By SARA VANDEN BERGE   A threat that a bomb had been planted at Stephenville High School prompted local law enforcement agencies to rush to the scene to begin evacuations Monday.   “Dispatch received a phone call this morning at about 11:48 indicating there was a bomb in the building,” Captain Jeremy Lanier told Beneath the Surface News .   “We have to treat every threat like they are absolutely valid, so we sent everyone to the school to start evacuating the building.”   At

By SARA VANDEN BERGE An Erath County grand jury on Thursday indicted 12 people, including the former director of Dublin ISD ’s information and technology department who is accused of stealing more than $1 million from the school district. Craig Wayne Parks was indicted for making a false statement in order to obtain property/credit over $300,000, theft of services over $300,000 and money laundering over $300,000, all first degree felonies. Parks was released from the Erath Co

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver   Nothing satisfies a sweet tooth like a warm slice of banana bread.   It pairs well with a morning cup of coffee and makes a great afternoon snack.   Here’s how you can whip up a loaf for your family.     WHAT YOU NEED 1 1/2 cups flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt   1/2 tsp cinnamon 4 ripe bananas 1 egg, beaten 1 1/2 tsp vanilla 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled 1/4 cup sour cream   HOW TO MAKE IT Preheat oven to 350 degrees; grease loa

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   There’s good news and bad news for kids looking to stay cool this summer.   The bad news is that Splashville – Stephenville’s only waterpark – will not open this summer while it undergoes a major renovation.     The good news is that Splashville is transforming into a really cool spot for families.   Daron Trussell, the city’s director of Parks and Leisure Services, told Beneath the Surface News that the project will take up to one year to complete and

By Julie Brinkley   If you’re looking for a healthy, delicious (and easy) dinner your family will love, you’ll want to give these chicken Caesar smash tacos a try.   Click here to watch how I make them.     WHAT YOU NEED   1 pound ground chicken   4 flour tortillas   2 tsp Greek seasoning   1 tsp garlic powder   1 egg beaten     1 cup Panko bread crumbs   Romaine lettuce   Caesar dressing (store bought or homemade)   Parmesan cheese   Crispy bacon for topping     HOW TO MAKE

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The race is on to fill the unexpired term of place 4 on the Stephenville ISD board of trustees following the recent resignation of Doug Young.   The board has called a special election to fill the open seat for Saturday, May 2.     Dr. Jill McAngus and Jason Smith have both filed to run for the position.   Beneath the Surface News spoke with both candidates about the reason behind their decision to run for school board.   Dr. Jill McAngus Dr. Jill McAn

Gracie Yates' mugshot from the Erath County Jail. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   A woman charged with criminally negligent homicide in connection with an accident that killed a 49-year-old woman and her young son while they slept in their home early Sunday morning, was allegedly drunk.   The arrest warrant, obtained by Beneath the Surface News , describes Gracie Yates’ state when police arrived at a home in the 200 block of N. Ollie Street in Stephenville about 3:30 a.m. Sunday, Marc

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   It was a scary moment for a Morgan Mill family when one of their dogs was recently attacked by a rabid raccoon.   “A raccoon attacked one dog and two others (dogs) came in and killed the raccoon,” Erath County Sheriff Matt Coates told Beneath the Surface News .     The raccoon tested positive for rabies and the Texas Department of Health was notified of the positive rabies exposure in Erath County.   “The dogs have been tested and are being quarantined,

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Beneath the Surface News is preparing to launch its 2 nd  annual Guide to Summer Fun highlighting Erath County summer camps and Vacation Bible Schools. Inclusion into the online publication, which publishes on Sunday, May 17, is free. Organizations hosting summer events should email information to sara@beneaththesurfacenews.com . Please include the dates, location, cost and link to registration. Do not submit events through social media; everything must b

