By SARA VANDEN BERGE The popular Farmers & Artisan Market will be back from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 5, at the downtown plaza in Stephenville. The plaza will be filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. There will also be live music by the North Texas Brass Quintet. See you there!

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Stephenville Police Department is hosting a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, on the home side of the at Art Briles Stadium. Chief Dan Harris will serve as the keynote speaker. “Please join us as we formally honor the 72 local state and federal law enforcement officers and the 343 New York City Firefighters who were killed in the line of duty on September 11, 2001,” Chief Harr

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Newton’s Saddlerack in downtown Stephenville is adding something exciting to its monthly rotation: Mahjong Nights. Whether you’re an experienced player or just learning the rules of the game, this is for you. Mahjong play will kick off at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, and the tiles will keep flying on the first Thursday of every month. The evening will include unique cocktails and a special Majhong menu. Teaching tables are $35 and tournament

Keep scrolling to watch the workout video with Blessed Matai.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The following report is based off the arrest warrant for Dana Whitley Buckelew, obtained by Beneath the Surface News. Erath County District Attorney Alan Nash said the use of flock cameras led investigators to Buckelew’s arrest. (Read the original report here.) “But for the availability of flock cameras to identify the perpetrator's vehicle on public roadways, the arsonist would not have been identified, apprehended and neutralized as a threat so quic

Special to Beneath the Surface News In early August, the Erath County Fire Marshal's Office began investigating a series of suspicious fires occurring along roadways in eastern Erath County. Due to the circumstances surrounding these fires, the fire marshal's office initiated an investigation with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Rangers Division and the Dublin Police Department. As a result of the investigation, Dana Whitley Buckelew was

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Seven consecutive years of enrollment growth have led Tarleton State University to another record fall, with preliminary enrollment exceeding 27,000 students across Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, RELLIS and online. Tarleton State welcomed more than 4,600 new Texans this fall, including 3,400 first-time-in- college students which is up 12% from fall 2025. As part of the growth, the unive

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Healthy treats aren’t just for people; our dogs deserve them too. This homemade treat recipe for your pup is easy to make and can store in the fridge for up to two weeks. Let’s make it! WHAT YOU NEED 2 cups rolled oats (old fashioned, not quick oats) 2 medium bananas ½ cup natural peanut butter (be sure its peanuts only, no added sugar) HOW TO MAKE IT Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a blender or food processor, pour in the oats

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Cowboy Capital of the World PRCA Rodeo is set to take place Sept. 24-26 at The Fairgrounds Arena in Erath County, but first there’s always Rodeo Heritage Week, an annual slate of exciting events. Here’s a look at the official schedule. Thursday, Sept. 17 • Noon “Art of the Cowgirl” VIP Luncheon presented by CTFAC @Cross Timbers Legacy Center • 6:30 p.m. Ranch Rodeo Performance #1 @The Fairgrounds Arena Friday, Sept. 18 • 6:30 p.m. Miss Cowboy Ca

By Julie Brinkley Smash tacos have become my new favorite and this recipe for buffalo chicken smash tacos is delicious. I will also make a yummy slaw to go with it and serve with a side of cauliflower. Click here to watch a video on how it’s all made. WHAT YOU NEED 1 pound ground chicken 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese ¾ cup buffalo wing sauce 10 f

The following list is from the Erath County District Attorney’s Office and includes last week’s grand jury indictments. • Jessie Lee Ainsworth for driving while intoxicated with child passenger (enhanced), a state jail felony. • Jesus Manuel Deleon for driving while intoxicated (3rd or more offense), a third degree felony. • William Edgar Hickey for possession of a substance in penalty group 1 (enhanced), a third degree felony. • Joshua Rolston Majors for unlawful p

By SARA VANDEN BERGE An Erath County grand jury on Thursday heard evidence involving an officer-related shooting that resulted in the death of a Stephenville man in July. Erath County District Attorney Alan Nash gave the following statement to Beneath the Surface News: “Today, the facts and evidence relating to the JuIy 21, 2026 law enforcement use of force on Parkwood Court in Stephenville were presented to the grand jury. “Texas Ranger B.J. Hill presented investig

By SARA VANDEN BERGE An exciting event is coming back to Stephenville for a third straight year. The Western Swing Festival will be held Sept. 5-6 at Stephenville City Park. The free event will include live music from top western swing acts and dancing. Here is the schedule of events: Saturday, Sept. 5 6 p.m. – Hot Club of Cowtown 7:30 p.m. – Billy Mata 9 p.m. – Jody Nix Sunday, Sept. 6 6 p.m. – Katie Shore 7:30 p.m. – Jake Hooker 9 p.m. – Bob Wills’ Texas Playbo

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver If you find yourself in need of a sweet mid-day pick-me-up, this recipe for a brown sugar latte made with honey and vanilla will do the trick. It tastes like a dessert, but has very little sugar. WHAT YOU NEED 2 tbs instant coffee (I know, but hear me out and give it a try) 1 tbs brown sugar Honey Vanilla 1 tbs hot water Blend ingredients until it turns into a cream. 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream Dash of vanilla Honey

Justin Monk passed away from Ewing’s Sarcoma in 2023. Photo/Christina Monk By SARA VANDEN BERGE The second annual benefit remembering the late Justin Monk will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, at Melody Mountain Ranch. The event will feature a performance by Coffey Anderson and will include dinner, dessert, live and silent auctions, alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages and Monk Strong merchandise. ​A limited number of tickets will be sold and can be purchased here. “Come dres

By Julie Brinkley This recipe for crispy Korean beef bowls is full of delicious flavors that will spice up your dinner time. Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. 1 lb. ground beef 1 tbsp cornstarch 1 tbsp avocado oil 3 clove garlic 1 tsp fresh ginger ¼ cup soy sauce 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp hoisin sauce 1 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tsp sesame oil Sriracha, optional Garnish with green onions, spicy mayo and sesame seeds Serve with pan frien

By SARA VANDEN BERGE There are two things that definitely don’t go together: Guns and alcohol. Unfortunately for one man, those two things were combined late Thursday night and he ended up with a gunshot to the leg. Captain Jeremy Lanier with the Stephenville Police Department told Beneath the Surface News that the department received a call shortly before midnight on Thursday from the Rodeway Inn in Stephenville, near Pastafina. “There was a parking lot full of dru

By SARA VANDEN BERGE A heartbreaking case of a 40-year-old woman who died on the side of an Erath County highway on Thursday is under investigation. Tye Box, chief deputy with the Erath County Sheriff’s Office, told Beneath the Surface News that the woman reportedly ran out of gas on US Hwy. 281, near County Road 407 early Thursday afternoon. “It was first noticed by a DPS trooper who stopped and offered assistance, but she refused,” Box said. “The trooper ran her l