I am proud to offer my full support and recommendation for Jason Smith as a candidate for the Stephenville ISD School Board.   As a father of two school-aged children, Jason brings a deeply personal investment in the success of our schools.     His commitment is not theoretical, it is rooted in the everyday experiences of a parent who cares deeply about the quality of education, the strength of our teachers and the future of our community.   Jason understands that great schoo

Special to Beneath the Surface News   A growing national movement focused on developing the next generation of leaders is making a local impact this month through the Maxwell Global Youth Initiative, a program designed to equip, inspire, and empower young people with essential leadership skills.   The initiative mobilizes Maxwell Leadership Certified Trainers to meet youth where they are: inside schools, churches and community centers.     By bringing training directly into t

Jason and Maddie Smith and their two kids. To the Stephenville community,   Stephenville isn’t just where we live, it’s our home. It’s where my wife and I chose to raise our two kids, and where we’ve spent the last 15 years building our lives right alongside so many of you.   I’m running for the Stephenville ISD Board of Trustees because I care about our community, our schools, our teachers, and the future of all our students.   Paid political advertisment I didn’t enter this

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Early voting in city elections begins on Monday.   Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, April 20, through Friday, April 24, and Monday, April 27, and Tuesday, April 28, at the new Erath County Annex located at 222 E. College Street in Stephenville.     Polls will be closed on Tuesday, April 21.   There are two contested races on the Stephenville ballot – one for city council and one for Stephenville ISD board of trustees.   Incumbent Gerald

Matthew Thompson By SARA VANDEN BERGE   An Erath County grand jury on Thursday indicted the former IT director at Huckabay ISD for child grooming and sexual performance by a child. Matthew Thompson was arrested on Jan. 23 and immediately placed on administrative leave. According to the official complaint obtained by Beneath the Surface News , Thompson engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a 13-year-old student. The two exchanged sexually-charged text messages and seve

Sugar cookie bars make a special after-school treat! By Sarah-McNeal Weaver   Some days we just need something sweet and this recipe for sugar cookie bars makes a great after-school treat.   They are cute, easy to make and super tasty!     WHAT YOU NEED   1 cup softened butter    1 cup of white sugar    Cream together in mixer until smooth.   ADD:   2 tsp vanilla    1 egg    Then mix again.   In a separate bowl, combine:   2 1/4 cups flour    Dash of salt   1 1/2 tsp baking p

Special to Beneath the Surface News   Revitalize Dublin, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to beautification, community development and economic growth will host its 3rd annual fundraiser on Saturday, April 25, at The Majestic on Grafton (Shenanigans Irish Pub).     Guests will enjoy a high-energy performance by One Headlight Band, known for bringing the best of the ’90s to life, barbecue, silent auction and the Mr. legs contest – a crowd favorite.   Doors open at 5 p.m.,

By Julie Brinkley   These sheet pan barbecue crispy tacos are a favorite in our house!   They are simple to make and so tasty!     WHAT YOU NEED   1 ½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast   1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix   ⅔ cup barbecue sauce   3 tbsp avocado oil     12 corn tortillas   ¼ cup sour cream   2 tbsp mayo   Shredded lettuce   Cheddar Cheese, grated   Chopped dill pickles, plus 2 tbsp pickle juice     HOW TO MAKE IT   Place chicken in small baking dish.    Res

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Stephenville officials are bringing the mayhem back to Stephenville in May.   The 3 rd  annual Mother-Son Mayhem will take place from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, at Stephenville City Park.     It will be an action-packed night of laser tag, food, thrilling games and monster truck madness!   “We will also have a DJ and there will be a glow-in-the-dark robot,” Kaley Barnette, the city’s special events coordinator, told Beneath the Surface News .   “It’s

Devonte Johnson By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The parents of a young man killed by a gunshot in Stephenville last week is setting the record straight about their son.   Twenty-three-year-old Devonte Johnson was fatally shot by an acquaintance - 20-year-old Lorena Miranda – at a home in the 300 block of S. Lillian Ave. on April 3.     His parents, Arminthe Pyrnneau and Andre Johnson, called Beneath the Surface News on Friday from Lacy Funeral Home where they were making final arrang

