By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If you think you make the best chili in Erath County, make plans to enter an upcoming chili cookoff.   The Bluff Dale Garden Club is hosting the annual event at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Bluff Dale Community Center (fire hall).     Registration will be held from 4:30-5 p.m. and the cost to enter is $10 per pot.   Judging begins at 5 p.m. and there will be awards for 1 st , 2 nd  and 3 rd  place as well as a People’s Choice.     Any kind of chili

Ricky Thurman By SARA VANDEN BERGE   A familiar face in local politics is hoping to make a return to the Stephenville City Council in May.   Ricky Thurman filed Wednesday for Place 6, currently held by David Baskett.     “I am excited to announce my candidacy for Stephenville City Council,” Thurman told Beneath the Surface News .    “With seven of the nine seats up for election this May, and after meeting with Mayor (Lonn) Reisman, I believe an experienced voice on the counci

Daylee Powe poses with her ribbon Tuesday after competing in the Chisolm Challenge. Photos/Kate Powe By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Young Stephenville resident Daylee Powe was finally able to take on something she’s been looking forward to – the Chisolm Challenge.   Daylee, an eight-year-old second grader at Chamberlin Elementary, took part in the Chisolm Challenge on Tuesday.     “The Chisolm Challenge is a competitive horse show for riders with disabilities that is a part of the Fo

By SARA VANDEN BERGE With no substantial rain in recent weeks (and nothing in the forecast), Erath County  officials decided on Monday to extend the burn ban for an additional 90 days. Under the ordinance, outdoor burning is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine. So don’t burn people.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The city of Stephenville is gearing up for a special night just for little girls. The annual daddy-daughter dance will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, and Friday, Feb. 13, at the Cross Timbers Legacy Center. This year’s theme is “Where Magic Meets the Big Top.” You will enter a world of bright lights, playful decorations and classic circus charm. Dance the night away to cheerful music, enjoy whimsical touches inspired by the big top and share

By Sarah Weaver   New Year’s resolutions I hear most from people are the desire to lose weight and get healthy, save money and do more cooking at home.   This recipe for no knead bread is one of my favorite things to make because it’s simple and uses minimal ingredients.   Give it a try and let me know what you think.     WHAT YOU NEED   1 packet active dry yeast   1 ½ tbsp white sugar   1 ¼ cup warm water   3 cups all-purpose flour    2 tbsp salt   2 tbsp olive oil      HOW

By Julie Brinkley   This recipe is a new one for me.   It has all the delicious flavors of salmon and sushi without uncooked fish.   (And yes, you can get the seaweed paper at HEB.)   Click here to watch a video on how they are made.   WHAT YOU NEED   1 lb. salmon   1 tsp avocado oil   1 tbsp soy sauce   ½ tsp paprika     ½ tsp chili lime seasoning   ½ tsp garlic powder   Pinch of salt and pepper   Nori sheets   Prepared white rice or high protein rice alternative.     TOPPI

Photo/Blessed Matai By SARA VANDEN BERGE A Stephenville sixth grader has been named champion of the 2025 Jiu Jitsu World League. Twelve-year-old Ben Cashon is a student at Makhuwa Brazilian JiuJitsu .   “This accomplishment is nothing short of spectacular,” instructor Blessed Matai told Beneath the Surface News .   “Benji placed in the top two percent of all competitors, a testament to his consistency, skill and dedication.     “ We are all very proud of him." Ben is the son

Aaron Webb/mugshot from Erath County Jail By SARA VANDEN BERGE   A De Leon man is being held at the Erath County Jail without bond for allegedly threatening three Erath County officials.   According to the official complaint obtained by Beneath the Surface News , Tim Holzschuh, an investigator with Erath County District Attorney Alan Nash’s office, received a letter on Oct. 14, 2025 from a confidential informant outlining an alleged threat from another inmate.     The letter

Melty cheese stuffed inside this sweet potato is delish. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   I don’t know what it is about Courtney Cook, but I’m obsessed.   The TikTok sensation has gained a cult following with her quirky recipes and I have now made her cheese-stuffed sweet potato three times.   (Not counting the one I am eating for dinner tonight.)   I was never a big fan of sweet potatoes despite their serious health benefits.   These nutrient-dense potatoes offer high amounts of beta-

By SARA VANDEN BERGE If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Harlem Globetrotters perform in person, your chance is coming. The Globetrotters will be at Tarleton's EECU Center  in Stephenville on Feb. 13, 2026. From gravity-defying dunks to game-changing tricks, experience the team that redefined basketball! This is history you can feel!   Score your tickets by clicking here .

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If you’re on TikTok, you’ve certainly fallen on the side of Courtney Cook, you know the charming young mother who has gone viral for her interesting recipes.   Courtney makes strange, but delicious-looking concoctions that have made her a TikTok sensation.   She makes these Korean eggs that look so delicious I couldn’t wait to try them.   I mean, what’s not to like about boiled eggs soaked in soy sauce and green onions and topped with kewpie mayo?   I m

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The filing period for the March 3 Primary Election is over and Erath County Judge Brandon Huckabee will sail into a second term without an opponent.   “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 governments and the public to make that happen and we still have work to do,” Huckabee told Beneath the Surface News .     O

By Julie Brinkley   Not only is this pasta filling and easy to make, it’s incredibly flavorful.   Made with Italian sausage, chicken stock, heavy cream and parmesan cheese, this delicious recipe is rich, creamy and the perfect end to a long day.   Click here to watch a video on how it’s made.   WHAT YOU NEED   1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)   1 onion, diced   1 green bell pepper, diced   Minced garlic, to taste   3 tablespoons tomato paste   1 can (8 ounces) tom

Daniel Slocomb's mugshot from the Erath County Jail. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   An Erath County grand jury on Thursday indicted a Stephenville man accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a teenager.   Fifty-six-year-old Daniel Slocomb was indicted on four counts of sexual assault of a child (enhanced), sexual performance by a child (enhanced) and two counts of indecency with a child (enhanced).     All charges are second degree felonies.   According to the official complaint ob

TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Tarleton State University is expanding its successful partnership with Opal’s Farm to offer urban agriculture education across all campuses. What began as a grassroots effort to improve access to fresh, healthy foods in one Fort Worth neighborhood has developed into an innovative education model that Tarleton State is now bringing to Stephenville, with course instruction also available online to make the program more ac

A German Christmas market in the heart of Munich's Old Town.  By SARA VANDEN BERGE   You might have noticed that things have been a little slower than usual the past couple of weeks on Beneath the Surface News .   That’s because The Husband and I took a few days off to explore the famed Christmas markets in Paris, France and Munich, Germany.     The good thing about getting a little older is that once you’ve raised kids and helped them through college, there’s a little extra

By Sarah Weaver   Is there any better combo than chocolate and cherries?   This recipe combines the two for a perfectly delicious cookie.     WHAT YOU NEED   2 1/2 cups flour    ¼ tsp salt   1 cup softened butter   ¾ cup white sugar     1-2 tbs cherry juice from jar   1 tsp vanilla    ½ c chopped cherries (from jar)   ½ mini chocolate chips    HOW TO MAKE THEM   Place butter and sugar in mixer and let whisk until light and fluffy.   In separate bowl, combine flour and salt; a