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

David Martin Q. What are the main duties of the Justice of the Peace? There are many duties assigned to the Justice of the Peace that touch on various areas of the law. Statutorily, the Justice of the Peace has jurisdiction over Class C Misdemeanors Cases filed in their precinct as well as Small Claims civil disputes in which the damages are for $20,000 or less. They also have jurisdiction over Eviction Proceedings in which the property in controversy lies within their Precin

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

TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   Hiring representatives from school districts and education organizations from across Texas will be on the Tarleton State University campus in Stephenville for the Future Educators Career Fair from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the Barry B. Thompson Student Center ballrooms.   The fair will offer prospective educators the chance to explore opportunities, ask questions and make meaningful connections, whethe

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

Melissa Ferguson Q. What are the main duties of the Justice of the Peace?   In Texas, the Justice of the Peace serves as a vital pillar of our judicial system, embodying the dual roles of magistrate and judge.   As a judge, they preside over a range of criminal and civil cases, including traffic offenses, Class C misdemeanors such as minor alcohol violations, and simple assault.   In civil matters, they manage small claims and debt claims up to $20,000, as well as eviction pr

Graphic/Tarleton State University Special to Beneath the Surface News   Tarleton State University is gearing up for its upcoming musical, Little Shop of Horrors, happening at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19–21 in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center.   A special discounted rate of $5 is available for students and/or parent groups for the 2 p.m. Sunday matinee on Feb. 22.     If a group from an area school is interested in attending, RSVP to reserve seats by calling the Box Offic

The birria torta is a new menu item for $10, but you can get a special Valentine’s version (double the size and heart-shaped) for $18. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If your Valentine’s Day plans include a tasty margarita and plate of delicious Mexican food, Azteca has got you covered.   Azteca Mexican Bar and Grill is gearing up for the holiday by unveiling a special menu that includes a heart-shaped birria torta for $18 and “taco love” for $25.   The Stephenville restaurant is off

Say hi to Harry. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Harry, a three to four-month-old male mixed-breed pup with a big heart and lots of energy.   “Harry was born under a local business and brought safely into our care,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News .     “He didn't have much early human interaction, but you'd never know it now. This sweet boy loves attention and s

Dale Spurlen Q. Why are you running for Erath County commissioner? I’m running for County Commissioner because I care deeply about Erath County and how local decisions affect people’s lives every day. Having lived and worked in this area, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our county faces as we experience growth and change.   I want to ensure that county services are working efficiently to help people get on with their daily lives, whether that’s maintaining safe roads, mana

Erath County Commissioner Albert Ray   Q: Why are you running for Erath County commissioner? I’m running for re-election as Erath County Commissioner because I believe deeply in finishing what we started and continuing to move our county forward the right way — steady, responsible, and rooted in common sense. Over the last eight years, I’ve had the honor of serving the people of Erath County, and together with the County Judge, my fellow Commissioners, department heads, and o

Photo/Rough Creek Lodge Special to Beneath the Surface News This Valentine’s Day, Rough Creek Lodg e invites couples to celebrate love with an elevated, multi-course dining experience crafted by Executive Chef Gerard Thompson, alongside Chef de Cuisine Raul Mujica and Sous Chef James Sowders.   Set within the resort’s refined yet rustic dining room, the prix-fixe Valentine’s menu highlights luxury ingredients, Texas-inspired flavors, and indulgent pairings designed for an unf

Special to Beneath the Surface News The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame has named Stephenville High School as the national winner of the 2025-26 NFF Hatchell Cup, following a comprehensive nationwide evaluation of the country's top state-recognized academic high school football teams. In addition to earning the distinction as the premier academic high school team in the nation, Stephenville's football program will be awarded $10,000 from Bob's Steak

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Erath County Master Gardeners is gearing up to host its first “Adventures in Gardening” class of the year.   “When we talk to gardeners in the community, one topic that comes up repeatedly is tackling grassburs,” club member Sheila Mangione told Beneath the Surface News .     “Dr. Hennen Cummings will provide expert advice on minimizing grassburs and other weeds that invade turfgrass.”   Dr. Cummings will also share tips for effective lawn management, w

Special to Beneath the Surface News   The public is invited to attend a virtual public meeting with in-person options for the 2027-2030 Rural Transportation Improvement Program (Rural TIP).   The online event will take place here on Feb. 10-26.     The meeting will offer an opportunity to review and comment on proposed transportation priorities within each county.   The Rural TIP is the first step on the road to producing a Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.   The

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

By SARA VANDEN BERGE If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Harlem Globetrotters perform in person, your chance is coming. The Globetrotters will be at Tarleton's EECU Center  in Stephenville on Feb. 13. From gravity-defying dunks to game-changing tricks, experience the team that redefined basketball! Score your tickets by clicking here .

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   “Maybe our girlfriends are our soul mates and guys are just people to have fun with.” - Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City Valentine’s Day is not just a time to celebrate romantic love; it’s also a day to celebrate those amazing female friendships, and Lucky Vines Vineyard and Winery  is the perfect place to do it. Grab your girl gang and head to Lucky Vines for a Galentine’s Day brunch from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7. The delicious menu includes

Say hi to Blossom! By SARA VANDEN BERGE   One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Blossom, a pretty girl as sweet as her name.   “She was adopted and later returned when apartment life turned out not to be the right fit, but don't let that fool you,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News .     “This gentle, softhearted girl hasn't lost her loving spirit one bit. Blossom truly shines in calm, quiet e

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Bull Nettle , Stephenville’s No. 1 sports bar, is gearing up for the biggest night in football with a Super Bowl watch party on Sunday. The big game kicks off at 5:30 p.m. when the Seattle Seahawks take on the New England Patriots in Santa Clara, CA. You can watch the game on Bull Nettle’s 12 TVs and large video screen with surround sound. Owner Court Cole told Beneath the Surface News  that the watch party is an annual event. “We do this every year as