Photo/Marilyn Jones By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The First United Methodist Church of Stephenville raised a whopping $15,000 during its 38th annual baked potato lunch on March 3.   The money will be used to fund local missions like the Tree House After-School Program, Backpack Buddies of Erath County, Love Thy Neighbor Clothes Closet and St. Luke Episcopal Church’s Food Pantry.   Church volunteers washed and baked potatoes, assembled butter/cheese/sour cream packets, heated chili,

Chicken caprese smash tacos By Julie Brinkley   My family loves a good smash taco, so I have another recipe to share.   If you like caprese chicken, you will LOVE these tacos!   Click here to watch a video on how they are made.     WHAT YOU NEED   1 lb. ground chicken   4 flour tortillas   2 tsp Italian seasoning   1 tsp garlic powder   1 egg, beaten     1 cup Panko bread crumbs   Cherry tomatoes   Parmesan cheese   Fresh basil   One clove garlic   Olive oil   Salt and peppe

The Rocha family (Editorial note: The following letter was sent to Beneath the Surface News by Alfredo Rocha Jr. whose mother and brother died when a vehicle crashed into their Stephenville home on March 22.)   I have been trying to find the right words to explain what my family and I are feeling, and I still feel like I fall short.   Since the day my mother and little brother were taken from us, our lives have been changed in ways I never could have imagined. There is a kin

Hi Abernathy! By SARA VANDEN BERGE   One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Abernathy, an eight to nine-month-old mixed breed pup that arrived at the shelter as a stray.   “Abernathy is a sweet, energetic girl who lives for attention and being with her people,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News .     “She loves to be in the middle of the action and will happily follow you around to see what's g

Special to Beneath the Surface News   The Stephenville Optimist Club will host its 54th annual auction at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1, at City Hall at City Limits.   Led by a mission of providing hope and positivity to support the youth and community, all proceeds raised by the annual auction will be used to provide school supplies for Stephenville ISD students for the upcoming school year.     The event will include silent and live auctions, as well as live entertainment and

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The Erath County Master Gardeners organization is hosting its annual spring plant sale from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the Texas AgriLife Research Center, located at 1229 N, Hwy. 281 in Stephenville   “As always we’ll have many varieties of Texas natives and adapted plants as well as indoor and patio plants, shade plants and sun lovers, herbs and succulents,” event organizer Sheila Mangione told Beneath the Surface News .     “Our educational

Special to Beneath the Surface News   A growing national movement focused on developing the next generation of leaders is making a local impact this month through the Maxwell Global Youth Initiative, a program designed to equip, inspire, and empower young people with essential leadership skills.   The initiative mobilizes Maxwell Leadership Certified Trainers to meet youth where they are: inside schools, churches and community centers.     By bringing training directly into t

Jason and Maddie Smith and their two kids. To the Stephenville community,   Stephenville isn’t just where we live, it’s our home. It’s where my wife and I chose to raise our two kids, and where we’ve spent the last 15 years building our lives right alongside so many of you.   I’m running for the Stephenville ISD Board of Trustees because I care about our community, our schools, our teachers, and the future of all our students.   Paid political advertisment I didn’t enter this

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Early voting in city elections begins on Monday.   Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, April 20, through Friday, April 24, and Monday, April 27, and Tuesday, April 28, at the new Erath County Annex located at 222 E. College Street in Stephenville.     Polls will be closed on Tuesday, April 21.   There are two contested races on the Stephenville ballot – one for city council and one for Stephenville ISD board of trustees.   Incumbent Gerald

Matthew Thompson By SARA VANDEN BERGE   An Erath County grand jury on Thursday indicted the former IT director at Huckabay ISD for child grooming and sexual performance by a child. Matthew Thompson was arrested on Jan. 23 and immediately placed on administrative leave. According to the official complaint obtained by Beneath the Surface News , Thompson engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a 13-year-old student. The two exchanged sexually-charged text messages and seve