I still enjoy a daily walk, but I always wear a hat, sunglasses, protective shirt and lots of sunscreen. By SARA VANDEN BERGE With warm weather upon us, time spent at the pool and beach is on the agenda. But how I approach these wonderful days of sunshine is different following last year’s skin cancer diagnosis . My journey began in late January/early February 2025, when I noticed a small, itchy bump on my right forearm. I thought it was a bug bite. It was a flesh-colored, ha

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Erath County Humane Society  is hosting its third annual Cinco de Mayo 5k and fun run beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Bosque River Trailhead near Timber Ridge Church. A one-mile fun run will begin at 10. After the fun run, stop by El Corral to enjoy a delicious margarita and fajitas. This non-timed event costs $25 if you register by March 31 or $30 after. Click   here  to register. No dogs are allowed during the 5k, but leashed pups are al

By Julie Brinkley   You don’t have to be a Michelin Star chef to make this recipe from the famed Obstinate Daughter in Charleston.   This Michelin Star restaurant makes a celery apple salad that’s absolutely delicious. I am adding some protein to mine for a healthy dinner.   Click here  to watch a video on how it’s made. THE DRESSING   1 tbsp honey   2 tbsp lemon   2 tbsp olive oil   Salt and pepper   THE SALAD   2 apples, thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)   6-8 stal

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Parents of students at Morgan Mill ISD say they are concerned about a student who allegedly threatened to bring a “sniper rifle” to school this week.   The student – a second grader – was reportedly on the school bus when the threat was made on Tuesday afternoon.     On Thursday, parents received a message from Morgan Mill ISD Superintendent Wendy Sanders, which states:   “Dear Parents and Guardians,   “This message is to inform you of a safety-related

Special to Beneath the Surface News   The  Texas Humane Legislation Network , in collaboration with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of State Health Services, has released a newly designed animal-friendly license plate available for purchase now for $30, with $22 going toward supporting spay/neuter initiatives across Texas.  Like the iconic dog and cat license plates many Texans know well, these new plates are part of the Animal-Friendly License Plate

By  SARA VANDEN BERGE Tornado season in Texas can be frightening. The Lone Star State is hit with an average of 132 tornadoes each year with about 25 of those happening in North Texas.  In 2019, North Texans experienced an unsettling severe weather pattern when 52 twisters were recorded. Erath County is no stranger to severe weather either.    An EF1 tornado tore through the area in 2016, leaving behind a large swath of damage but, thankfully, no injuries.   With the arrival

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Spread the word about your garage sale with a story on Beneath the Surface News. Lots of people love spending their weekends browsing through pre-loved goods, clothing and antiques, and with spring underway, garage sales are popping up across Erath County. Garage sale advertising is easy and affordable. Here’s what you will get for $50: • Short promotional story about the sale one week prior to the event. • Social media post on day the sale begins. Se

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By SARA VANDEN BERGE   With recent rain and more on the way, Erath County officials lifted the burn ban indefinitely on Monday. "The burn ban lift is based on the determination that the fire danger and circumstances identified in the original burn ban currently do not exist," a statement from officials said. Officials say they will continue to monitor fire danger daily.  So, if you have stuff to burn, now’s your chance!

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Tarleton State University ’s neuroscience lab is conducting a research study on chronic knee pain.   The university is looking for participants to take part in the 90-minute NIH-funded study, which explores how chronic knee osteoarthritis pain is processed in the brain using safe and easy procedures.     Dr. Amber Harris Bozer is a neuroscientist leading the paid study.   “We are looking for participants to come to Tarleton for our study,” Dr. Bozer tol

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver   If you’re plagued with a sweet tooth, you’ll love this recipe for blondies.   This yummy treat looks like a brownie, but is made with a cookie base and has a “cakey” consistency.   They are easy to make and so, so  good.     WHAT YOU NEED   4 cups flour, sifted   2 tsp baking soda    2 c of butter softened    1 1/2 cups brown sugar    1/2 cup white sugar     4 eggs   2 packages of instant vanilla pudding mix   2 tsp vanilla   chocolate chips      HOW