Special to Beneath the Surface News The Melody Mountain Foundation presented a check for $10,192.81 to Foster’s Home for Children , representing proceeds from the inaugural Foster’s Merry Mountain Christmas fundraiser. The two-day event, held Dec. 12-13 at Melody Mountain Ranch, featured live music performances and a silent auction, bringing together artists, volunteers, sponsors, and community members in support of children served by Foster’s Home. Larry Joe Taylor, founder

By Julie Brinkley   Not only is this pasta filling and easy to make, it’s incredibly flavorful.   Made with Italian sausage, chicken stock, heavy cream and parmesan cheese, this delicious recipe is rich, creamy and the perfect end to a long day.   Click here to watch a video on how it’s made.   WHAT YOU NEED   1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)   1 onion, diced   1 green bell pepper, diced   Minced garlic, to taste   3 tablespoons tomato paste   1 can (8 ounces) tom

By Sarah Weaver   Holiday baking is never complete without a batch of traditional sugar cookies.   This easy recipe is fun to make with the kids (especially the decorating)!   WHAT YOU NEED   1 cup butter 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 egg 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 cups all-purpose flour   HOW TO MAKE THEM Cream butter and sugar in a mixer; add vanilla and egg.   In a separate bowl, combine baking powder, salt and flour. Add flour mixture to butter mixtu

Daniel Slocomb's mugshot from the Erath County Jail. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   An Erath County grand jury on Thursday indicted a Stephenville man accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a teenager.   Fifty-six-year-old Daniel Slocomb was indicted on four counts of sexual assault of a child (enhanced), sexual performance by a child (enhanced) and two counts of indecency with a child (enhanced).     All charges are second degree felonies.   According to the official complaint ob

Tristen Raye Carr, owner of Blevins Hair Studio in Stephenville. Photo/Hadley Ann Photography  By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Local stylist Tristen Raye Carr says making women look and feel their best is the reason she opened Blevins Hair Studio in Stephenville.   “I love doing women’s haircuts; I love a good transformation for someone,” Tristen told Beneath the Surface News . “I think a great haircut can make anyone feel better.”   The salon, located at 1481 W. South Loop, suite 9,

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   Tarleton State University will be closed for winter break from noon on Tuesday, Dec. 23, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. Campuses and other operations will reopen Monday, Jan. 5.   Classes resume Monday, Jan. 12.   The Dick Smith Library in Stephenville will be closed from noon Dec. 23 until 8 a.m. Jan. 5.    The Campus Recreation Center and the Aquatics Center will close at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec.

4 Reel Tackle and Outdoors is located at 4834 US Hwy. 281 in Stephenville. Photos/James Andrae  By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If you’re looking for a Christmas gift for that person in your life who enjoys fishing, stop by 4 Reel Tackle and Outdoors in Stephenville.   The outdoor and sporting goods company is owned by James Andrae and Rick Looney and specializes in premium fishing tackle, gear and apparel.     James, as many of you know, also owns Capital Hatters .   His own love fo

TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Tarleton State University is expanding its successful partnership with Opal’s Farm to offer urban agriculture education across all campuses. What began as a grassroots effort to improve access to fresh, healthy foods in one Fort Worth neighborhood has developed into an innovative education model that Tarleton State is now bringing to Stephenville, with course instruction also available online to make the program more ac

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver   Christmas is coming and your kitchen should be stocked and ready for a visit from Santa.   These delicious gingerbread latte cheesecake cookie cups are enough to get The Grinch into the holiday spirit.   Here’s how to make them.     WHAT YOU NEED   ¾ cup softened butter    1 cup brown sugar (I prefer light)   1 egg   4 TBS molasses   2 cups all-purpose flour      1 ½ tsp ground ginger   2 tsp cinnamon    pinch of nutmeg   pinch of ground cloves   1 ts

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The city of Stephenville is inviting the public to learn more about its innerworkings by taking part in the Stephenville Municipal Government Citizens Academy. This free, nine-week program is designed to give residents a behind-the-scenes look at how local government operates. Participants will hear directly from each city department, explore facilities and engage with city staff to better understand the services and operations that impact daily life in

Maverick  By SARA VANDEN BERGE   One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Maverick, a seven to eight-month-old puppy that was adopted, then returned due to housing issues.   “This sweet, energetic young dog has a big heart and an even bigger love for cuddles,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News .     “One of his favorite pastimes is burrowing into blankets, and he's always up for a game with his b

A German Christmas market in the heart of Munich's Old Town.  By SARA VANDEN BERGE   You might have noticed that things have been a little slower than usual the past couple of weeks on Beneath the Surface News .   That’s because The Husband and I took a few days off to explore the famed Christmas markets in Paris, France and Munich, Germany.     The good thing about getting a little older is that once you’ve raised kids and helped them through college, there’s a little extra

By Alexis Rochester   As a chemist specializing in skincare, I spend a lot of time testing products that balance science and good results.   One of my favorite seasonal creations is our DIY gingerbread sugar scrub.   And it makes a really great gift for teachers and friends!     HOW IT WORKS   I start with a blend of organic brown sugar and organic white granulated sugar. When combined, they offer the perfect level of exfoliation.   The cozy mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove

By Sarah Weaver   Is there any better combo than chocolate and cherries?   This recipe combines the two for a perfectly delicious cookie.     WHAT YOU NEED   2 1/2 cups flour    ¼ tsp salt   1 cup softened butter   ¾ cup white sugar     1-2 tbs cherry juice from jar   1 tsp vanilla    ½ c chopped cherries (from jar)   ½ mini chocolate chips    HOW TO MAKE THEM   Place butter and sugar in mixer and let whisk until light and fluffy.   In separate bowl, combine flour and salt; a

Jayce Gazaway poses for a picture during his recovery. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Jayce Gazaway is fighting hard to get his life back.   The 17-year-old Stephenville High School senior is recovering from having a heart transplant at Children’s Medical Center Dallas in October.   Now, nearly two months later, Jayce continues to recover with his family right by his side every step of the way. “Jayce is doing fantastic,” his mother Haley Esslinger told Beneath the Surface News . “

By Julie Brinkley   It’s the most wonderful time of the year and if you’re looking for easy, delicious ways to entertain your guests this holiday season, these appetizers are for you.   Click here to watch how I make them.     GARLIC MOZZARELLA PUFFS   1 sheet puff pastry   200 g grated mozzarella cheese   3 garlic cloves   ½ tsp oregano    100 g of bacon   1 egg (for brushing)   Chopped parsley   Salt and pepper   HOW TO MAKE IT   Mix cheese, garlic, oregano salt and pepper

Say hi to Maizel. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Maizel, a six to seven-year-old mixed breed that has been at the shelter since May 2024.   “Maizel is a loving, people-oriented girl who's been waiting far too long for her second chance,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News .     “She was surrendered when her family welcomed a new baby and could no longer keep her. S

TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   Tarleton State University planetarium’s most popular holiday presentation, “The Mystery of the Christmas Star,” begins its annual showings Tuesday, Dec. 9.     The free full-dome feature investigates the possible dates for the birth of Christ by examining recorded sightings of significant astronomical events around that time.   During the show, planetarium visitors will see how signs in the sky could have been remarka

Special to Beneath the Surface News   Members of the Stephenville High School Yellow Jacket Band traveled to Graham on Saturday for the ATSSB Region 7 All-Region band auditions.   “This is the first round of all-state auditions,” said SHS Band Director Michael Childs.     “The band was very well represented with 21 students earning placement in the bands and 19 of those advancing to the area round.”   Those students will participate in the ATSSB Region 7 clinic and concert a