By Alexis Rochester I spend a lot of time washing hands, testing cleaning products and dealing with dry Texas air, especially this time of year. As a chemist and busy mom, that combination can be tough on skin - hands, nails and feet - that seem to dry out no matter how much lotion you use. Over the years, I’ve tested countless creams and trendy products to see what lives up to the hype. Surprisingly, the best solution isn’t expensive or complicated. It’s one small bo

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Restoration Advocates is hosting a high-energy event to raise money for Restoration Place, which provides emergency housing for women and children escaping domestic abuse. Keys for a Cause; Dueling Pianos will take place from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, at Rancho El Burro in Stephenville. "It's going to be a lot of fun," board president James Gresham told Beneath the Surface News . "They play what the crowd requests with a high-energy, ve

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Erath County officials continue to hold details surrounding the Feb. 5 incident in Lingleville that left one man dead unusually close. Sgt. Garrett Koonsman with the Erath County Sheriff’s Office oversees investigations and told Beneath the Surface News that the people involved will not be publicly named at this time. He said that deputies with the ECSO were dispatched to an area off FM 8, near the Lingleville Store on Feb. 5. (The Lingleville St

Strawberry chocolate chip scones By Sarah McNeal-Weaver If you’re looking to make a sweet treat to start your Valentine’s Day celebration, this recipe for strawberry chocolate chip scones is perfect. (And they pair nicely with a hot cup of coffee.) WHAT YOU NEED 2 cups flour 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/4 tsp salt 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 cup salted butter (cold) 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 egg 2 tsp vanilla About five chopped strawberries Hand

These easy, delicious brownies will satisfy that sweet tooth you've been fighting with. By Sarah McNeal-Weaver If you are looking for a sweet treat to bring to Sunday’s Super Bowl bash, these crowd pleasing brownies are perfect! They are super easy to make and equally delicious! WHAT YOU NEED 1 cup salted butter, melted and cooled 2 cups white sugar 4 eggs 2/3 cup cocoa powder 1 cup flour 1 tsp vanilla Handful of chocolate chips Optional: nuts, c

Matthew Thompson By SARA VANDEN BERGE A man accused of developing an inappropriate relationship with a student at Huckabay ISD reportedly “begged” for nude photos of the 13-year-old. Beneath the Surface News has obtained a copy of the official complaint against Matthew Thompson, the 34-year-old IT director at Huckabay ISD, charged with child grooming and sexual performance by a child. As soon as Huckabay ISD Superintendent Wes Corzine learned about the allegation, he p

Butter drop biscuits and easy to make and delicious. By Sarah Weaver I love biscuits and gravy. But I am always baffled that so many people take the time to make a delicious gravy, only to use canned biscuits. So, ditch ‘em! Homemade biscuits are easier to make than you might think. HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED 1 1/2 cups flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1 stick of butter 3/4 cup whole milk HOW TO MAKE THEM Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a b

By Julie Brinkley There’s nothing like a piping hot bowl of soup to warm you up on a cold winter’s night. We are taking this potato soup recipe up a notch by adding Boursin cheese and protein. Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed Two packages Boursin cheese One package turkey smoked sausage, sliced in bite-size pieces 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder One carton chicken stock

The last day to file for a place on the ballot is Feb. 13. By SARA VANDEN BERGE The list of candidates running for Stephenville City Council continues to grow. Mark McClinton filed Wednesday to run for the unexpired term of Place 3, previously held by Mayor Lonn Reisman. On Thursday, Nick Robinson filed for Place 7, currently held by councilman Brandon Greenhaw who is stepping down. The special election to fill both unexpired terms will be held Saturday, May 2, in co

By Sarah Weaver Our family loves this recipe for high protein strawberry cheesecake bites! This versatile recipe keeps well in the fridge. It’s sweet and will help keep those New Year’s resolutions in check! Click here to watch a video on how they're made. WHAT YOU NEED 1 cup Greek yogurt 1 cup zero sugar cool whip 1 package sugar free cheesecake pudding mix 1 package strawberries, cleaned and dried For covering: Chocolate chips/coconut oil HOW T

