving while intoxicated with an open container and unlawfully carrying a weapon. According to Captain Jeremy Lanier with the Stephenville Police Department, Hutchison was pulled over by police on East Washington Street shortly before midnight on Tuesday. “Last night officers responded to a report of a reckle

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Stephenville ISD is making sure that no child goes hungry this summer. The district is kicking off its annual summer feeding program from June 1-25. All kids ages 18 and under can receive a free breakfast and lunch at Hook Elementary when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Breakfast will be served from 7:15-8 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE If you’re looking to expand your summer reading list, make plans to attend the Dick Smith Library’s annual book sale on the campus of Tarleton State University. Brenda Burks, a library board member, told Beneath the Surface News that a variety of books in every genre will be sold. The sale will take place from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. on June 10-11 in the MP Room at the Dick Smith Library. Parking is available in lots P34, P36, P37 and P38. A parking permit wil

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The dog days of summer are upon us and Beneath the Surface News’ 2nd annual Guide to Summer Fun will keep your kiddos happy and busy! Keep scrolling for a (long) list of summer camps and Vacation Bible Schools happening across Erath County. Stephenville Dance Center is hosting several dance camps this summer. Click the ad to learn more. Tarleton State University is hosting a slew of great camps from ag, choir, theatre and cheer to drumline and every

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Big Brothers Big Sisters Erath County is bringing back its annual golf tournament on Friday, June 12, at Legends Country Club. Tee time will begin at 9 a.m. and hamburgers will be served for lunch. Teams of four can register for $500 by clicking here. Hole sponsorships are available for $150. “This is the perfect opportunity to highlight your business, be silly or memorialize someone special – we will print anything on the signs,” BBBS executive director

Lazy lasagna = big yum! By Julie Brinkley Everyone loves a good lasagna. It’s pure comfort in a pan, but making it can sometimes be a little tedious. This recipe for “lazy lasagna” takes out all the work, but not the taste. Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED 1 lb. Italian sausage 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce 8 lasagna noodles ½ cup ricotta cheese 2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, or more to taste 2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese, or m

Gracie Yates was taken back into custody on Monday, May 11. She is being held at the Erath County Jail. By SARA VANDEN BERGE Gracie Yates, the woman accused of crashing a pickup into a home in Stephenville and killing a mother and her young son, is back in the Erath County Jail and facing more serious charges. She was re-arrested on Monday, May 11, and charged with intoxication manslaughter (death of two people), a first degree felony, and injury to a child, a state jail fe

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Spread the word about your garage sale with a story on beneaththesurfacenews.com. Lots of people love spending their weekends browsing through pre-loved goods, clothing and antiques, and with spring underway, garage sales are popping up across Erath County. Garage sale advertising is easy and affordable. Here’s what you will get for $50: • Short promotional story about the sale one week prior to the event. • Social media post on day the sale begins. Secu

Clayton Iley By SARA VANDEN BERGE The federal government has filed new charges against Clayton Iley, a Stephenville man accused of theft and money laundering. On Thursday, the FBI filed two federal charges against Iley for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, according to jail records. Beneath the Surface News has not been able to obtain the new arrest warrant since it’s a pending federal case. Iley, owner of Texas Legacy Insurance Group, was taken into custody i

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Moo-ve It is back and it’s time to get registered for this year’s 5K and fun run happening at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, at Stephenville City Park. The event will kickstart Moo-La Fest’s three days of fun. Registration for the 5K is $30 and $25 for the fun run. Click here to register. You don’t have to be a seasoned runner to participate. Grab your friends, bring the family and enjoy something fun and active. Moo-ve It is part of the kickoff to the

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver With summer upon us and the July 4th holiday just around the corner, nothing says Americana more than a delicious homemade apple pie. Last week we made the crust (recipe here) and now it’s time to make the filling. WHAT YOU NEED 4 apples (medium to large, crisp) 1/3 cup sugar 2 tbs butter 3 tbs water (more if needed) Dash of cinnamon Squeeze of lemon 2 tbs cornstarch (separated) Prepared pie crust HOW TO MAKE IT Peel, core and slice apples.

Photo/Caitlin Moyer Photography By SARA VANDEN BERGE A festival that began as a way to spotlight the local dairy industry has evolved into the biggest event in Erath County. Moo-La Fest is set to make its return on Thursday, June 4, through Saturday, June 6, at Stephenville City Park. A crowd favorite - Carnival Americana – will also be back with those famous games, rides and fun houses the whole family will love. The midway will be open Thursday through Saturday. Ashley Thom

Barefoot Buddies volleyball camp for children and teens with special needs will be held in June inside the gym at Faith Lutheran Church in Stephenville. Photo/Debbie Knutz Special to Beneath the Surface News (The following was written by Chiraz Mansouri, a mother of two children who attend Barefoot Buddies annual summer volleyball camp for children and teens with special needs.) “I’m a parent of two athletes who participate in Barefoot Buddies Adaptive Volleyball Camp here in

Jason Smith By SARA VANDEN BERGE Stephenville voters elected to keep a longtime city councilman in his place despite a challenge from newcomer Jorge Moreno. In Saturday’s city election, Gerald Cook won his race to retain place 2 on the Stephenville City Council with 76% (478 votes) to Moreno’s 24% (147 votes). In the race to fill the unexpired term of place 4 on the Stephenville ISD board of trustees, voters chose Jason Smith. Smith received 58% (556 votes) while his