By SARA VANDEN BERGE Editorial note: This story has been updated to show that his medical license has been revoked rather than suspended. A well-known orthopedic surgeon in Stephenville is being forced to close his practice after his medical license was revoked by the Texas Medical Board. Dr. Bill Evans was reportedly informed about the decision on Thursday. Several sources told Beneath the Surface News that Evans lost his medical license after giving an illegal medica

Erath County Courthouse By SARA VANDEN BERGE A rumor circulating that a data center is coming to Erath County has reportedly not been substantiated by county officials. “We have been told by citizens, but have not had any contact with a landowner or developer regarding any data center projects in Erath County,” Erath County Judge Brandon Huckabee told Beneath the Surface News. “There are a lot of developers bundling land and selling to data center developers across Te

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The long Labor Day weekend has arrived, and for the vast majority of you (based on results from our online poll), it marks the official end of summer and start of fall. So, we’re just going to focus on the fact that cooler temps and cozy night are on the way. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of fun happening this weekend to soak up those last days of summer. First up, the popular Farmers & Artisan Market is back from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the downtown pl

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Blueberry muffins: Because who doesn’t want to celebrate a long weekend with an easy breakfast treat. WHAT YOU NEED 2 cups flour 1 cup sugar 2 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt Mix and set aside. ½ cup melted butter ½ cup milk Dash vanilla 2 eggs Mix until smooth, then combine egg and flour mixture. Add about 1 cup of blueberries and pour into lined muffin tin. TOPPING In small bowl, mix 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp white s

Special to Beneath the Surface News Pocket prairies are growing in popularity and local gardeners can learn more during Erath County Master Gardeners’ next “Adventures in Gardening” program, Pocket Prairie Power: Small Space, Big Impact. Pocket prairies are small garden spots - less than an acre in size – that provide birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife with food, shelter and breeding spots. The class will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the AgriL

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Christmasville, Stephenville’s annual downtown holiday celebration on Saturday, Nov. 28. (Just two days after Thanksgiving.) “This all-day event is the perfect way to support local businesses while soaking up the festive spirit,” Main Street manager Ashley Thomas told Beneath the Surface News. “The downtown comes alive with holiday music, local vendors and visits from Santa as he makes his way throu

By Julie Brinkley If you are looking for a cozy, quick dinner, this recipe for broccoli cheddar beef bowls is for you. It’s similar to hamburger helper, but with a healthy twist. Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED FOR BEEF MIXTURE 1 lb. ground beef 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder ½ tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp dried thyme FOR THE SAUCE 2 tbsp butter 1 yellow onion 2

Barbie By SARA VANDEN BERGE One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Barbie, a five-year-old shepherd mix with a big personality and lots of energy. “This smart girl is housebroken, crate trained, knows her basic commands, walks nicely on a leash and loves going for car rides and adventures,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News. “Barbie would love an active family who can keep her busy with

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News A cohort of 59 students made Tarleton State University history on Saturday as the first class in the Physician Assistant Medicine program to participate in a White Coat Ceremony. The ceremony recognized an important milestone in the students’ professional education as they received their white coats and reflected on the responsibilities that come with a career devoted to caring for others.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The popular Farmers & Artisan Market will be back from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 5, at the downtown plaza in Stephenville. The plaza will be filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. There will also be live music by the North Texas Brass Quintet. See you there!

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Stephenville Police Department is hosting a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, on the home side of the at Art Briles Stadium. Chief Dan Harris will serve as the keynote speaker. “Please join us as we formally honor the 72 local state and federal law enforcement officers and the 343 New York City Firefighters who were killed in the line of duty on September 11, 2001,” Chief Harr

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Newton’s Saddlerack in downtown Stephenville is adding something exciting to its monthly rotation: Mahjong Nights. Whether you’re an experienced player or just learning the rules of the game, this is for you. Mahjong play will kick off at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, and the tiles will keep flying on the first Thursday of every month. The evening will include unique cocktails and a special Majhong menu. Teaching tables are $35 and tournament

Keep scrolling to watch the workout video with Blessed Matai.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The following report is based off the arrest warrant for Dana Whitley Buckelew, obtained by Beneath the Surface News. Erath County District Attorney Alan Nash said the use of flock cameras led investigators to Buckelew’s arrest. (Read the original report here.) “But for the availability of flock cameras to identify the perpetrator's vehicle on public roadways, the arsonist would not have been identified, apprehended and neutralized as a threat so quic

Special to Beneath the Surface News In early August, the Erath County Fire Marshal's Office began investigating a series of suspicious fires occurring along roadways in eastern Erath County. Due to the circumstances surrounding these fires, the fire marshal's office initiated an investigation with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Rangers Division and the Dublin Police Department. As a result of the investigation, Dana Whitley Buckelew was

By SARA VANDEN BERGE I don’t know about you, but I am sick and tired of all things summer. I’m over this heat and I’m ready to curl up with a fall-like book with a cup of hot tea. These aren’t quite spooky enough for Halloween (that will come next month), but they will get us ready for the upcoming holiday season. Keep scrolling and let me know which book you’re most interested in reading in September. 1. The September House by Carissa Orlando 3.9 on Goodreads

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Seven consecutive years of enrollment growth have led Tarleton State University to another record fall, with preliminary enrollment exceeding 27,000 students across Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, RELLIS and online. Tarleton State welcomed more than 4,600 new Texans this fall, including 3,400 first-time-in- college students which is up 12% from fall 2025. As part of the growth, the unive

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Healthy treats aren’t just for people; our dogs deserve them too. This homemade treat recipe for your pup is easy to make and can store in the fridge for up to two weeks. Let’s make it! WHAT YOU NEED 2 cups rolled oats (old fashioned, not quick oats) 2 medium bananas ½ cup natural peanut butter (be sure its peanuts only, no added sugar) HOW TO MAKE IT Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a blender or food processor, pour in the oats

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Erath County residents are dealing with stinging eyes as a thick blanket of smoke envelops the area while wildfires rage in neighboring counties. Erath County emergency management coordinator Chris Brooks told Beneath the Surface News that the smoke in the area is from the Palo Pinto fire. He said he is not concerned that the wildfires will spread to Erath County, but that doesn’t mean the area isn’t at risk. “Erath County is not on fire, but th