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By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Stephenville Association of Realtors is gearing up for its 4th annual fashion show and luncheon taking place at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 14, at The Big Red Barn event venue. “This special event is held each spring to benefit our ‘Shoes for Christmas’ program, which provides shoes to area children in need,” Vanessa Green, administrative assistant for SAOR, told Beneath the Surface News . “Thanks to the generosity of our attendees and supporters, we are

Aaron Webb was convicted Wednesday of threatening three Erath County officials. By SARA VANDEN BERGE An Erath County jury on Wednesday found De Leon resident Aaron Webb guilty of threatening three Erath County officials. He has been sentenced to 10 years in prison on all counts. "We are grateful to the jury for affirming that threats of violence will not be tolerated in Erath County," District Attorney Alan Nash said following the sentencing. Webb was represented by attorney

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver   Wondering what to do with all that leftover candy still piled into those Easter baskets?   Make a special treat the whole family will love; granola bars.     The first thing you’ll need to do is raid those baskets for the chocolate.   Here’s what else you need:   2 ½ cups rolled oats (not quick oats, I use old fashioned rolled or protein oats)    1 ½ cups rice crisp cereal (any kind)     ½ c all-purpose flour   dash of cinnamon   dash of salt   Place

By SARA VANDEN BERGE A Stephenville woman has authored a series of books that focus on children’s emotions.   The Junie Series: Worlds of Wonder includes six books - Junie is Sad, Junie is Angry, Junie is Jealous, Junie is Scared, Junie is Happy and Junie is Curious.   “They are all about a little red headed pigtailed girl named Junie, inspired by my late pug, who learns lots of lessons and has many magical adventures, based on child-oriented feelings,” author Jennifer Marco

The Stephenville Running Club is known for having fun and offering encouragement to its members. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The Stephenville Running Club is celebrating five years of camaraderie with a 5K birthday bash.   The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at the Green Canoe in Hico.     The cost to participate is $30 (click here to sign up) and you must be registered by April 10 to guarantee a T-shirt.   The celebration will include door prizes and

Lorena Miranda By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Details of what transpired inside a home in Stephenville where a man was shot and killed are outlined in an arrest warrant that charges a 20-year-old woman with manslaughter.   According to a copy of the arrest warrant obtained by Beneath the Surface News , the Stephenville Police Department responded to a call in the 300 block of S. Lillian Ave. shortly before midnight on April 3. The call referenced a male subject, later identified as 2

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The Texas Commission on Jail Standards issued a notice on March 11 that the Erath County Jail was in non-compliance after jail officials self-reported that a male staff member had strip-searched a female inmate twice on Feb. 24.   The violation, outlined in 265.2 (b), states that all strip searches “shall be conducted by jailer(s) or designated staff of the same gender in a reasonable and dignified manner and place.”     Erath County Sheriff Matt Coates

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver   Nothing says spring like a light, delicious slice of lemon bread.   This easy recipe for a lemon loaf will make a beautiful addition to your Easter table.     WHAT YOU NEED   1 1/2 cups flour   1 1/2 tsp baking powder    1/2 tsp salt    Zest of lemon    1/2 cup (1 stick) of salted butter      1 cup sugar    2 eggs (room temperature)    1 tsp vanilla    Juice from lemon    1/2 cup whole milk    Dash of white vinegar      HOW TO MAKE IT   Sift flour, po

By Julie Brinkley   Everyone is trying to get enough protein while searching for foods that are equally delish, and this recipe for a hot honey taco bowl satisfies both.   It’s tasty and high in protein.   Click here to watch a video on how it’s made.     WHAT YOU NEED   2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed   1 lb. ground beef   1 packet taco seasoning     2 tbsp olive oil   1 ½ cups cottage cheese   Dressed arugula    Avocado   Hot honey to drizzle     HOW TO MAKE IT   Cube sweet