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

Keep scrolling for video...

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

Erath County Commissioner Albert Ray was re-elected Tuesday. By SARA VANDEN BERGE Erath County voters in Tuesday’s Republican Primary gave a resounding approval to incumbents running for re-election. All three up for another term were re-elected by a wide margin, and without a Democratic opponent, will retain their seats next year. Final election results for local races: COMMISSIONER PCT. 2 Incumbent Albert Ray – 709 votes, 60.65% Challenger David Bays – 253 votes

By Julie Brinkley I love bringing you healthy, flavorful recipes every week and Mediterranean food is one of my favorites. This recipe is trending on TikTok and there are several variations. Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED 2 lbs. ground chicken 1 small red onion 3 cloves of garlic Handful of parsley 1 jalapeno 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 tbsp sumac (alternative za’tar or lemon zest) 1 tsp chili flakes ½ ground cumin 1 tbs

The "Hall of Marble" inside the Longhorn Cavern. By SARA VANDEN BERGE I remember when our kids were young and we would search for something fun and affordable to do for Spring Break. Our kids always enjoyed an outdoor adventure, so when The Husband and I paid a visit last weekend to Longhorn Cavern State Park , I thought, ‘Man, this would be a fun thing for local families.’” Longhorn Cavern State Park is located near Burnet and touring its cave is like taking a grand ad

Special to Beneath the Surface News WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) on Wednesday took to the House floor to recognize Stephenville High School’s NFF Hatchell Cup Victory. See full story on that here . Williams’ remarks are below: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stephenville High School, which I am honored to represent in the United States Congress. “On February 9th, the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame named Stephenvill

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Forward momentum continues this spring at Tarleton State University with a preliminary enrollment increase of 17.5% from last spring, record graduation numbers and sustained high retention rates. “Tarleton State is transforming lives and educationally preparing the next generation of great Texans every day,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “The commitment of our faculty an

Milk and coffee pair well with this cinnamon sugar donut bread. By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Flour Riot If you need a sweet treat, this recipe for cinnamon sugar donut bread is one your family will absolutely love. Here’s the recipe! WHAT YOU NEED 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder Dash of salt 1 ¼ cups whole milk Spoonful of Greek yogurt 1 large egg, room temperature 2 tablespoons butter melted 1 tab

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Erath County residents who need assistance with food, healthcare, utilities, rent or childcare can find help by calling a United Way helpline . Dialing 2-1-1 and entering a zip code will put community members in contact with a variety of resources that can help. Lisa Scroggins, executive director of the Erath County United Way , said the helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week in all languages. “It’s a great program and easy to use,”

Trey Austin Phillips By SARA VANDEN BERGE An Erath County grand jury has indicted a man charged in connection with a motorcycle accident that claimed the life of a young woman. Trey Austin Phillips was indicted for accident involving death (enhanced), a second degree felony. He is being held at the Erath County Jail without bond. According to the arrest warrant obtained by Beneath the Surface News , DPS Trooper Troy Bridier was dispatched to a motorcycle crash on C

By SARA VANDEN BERGE An Erath County grand jury on Thursday indicted six individuals from Houston accused of traveling to Dublin to engage in a check-cashing scheme. Those indicted include Juan Jose Zuniga-Ornelas for forgery and engaging in organized criminal activity; Miguel Angel Romero for fraudulent use or possession of identifying information; Francisco Guzman-Ramos for fraudulent use or possession of identifying information; Daneri Gormendia-Rodriguez for fraudulen

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Stephenville Rotary Club is partnering with Carter BloodCare to host a blood drive from 1:30-5:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at the Walmart parking lot. Click here to schedule an appointment. Here are a few other interesting facts from Carter BloodCare. • Healthy adults who are at least 17 years old and weigh 110 pounds can donate blood every 56 days. • 32,000 pints of donated blood are used each day in the U.S. and there is a need for blood every t

Stephenville police shut down the street where last night's deadly shooting took place. Photo/Emberly Hay By SARA VANDEN BERGE A well-known local businessman was shot and killed Tuesday night in what police say was a murder-suicide. Sixty-eight-year-old David Bragg, owner of Stephenville City Electric, was shot outside of an apartment complex on Linda Lane. Emberly Hay lives in a home behind the apartment building and was one of the first to call 9-1-1. “My husband an

By Julie Brinkley If you’re a busy family who wants an easy, fast and delicious meal, this viral TikTok recipe for rotisserie chicken and rice in a bag is worth the hype! It’s easy and fabulous (and there are a ton of variations). Click here to watch how I make it. WHAT YOU NEED Rotisserie chicken ( Remove from bag, reserving juices. Debone and shred pieces, return to bag.) 2 cups cooked rice ¼ cup rice wine vinegar 2 green onions 2 small mini cucumbers, d