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LIFE IS INTERESTING. BEING INFORMED MATTERS.
A news site focusing on people, places and events happening in and around Stephenville and Erath County, Texas.
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It’s not too late to register for these area summer camps, vacation Bible schools.
Campsville takes place June 15-18. Photo/Mindy McCleskey By SARA VANDEN BERGE Summer is in full swing and there’s still time to get your kiddo registered for a summer camp and vacation Bible School. If dancing is your childs thing, check out the offerings at Stephenville Dance Center. Tarleton State University is hosting a slew of great camps from ag, choir, theatre and cheer to drumline and every sport you can imagine. The university is making it easy for parents
3 days ago3 min read


World Cup 2026 gets underway; here’s where you can catch the action.
By SARA VANDEN BERGE Soccer fans have been vying for tickets and anxiously awaiting the start of the World Cup 2026 for months, and now it’s finally here. The global event begins tonight (Thursday) with matchups between Mexico and South Africa followed by Korea Republic and Czechia. You can watch the World Cup matches in the comfort of your home on FOX, FS1, Fox One and Tubi, but if you’d rather gather with friends at a local hangout spot in Stephenville, here’s where t
4 days ago1 min read


If you’re traveling through Bluff Dale this week, be aware of this US 377 closure.
Special to Beneath the Surface News US 377 will be closed at the railroad crossing north of Glenn Street from 1 a.m. Friday, June 12, through 11 p.m. Monday, June 15, for maintenance activities by the railroad. US 377 will remain open north and south of the crossing to access local properties. Northbound through traffic will be detoured on FM 2481 to FM 205 and FM 2870. Southbound through traffic will be detoured on FM 2870 to FM 205 to FM 2481. Northbound truck tra
4 days ago1 min read


Get your team registered for the Cross Timbers Classic; charity golf scramble at Squaw Valley.
By SARA VANDEN BERGE Cross Timbers Family Services is hosting its sixth annual Cross Timbers Classic at Squaw Valley Golf Resort in Glen Rose. The charity golf scramble will start at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, June 26. The cost to enter the four-person team is $500. Fees include breakfast, lunch, cart/greens, drinks and swag bag. "As always, proceeds from our event will go toward providing emergency assistance for victims of violent crime in Erath and surrounding counties,” CTFS
5 days ago1 min read


A watermelon snack that tastes like you’re on a beach in Mexico.
By Sarah McNeal Weaver Flour Riot This is a super simple and delicious way to turn watermelon into a fresh summer treat. The first time I made it, my son said, “Wow! This tastes like a beach in Mexico!” Now, it’s a staple in out home because who doesn’t want to snack like they’re on a beach? WHAT YOU NEED Two cups seedless watermelon, cut into small pieces Handful of fresh mint leaves, washed and chopped One lime Drizzle (or two) of honey HOW TO MAKE I
5 days ago1 min read


Tarleton seeks military veterans to participate in 8-week study exploring benefits of working with horses.
Special to Beneath the Surface News The Texan Therapeutic Riding at Tarleton State University is seeking U.S. military veterans and their families to participate in an eight-week research study exploring the benefits of working with horses. Participants will complete surveys, adaptive horsemanship lessons, interviews and screening visits. U.S. Veterans with a spouse or partner may participate, with the option to include up to two children ages eight and older. Compensat
6 days ago1 min read


Local flower shop hired to provide florals for the World Cup 2026 at Dallas Stadium.
Taylor Ashlynn and her team are gearing up to provide florals for the Dallas World Cup. Photos/PinaTaylotta Petals By SARA VANDEN BERGE Taylor Ashlynn, owner and designer of PinaTaylotta Petals in Bluff Dale, has a big job on her hands. She has been hired to do all of the florals for the Dallas World Cup. “We will provide all of the flowers for the soccer matches and private suites - every floral entering the Dallas Stadium,” Taylor told Beneath the Surface News. “Eve
6 days ago2 min read


Dublin Public Library prepares for annual back-to-school fair; here’s how you can donate.
By SARA VANDEN BERGE Summer vacation is just getting started, but the Dublin Public Library is preparing to give students and families a boost for the upcoming year. The library will host its annual back-to-school fair from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 25. Dublin Public Library director Adina Dunn told Beneath the Surface News that it's partnering with Dublin Lions Club and Dublin Dairy Queen to serve hot dogs and ice cream. “We are so excited for this year's event!” Ad
6 days ago1 min read


Kroger not coming to Stephenville, but city 'is actively recruiting’ new grocer.
By SARA VANDEN BERGE I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but here I am… Over the past few days, Beneath the Surface News has received several messages asking if Kroger is coming to Stephenville. I spoke with three local officials today who gave me one unanimous answer: No. Bummer. I, too, had hoped the rumor was true. On a positive note, Jeff Sandford, executive director of the Stephenville Economic Development Authority, said the city is actively recruiting grocers "but
7 days ago1 min read


