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LIFE IS INTERESTING. BEING INFORMED MATTERS.
A news site focusing on people, places and events happening in and around Stephenville and Erath County, Texas.
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Tickets to catch Parker McCollum at Tarleton’s EECU Center on sale now.
Photo/Tim O'Keefe By SARA VANDEN BERGE Chart-topping, multi-platinum country star Parker McCollum is headed to Tarleton State University’s EECU Center on Sept. 24. Known for being one of the busiest touring acts in country music, the Parker McCollum Tour is bringing fans his No. 1 hits and fan-favorite tracks to cities across the U.S. Joining him on the road in 2026 are Josh Abbott Band, Gary Allan, Kassi Ashton, Gabby Barrett, William Beckmann, Laci Kaye Booth, Annie Bosko
Jul 231 min read


Let’s make a one-bowl batch of healthy muffins your family will love.
By Sara McNeal-Weaver With added sugar and processed ingredients, muffins can sometimes get a bad rap. But these one-bowl wonders are full of healthy ingredients your family will love. Check it out! WHAT YOU NEED 1 cup whole yogurt 1/3 cup pure maple syrup 1 tsp vanilla 1/4 cup avocado oil 2 eggs 2 tsp baking powder 1 1/4 cup flour Dash of salt Mix-ins: Blueberries, chocolate chips, sprinkles HOW TO MAKE IT Mix everything into a bowl
Jul 221 min read


One man dead in officer-involved shooting in Stephenville’s Tanglewood neighborhood.
A picture from the scene on Parkwood Court late Tuesday afternoon. By SARA VANDEN BERGE There was a massive police presence at a home in the Tanglewood area of Stephenville late Tuesday afternoon. At the time, Captain Jeremy Lanier with the Stephenville Police Department told Beneath the Surface News that there was an “active scene,” but declined to say more. Early Wednesday morning, the SPD released the following statement: "At approximately 5:30 p.m., officers res
Jul 221 min read


Erath County grand jury indicts man accused of causing accident that killed mother of 4.
Fernando Robledo Aguilar By SARA VANDEN BERGE A man accused of causing an accident that killed a mother in April has been indicted by an Erath County grand jury. Fernando Robledo Aguilar was indicted for collision involving death, manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, two second degree felonies and a state jail felony. He is being held at the Erath County Jail without bond. Others indicted last week include: • Carlos Juan Alvarado for obstruction or reta
Jul 191 min read


Self-defense demonstration with Makhuwa Brazilian Jiujitsu.
Scroll below for self-defense video...
Jul 171 min read


Green goddess chicken salad loaded with protein makes the perfect summer meal.
By Julie Brinkley Healthy, tasty and family-friendly recipes are what I love to focus on and this recipe for green goddess chicken salad fits the bill. It’s loaded with protein and makes the perfect summer meal. Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED 3 ½ cups shredded chicken 3 Persian cucumbers ¼ cup red onion 2 tbsp dill 2 tbsp basil DRESSING 1 cup cottage cheese ½ cup Greek yogurt 1 tbsp olive oil 4 green onions ¼ cup di
Jul 171 min read


‘Hollywood Hits!’ BBBS announces Dancing For the Stars’ celebrity lineup; tickets on sale now.
By SARA VANDEN BERGE It’s shaping up to be another big year for Big Brothers Big Sisters Erath County’s annual Dancing For the Stars event. BBBS executive director Sarah McNeal-Weaver said the five teams that signed contracts at Stephenville Dance Center on Thursday evening are exceptional. “I am thrilled with this year’s lineup,” Sarah told Beneath the Surface News. “These couples are so much fun and truly have a heart for kids.” Dancing For the Stars is the biggest fundrais
Jul 162 min read


Erath County grand jury indicts woman who crashed into house, killing mother and young son.
Gracie Yates By SARA VANDEN BERGE An Erath County grand jury on Thursday indicted Gracie Yates, the woman accused of crashing a pickup into a home in Stephenville in March, killing a mother and her young son. The 18-year-old was indicted for intoxication manslaughter (death of two people), a first degree felony, and injury to a child, a state jail felony. She is being held at the Erath County Jail without bond. Barbara Rocha, 49, and her seven-year-old son Alex, wer
Jul 161 min read


Healthy granola bars make the perfect snack for swimsuit season.
By Sarah McNeal-Weaver I’ve had several requests to share another version of my healthy granola bar recipe, so here it is. This recipe is super easy to make, delicious and stays fresh for several days. STEP 1 1 stick of butter 1/4 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup honey Let this melt over low heat; remove and add dash of vanilla. STEP 2 In large bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups protein oats 2 cups rice cereal 1/4 cup flour Dash of cinn
Jul 151 min read


Dublin man behind viral ‘ice video’ is U.S. citizen with a PhD.
By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Hispanic man behind the now viral video showing a Dublin police officer asking him if he wanted “some ice” is not only a legal U.S. citizen, but a business professional with a PhD. The 39-year-old man spoke to Beneath the Surface News about Saturday’s incident, but asked that his name not be released citing his children’s safety. For purposes of this story, he will be referred to as “E.” “My parents immigrated here from Mexico in pursuit of
Jul 133 min read


