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

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

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