Special to Beneath the Surface News Spring typically brings the most severe thunder and hail to Texas. The transition from cool to warm weather can create a lot of energy and moisture – and storms. Use these tips to make sure your insurance is ready: • Check your home insurance policy to see if it covers wind damage. If not, ask your agent about  windstorm insurance .   • Consider comprehensive insurance coverage for your car. It covers damage to your car from flood, hail, fi

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If you have a kiddo entering pre-k or kindergarten soon, this is for you.   Central Elementary in Stephenville is gearing up to host its annual pre-k and kindergarten round-up for the 2026–2027 school year. Attend this exciting event where families will receive all the information they’ll need to prepare for the upcoming school year.   The roundup will take place from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21.   They will be giving out FREE Future Yellow Jackets an

Sugar cookie bars make a special after-school treat! By Sarah-McNeal Weaver   Some days we just need something sweet and this recipe for sugar cookie bars makes a great after-school treat.   They are cute, easy to make and super tasty!     WHAT YOU NEED   1 cup softened butter    1 cup of white sugar    Cream together in mixer until smooth.   ADD:   2 tsp vanilla    1 egg    Then mix again.   In a separate bowl, combine:   2 1/4 cups flour    Dash of salt   1 1/2 tsp baking p

Special to Beneath the Surface News   Revitalize Dublin, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to beautification, community development and economic growth will host its 3rd annual fundraiser on Saturday, April 25, at The Majestic on Grafton (Shenanigans Irish Pub).     Guests will enjoy a high-energy performance by One Headlight Band, known for bringing the best of the ’90s to life, barbecue, silent auction and the Mr. legs contest – a crowd favorite.   Doors open at 5 p.m.,

Special to Beneath the Surface News   Work continues on the project to rehabilitate Business 67 (Patrick Street) in Dublin.   Sections from the railroad tracks to SH 6 and SH 6 to Pecan Street have reopened to traffic as construction progresses.     New signals, drainage facilities and pedestrian signals were installed at the intersection with SH 6.   Drainage facilities were also installed along Elm Street and Live Oak Street   Work began on the current phase from Pecan Stre

Joey Green will perform at 3 Shy Ranch on Saturday. Photo/Jaso's Picassos Special to Beneath the Surface News   Tickets are on sale for an unforgettable evening of music, food and Texas hospitality when Fat Mary’s presents "Supper & Songs" on Saturday, April 18, at the scenic 3 Shy Ranch .   This intimate event will feature live performances by Texas favorite Joey Green and rising standouts Ghosts of Hill County (Randall Clowdus and Roy Hudson), bringing together a powerful

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association action returns to Stephenville with the 60th annual Tarleton Stampede this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Cowboy Capital Fairgrounds Arena, 9875 U.S. Hwy. 67.   Nightly performances get underway at 7 p.m., with slack scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday mornings.   In all, seven colleges and universities will compete in nine NIRA events, inc

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The Stephenville City Council voted unanimously last week to move forward with building a new City Hall.   Mayor Pro Tem David Baskett told Beneath the Surface News that the city signed an agreement with North 94 Land Development LLC to design the facility.     “It doesn’t tie us to moving forward with it, but it does allow us to start getting site plans and a cost breakdown,” Baskett said.                                        The current City Hall,

By Julie Brinkley   These sheet pan barbecue crispy tacos are a favorite in our house!   They are simple to make and so tasty!     WHAT YOU NEED   1 ½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast   1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix   ⅔ cup barbecue sauce   3 tbsp avocado oil     12 corn tortillas   ¼ cup sour cream   2 tbsp mayo   Shredded lettuce   Cheddar Cheese, grated   Chopped dill pickles, plus 2 tbsp pickle juice     HOW TO MAKE IT   Place chicken in small baking dish.    Res

Cupid By SARA VANDEN BERGE One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Cupid, a five to six-year-old pit mix.   “He is one of our longest stay pups, and he's more than ready to find his forever home,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News .     “Cupid is a wiggly, lovable goofball who lives for attention, belly rubs and playtime.   “He's a friendly, excitable boy who may get a little jumpy with greeting