Graphic/Tarleton State University Special to Beneath the Surface News   Tarleton State University is gearing up for its upcoming musical, Little Shop of Horrors, happening at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19–21 in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center.   A special discounted rate of $5 is available for students and/or parent groups for the 2 p.m. Sunday matinee on Feb. 22.     If a group from an area school is interested in attending, RSVP to reserve seats by calling the Box Offic

Dale Spurlen Q. Why are you running for Erath County commissioner? I’m running for County Commissioner because I care deeply about Erath County and how local decisions affect people’s lives every day. Having lived and worked in this area, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our county faces as we experience growth and change.   I want to ensure that county services are working efficiently to help people get on with their daily lives, whether that’s maintaining safe roads, mana

Erath County Commissioner Albert Ray   Q: Why are you running for Erath County commissioner? I’m running for re-election as Erath County Commissioner because I believe deeply in finishing what we started and continuing to move our county forward the right way — steady, responsible, and rooted in common sense. Over the last eight years, I’ve had the honor of serving the people of Erath County, and together with the County Judge, my fellow Commissioners, department heads, and o

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Erath County Master Gardeners is gearing up to host its first “Adventures in Gardening” class of the year.   “When we talk to gardeners in the community, one topic that comes up repeatedly is tackling grassburs,” club member Sheila Mangione told Beneath the Surface News .     “Dr. Hennen Cummings will provide expert advice on minimizing grassburs and other weeds that invade turfgrass.”   Dr. Cummings will also share tips for effective lawn management, w

These easy, delicious brownies will satisfy that sweet tooth you've been fighting with. By Sarah McNeal-Weaver   If you are looking for a sweet treat to bring to Sunday’s Super Bowl bash, these crowd pleasing brownies are perfect! They are super easy to make and equally delicious!     WHAT YOU NEED   1 cup salted butter, melted and cooled   2 cups white sugar    4 eggs    2/3 cup cocoa powder      1 cup flour    1 tsp vanilla    Handful of chocolate chips    Optional: nuts, c

Bert Kreischer will perform at the EECU Center in May. Photo/TSU Media Relations   Special to Beneath the Surface News   Due to popular demand, renowned comedian Bert Kreischer has added additional dates to his Permission to Party World Tour, including a stop at Tarleton State University’s EECU Center .   Kreischer will take the stage in Stephenville on Saturday, May 16.   Tickets to the show are available here.     ABOUT KREISCHER   Kreischer’s career has evolved from Rolli

Matthew Thompson By SARA VANDEN BERGE   A man accused of developing an inappropriate relationship with a student at Huckabay ISD reportedly “begged” for nude photos of the 13-year-old.   Beneath the Surface News has obtained a copy of the official complaint against Matthew Thompson, the 34-year-old IT director at Huckabay ISD, charged with child grooming and sexual performance by a child.   As soon as Huckabay ISD Superintendent Wes Corzine learned about the allegation, he p

Butter drop biscuits and easy to make and delicious.   By Sarah Weaver   I love biscuits and gravy.   But I am always baffled that so many people take the time to make a delicious gravy, only to use canned biscuits.   So, ditch ‘em!   Homemade biscuits are easier to make than you might think.   HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED   1 1/2 cups flour    2 tsp baking powder    1 tsp salt    1 stick of butter    3/4 cup whole milk      HOW TO MAKE THEM   Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a b

By Julie Brinkley   There’s nothing like a piping hot bowl of soup to warm you up on a cold winter’s night.   We are taking this potato soup recipe up a notch by adding Boursin cheese and protein.   Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED   3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed   Two packages Boursin cheese   One package turkey smoked sausage, sliced in bite-size pieces   1 teaspoon garlic powder   1 teaspoon onion powder    One carton chicken stock

The last day to file for a place on the ballot is Feb. 13.  By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The list of candidates running for Stephenville City Council continues to grow.   Mark McClinton filed Wednesday to run for the unexpired term of Place 3, previously held by Mayor Lonn Reisman.   On Thursday, Nick Robinson filed for Place 7, currently held by councilman Brandon Greenhaw who is stepping down.   The special election to fill both unexpired terms will be held Saturday, May 2, in co

By Sarah Weaver   Our family loves this recipe for high protein strawberry cheesecake bites!   This versatile recipe  keeps well in the fridge.   It’s sweet and will help keep those New Year’s resolutions in check! Click here to watch a video on how they're made.     WHAT YOU NEED   1 cup Greek yogurt    1 cup zero sugar cool whip    1 package sugar free cheesecake pudding mix    1 package strawberries, cleaned and dried   For covering: Chocolate chips/coconut oil      HOW T

By Julie Brinkley   Not only is this recipe full of flavor, it’s lean and green and made with simple ingredients.   If you’re watching your carbs, substitute white rice for cauliflower rice.   Click here to watch a video on how I make it.   WHAT YOU NEED   1 lb. ground beef, lean   White rice   3 green onions   2 tbsp soy sauce   1 tbsp rice wine vinegar   1 tsp ginger   2 cloves garlic   2 tsp sesame oil   1 tbsp Gochujang    1 tbsp brown sugar   English cucumber   Carrots

Darrell Brown By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The Erath County United Way has renamed its “Live United” scholarship after the late Darrell Brown.   Brown was the director of administrative services for the city of Stephenville when he passed away on Jan. 11.     He was only 60 years old.   An ECUW Facebook post from board president David Perez states, “I am honored to share that our board has approved renaming our scholarship the Darrell W. Brown Live United Scholarship, in memory of

Photo/Jocelyn Etters Special to Beneath the Surface News The S tephenville High School  DECA chapter delivered an outstanding performance at the District 9 Career Development Conference held in Sweetwater, with an impressive majority of competitors earning advancement to the state level. Out of 52 students who represented the school, 45 qualified for the Texas DECA State C areer Development Conference , reflecting the chapter’s strong preparation and commitment to excellence.

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 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