By Julie Brinkley Not only is this recipe full of flavor, it’s lean and green and made with simple ingredients. If you’re watching your carbs, substitute white rice for cauliflower rice. Click here to watch a video on how I make it. WHAT YOU NEED 1 lb. ground beef, lean White rice 3 green onions 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar 1 tsp ginger 2 cloves garlic 2 tsp sesame oil 1 tbsp Gochujang 1 tbsp brown sugar English cucumber Carrots

Darrell Brown By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Erath County United Way has renamed its “Live United” scholarship after the late Darrell Brown. Brown was the director of administrative services for the city of Stephenville when he passed away on Jan. 11. He was only 60 years old. An ECUW Facebook post from board president David Perez states, “I am honored to share that our board has approved renaming our scholarship the Darrell W. Brown Live United Scholarship, in memory of

Photo/Jocelyn Etters Special to Beneath the Surface News The S tephenville High School DECA chapter delivered an outstanding performance at the District 9 Career Development Conference held in Sweetwater, with an impressive majority of competitors earning advancement to the state level. Out of 52 students who represented the school, 45 qualified for the Texas DECA State C areer Development Conference , reflecting the chapter’s strong preparation and commitment to excellence.

Ricky Thurman By SARA VANDEN BERGE A familiar face in local politics is hoping to make a return to the Stephenville City Council in May. Ricky Thurman filed Wednesday for Place 6, currently held by David Baskett. “I am excited to announce my candidacy for Stephenville City Council,” Thurman told Beneath the Surface News . “With seven of the nine seats up for election this May, and after meeting with Mayor (Lonn) Reisman, I believe an experienced voice on the counci

Daylee Powe poses with her ribbon Tuesday after competing in the Chisolm Challenge. Photos/Kate Powe By SARA VANDEN BERGE Young Stephenville resident Daylee Powe was finally able to take on something she’s been looking forward to – the Chisolm Challenge. Daylee, an eight-year-old second grader at Chamberlin Elementary, took part in the Chisolm Challenge on Tuesday. “The Chisolm Challenge is a competitive horse show for riders with disabilities that is a part of the Fo

By Sarah Weaver New Year’s resolutions I hear most from people are the desire to lose weight and get healthy, save money and do more cooking at home. This recipe for no knead bread is one of my favorite things to make because it’s simple and uses minimal ingredients. Give it a try and let me know what you think. WHAT YOU NEED 1 packet active dry yeast 1 ½ tbsp white sugar 1 ¼ cup warm water 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 tbsp salt 2 tbsp olive oil HOW

By Julie Brinkley This recipe is a new one for me. It has all the delicious flavors of salmon and sushi without uncooked fish. (And yes, you can get the seaweed paper at HEB.) Click here to watch a video on how they are made. WHAT YOU NEED 1 lb. salmon 1 tsp avocado oil 1 tbsp soy sauce ½ tsp paprika ½ tsp chili lime seasoning ½ tsp garlic powder Pinch of salt and pepper Nori sheets Prepared white rice or high protein rice alternative. TOPPI

Photo/Blessed Matai By SARA VANDEN BERGE A Stephenville sixth grader has been named champion of the 2025 Jiu Jitsu World League. Twelve-year-old Ben Cashon is a student at Makhuwa Brazilian JiuJitsu . “This accomplishment is nothing short of spectacular,” instructor Blessed Matai told Beneath the Surface News . “Benji placed in the top two percent of all competitors, a testament to his consistency, skill and dedication. “ We are all very proud of him." Ben is the son

Aaron Webb/mugshot from Erath County Jail By SARA VANDEN BERGE A De Leon man is being held at the Erath County Jail without bond for allegedly threatening three Erath County officials. According to the official complaint obtained by Beneath the Surface News , Tim Holzschuh, an investigator with Erath County District Attorney Alan Nash’s office, received a letter on Oct. 14, 2025 from a confidential informant outlining an alleged threat from another inmate. The letter