Dublin police officer who offered to get Hispanic man 'some ice’ to undergo sensitivity training.
A still clip from the video shows a Dublin police officer leaving a store after offering a Hispanic man a bag of "ice." By SARA VANDEN BERGE A Dublin police officer filmed inside a convenience store telling a Hispanic man, “I can grab you some ice if you want,” will undergo additional training in cultural diversity and racial bias. A press release from Dublin Police Chief Cameron Ray posted to the department’s Facebook page, states: “The video being shared does not
Jul 123 min read


Chemist mom’s summer skin secrets: From sunscreen, bronzer and coconut facial mist to an anti-bacterial spray.
By Alexis Rochester As a chemist and mom, I’ve learned that summer skincare works best when it’s simple. Between the Texas heat, pool days, sports practices, vacations and long hours outdoors, many people assume they need more products to keep their skin looking healthy. In reality, it’s all about using fewer products that work harder. The right products can save time and money, protect skin from damage and keep it looking healthy and youthful without a complicated
Jul 93 min read


This recipe for crispy pasta salad went TikTok viral and it’s absolutely delicious.
By Julie Brinkley A ton of variations for this viral recipe keep popping up on TikTok and I was dying to try it, so here we are. This crispy pasta salad is one worth trying and it makes the perfect summer meal. Click here to watch how it’s made. Here’s everything you need: CRISPY PASTA 8 oz bow tie pasta (or pasta of your choice) 1-1½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp kosher salt ½ tsp black pepper 1 tsp granulated garlic 1 tsp Italian seasoning SA
Jul 71 min read


Erath County Volunteer Fire Rescue needs supplies for extended fire calls and emergencies.
By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Erath County Volunteer Fire Rescue department is asking the community for help with restocking its emergency supplies as fire season heats up. The department has a direct link to Amazon that allows you to click on the items you want to donate that will be sent directly to the station. Some of the items on the list include beef jerky, phone chargers, fruit cups, granola bars, sports drinks, bottled water, deodorant, sunscreen, crew socks and sn
Jul 61 min read


Delicious peach cobbler made the easy way. (There’s nothing wrong with a good cheat recipe.)
By Sarah-McNeal Weaver Love a good peach cobbler, but hate the time it takes to make one? I call this recipe a “cheater peach cobbler” but it’s got all the deliciousness your family will love! Oh, and this will make a great dish to serve on the Fourth of July. WHAT YOU NEED 29 oz can of peaches 1/4 cup salted butter 1/2 cup flour 1 cup white sugar 1 tsp baking powder 1/3 cup milk 1 egg Dash of vanilla Dash of cinnamon 1/4 cup brown sugar
Jul 11 min read


From aggravated assault and family violence to drug possession; Erath County grand jury indicts 9.
The following is a list of indictments issued by the Erath County grand jury on Thursday. The list was sent to Beneath the Surface News by the office of District Attorney Alan Nash. • Jason Christopher Bourgeois for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, a state jail felony. • Jacob Derrell Craig for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, a state jail felony. • Edward Vaughn Decker for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second degree felony. • Maciel Deloss
Jun 251 min read


Protein donuts? Yes, please. Here’s how to make them.
By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Nothing screams summer like a delicious morning donut. But indulging in a sweet treat doesn’t always mean it’s bad for you. This recipe for protein donuts will satisfy that sweet tooth without wrecking your diet. WHAT YOU NEED • 2/3 cup gluten free baking flour • 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder • 2 tsp baking powder • dash of salt and dash of cinnamon • ¼ cup maple syrup • 3 tablespoons olive oil • ¼ cup whole milk • 1 egg •
Jun 241 min read


Why so many Erath County residents spend summer weekends at Lake Granbury.
Photo credit: Visit Granbury Special to Beneath the Surface News Erath County offers no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors. From ranchland and country roads to hunting, fishing, and camping, the region has long attracted people who prefer spending their free time outside. But when summer temperatures begin climbing and families start looking for a place to cool off, many residents find themselves making the same drive north. Less than an hour from Stephenville
Jun 234 min read


Healthy whole food sloppy joe bowls are perfect on a hot summer night.
By Julie Brinkley This healthy and delicious recipe is perfect on a hot summer night. I’ve made this sloppy joe bowl before, but this dish includes a little more protein. Click here to watch how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED 1 lb. ground beef Potatoes 2 tbsp ghee or olive oil 1-2 tbsp minced garlic ¼ cup yellow onion, diced ¼ cup red onion, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp yellow mustard 3 tbsp paleo or low sugar ketchup
Jun 231 min read


Tarrant Area Food Bank tells local agencies it will no longer hold monthly drive-thru community pantry.
Special to Beneath the Surface News The Tarrant Area Food Bank has decided to cancel the 3rd Thursday drive-thru community pantry that has been held in Stephenville since 2018. In a letter to local agencies, TAFB stated that there are plenty of brick and mortar food pantries in Stephenville, and the drive-thru is not needed. The last drive-thru pantry will be held in August. The drive-thru pantry was started after multiple requests to the Food Bank. They deliver
Jun 221 min read


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