Meet Bubble Bath: This gentle, easygoing pup gets along great with other animals.
Bubble Bath By SARA VANDEN BERGE One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Bubble Bath, a sweet six to seven-year-old girl waiting for a family to call her own. “Bubble Bath thrives on attention and would happily spend her days by your side, soaking up pets and affection,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News. “She is gentle, loyal and easygoing and has done well around other dogs, cats and la
7 days ago2 min read


Summer concerts in the park series keeps rolling with these upcoming performances.
By SARA VANDEN BERGE Summer is in full swing and so is the annual summer concert series held at Stephenville City Park. Grab a chair, cooler of drinks and your favorite people and enjoy these free concerts under the big Texas sky. Here’s the remaining summer lineup. (There have been a few changes to the original schedule.) FRIDAY, JUNE 26 - Scott Kirby and Davin James opening for Mac McAnally at 7 p.m. SATURDAY, JULY 4 – Presley Haile at 6 p.m.; Larry Joe Taylor and Dave Per
Jun 61 min read


Self-defense demonstration with Blessed Matai.
Scroll down to watch self-defense lesson with Blessed Matai.
Jun 61 min read


Panera Bread, Baskin-Robbins opening at joint location in Stephenville later this summer.
Rendering/Courtesy TSU Media Relations By SARA VANDEN BERGE Stephenville is in for another treat. Literally. Panera Bread and Baskin-Robbins are set to make their debut at Tarleton State University later this summer. Jenna Partin, director of university communications, told Beneath the Surface News that the joint location will feature indoor seating and a covered outdoor patio designed for year-round comfort, with heaters available during the winter months and fans
Jun 21 min read


Stephenville opens registration for July 4th parade. Here’s how to participate in this annual tradition.
By SARA VANDEN BERGE Stephenville officials are gearing up for its Fourth of July festivities and if taking part in the annual parade is on your wish list, here are a few things you need to know. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. Check-in will begin at 7 a.m. at the main entrance at Stephenville City Park (off Graham Street). The deadline to register is June 29, so don’t wait! Click here for rules, regulations and to register. The parade will begin at the s
Jun 21 min read


Young entrepreneur makes handcrafted silver and turquoise jewelry right here in Stephenville, Texas.
This stunning 5-stone pendant was handcrafted using Sonoran Mountain. It’s sterling silver and handmade in Stephenville, Texas. By SARA VANDEN BERGE A Stephenville woman has started a business that designs stunning handmade jewelry and turquoise. Nineteen-year-old Aubrey Vanden Berge is the owner of VB Silver Co. “My company is inspired by a love for turquoise, silver and western style,” Aubrey told Beneath the Surface News. “What started as a passion has grown into
Jun 11 min read


New owners of KSTV have big plans for the radio station and very interesting backgrounds.
Kenneth and Heidi Witt By SARA VANDEN BERGE KSTV the Mighty 93 has a new tag line - Cowboy 93 KSTV - and new owners ready to take the popular radio station to new heights. Kenneth and Heidi Witt, owners of Lonestar Broadcasting Group, took over operations on June 1. They sat down with Beneath the Surface News to talk about their plans for the station and the interesting path that led them to Erath County. Kenneth graduated from the University of Kentucky, dabbled in p
Jun 12 min read


Vendor registration now open for the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Festival.
Special to Beneath the Surface News Vendor registration is now open for the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Festival. This year’s event will be held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Stephenville City Park. Hosted by Knights of Columbus Council 10816, the festival will feature a full day of food, music, culture, shopping, family activities and entertainment. One of this year's featured attractions will be the 5th Annual Lights Out Tournament, hosted by the St
May 311 min read


Buffalo Wild Wings unveils summer entertainment, specials. Think bingo, trivia nights and bottomless apps.
Special to Beneath the Surface News This summer, there’s no better place to gather with friends, enjoy great food and catch all the action than Buffalo Wild Wings. Their “Summer at B-Dubs” lineup is packed with weekly specials, themed trivia nights, bingo, watch parties and family-friendly events designed to bring the community together all season long. Guests can enjoy bingo night every Tuesday with $2 cards, cash prizes and $10 beer pitchers from 6-8 p.m., while Thu
May 311 min read


Beach reading season arrives: 2 thrillers, 1 romance. What do you want to read in June?
By SARA VANDEN BERGE Ahhhh. Beach season… the best time of year to dive into a juicy, feel-good book with vacation vibes. I know how much my fellow Beneath the Book Clubbers love a good thriller, so I put two on June’s list of choices. Both are recently released books; one written by one of my favorite authors, Nora Roberts. And then we have a romance by a New York Times bestselling author. Take a look and tell me what you think. 1. The Divorce by Freida McFad
May 293 min read


Local chemist mom swears by this hydrating mineral sunscreen for Texas summers.
Scroll down to get a discount code for FRÉ mineral sunscreen. By Alexis Rochester Living in Texas means spending a lot of time in the sun, whether it’s ball games, splash pads, summer camps, pool days or simply running errands in the heat. As someone who had skin cancer at a young age, sun protection is something I take very seriously for myself and family. After years of searching for the best mineral sunscreen as both a mom and a chemist, I finally found one I truly l
May 283 min read


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