By SARA VANDEN BERGE An Erath County grand jury indicted 16 people Thursday on a variety of charges ranging from family assault and abusing an elderly person to theft and drug possession. The following list of indictments was released by the office of District Attorney Alan Nash.  •  Johnny Charles Allen for assault (family violence) with previous conviction, a third degree felony.   •  Kendon Dawayne Baker for assault of a peace officer and manufacture or delivery of a subst

Beneath the Surface News reader Justin Tuggle says something weird is going on with gas prices in Stephenville   “They seem to be created by collusion between gas stations,” he said.   “Over the last several months, prices spiked 20 to 35 cents in a few days for no reason of geopolitical nature, supply, regional issues, demand or any legitimate reason.   “In my travels, I have found that Plains and Hico are usually always the highest price followed by Seminole and Lamesa, bu

Tarleton student Hannah Reyling is back on campus after a serious bout of bacterial meningococcal meningitis. Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Life is full of unexpected twist and turns, with some being bigger challenges than others.    Hannah Reyling experienced this firsthand on Feb. 29, 2024. Two days earlier, bouncing back from a bout with allergies and a sinus infection, Reyling was feeling good enough to play in a kickbal

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Chief Deputy Tye Box with the Erath County Sheriff’s Office  said an old scam where someone pretends to be a local deputy asking for money has resurfaced, but the latest victim, he said, didn’t fall for it. “We got a call from an elderly resident who said they received a call from someone pretending to be Deputy Southerland,” Chief Box told Beneath the Surface News . “The scammer said there was a warrant out for their arrest and that they owed the sheri

Commissioner Miller says swift detection of symptoms is key to the preservation of animal health. Special to Beneath the Surface News The following is a press release issued by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller found here . AUSTIN – Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture on Tuesday issued an alert to Texas horsemen of an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) reported by Texas veterinarians after the recent World Championship Barrel Rac

Photos/Molly Blaylock By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If you like a good snack, this is for you.   Texan Vittles, a Stephenville-based company owned by Daikon and Molly Blaylock, is making build-your-own bags of popcorn and trail mix.     “We make authentic Texas snacks,” Molly told Beneath the Surface News . “You pick it and we mix it and pop it.”   The popcorn comes in a variety of sizes – from snack to jumbo – and flavors. Think barbecue, buffalo, caramel, chili lime, cinnamon, pi

TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   For the sixth straight year, data from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) confirms that in the state of Texas, Tarleton State has the highest percentage of graduates that land a job or enroll in graduate school within a year.    "This accomplishment reflects the determination of our students and the unwavering commitment of our faculty and staff," said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley.   "A

Recipe by Sarah Weaver   With the holidays upon us, there’s a good chance you’ll need to whip up some buttercream icing or homemade whipped cream to top off those big mugs of hot chocolate.   The good news is that both are simple to make. Click here to watch a video on how I do it and keep scrolling for the full recipes. BUTTERCREAM ICING; WHAT YOU NEED   1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened   4 cups powdered sugar    1 tbsp. pure vanilla   2-4 tbsps. whole milk or hea

Photos/Rough Creek Lodge Special to Beneath the Surface News   This Thanksgiving, Rough Creek Lodge, Ranch & Resort invites guests to gather in the Texas Hill Country for an unforgettable three-course buffet lunch curated by Executive Chef Gerard Thompson.   Blending rustic elegance with refined Southwestern flavors, the menu features holiday classics elevated by locally inspired ingredients and gourmet flair.   During lunch, a pianist will be performing in the great room, f

Lonn Reisman taking the oath of office Tuesday at Stephenville City Hall. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Lonn Reisman is officially mayor.   Reisman was sworn into office during Tuesday’s Stephenville City Council meeting.     Reisman told Beneath the Surface News that since he was elected on Nov. 4 , he has received at least 50 calls from residents about a variety of issues.   “My phone hasn’t stopped ringing with people expressing concerns and offering ideas on what they think nee

Peachy Keen is ready for the holidays. Photos/Peachy Keen By SARA VANDEN BERGE   When you’re out doing your holiday shopping, keep in mind that local, small business owners are depending on you for support.   Peachy Keen Gifts and Boutique is celebrating ‘Pink Friday’ this week (Nov. 21) with all-day specials and refreshments.     Owner Aly Kelly told Beneath the Surface News that the first 10 customers will receive a free gift at checkout (no matter how much they spend).  

By Julie Brinkley   This salad made with shaved brussels sprouts, pomegranate and candied pecans make a delicious Thanksgiving Day side.   Click here to watch a video on how it’s made.   WHAT YOU NEED   12 ounces brussels sprouts   1 ½ cup pomegranate seeds   1 ½ chopped Honeycrisp apple   1 cup candied pecans   ¾ dried cranberries   ¾ cup parmesan cheese   VINAIGRETTE   3 tbsp olive oil   1 ½ tbsp lemon juice   1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar   2 tbsp Dijon mustard   1 tbsp ma

The Erath County Courthouse. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The filing period for the March 3 Primary Election is underway now through Dec. 8, and several Erath County officials up for another term have already filed for re-election.   Erath County Judge Brandon Huckabee is seeking his second term.     “It’s been an honor to serve the citizens of Erath County during my first term and help move our county forward in many areas. It has taken partnerships and collaboration from local go

Kuchi Kopi By SARA VANDEN BERGE   One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Kuchi Kopi, a two-year-old male Black Mouth Cur/Shepherd mix.   “ Kuchi Kopi was found as a stray and, unfortunately, was never reclaimed,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface New s.     “Since arriving, he’s shown himself to be a sweet, goofy guy who absolutely loves attention and companionship.” Kuchi Kopi walks well on a leash

By SARA VANDEN BERGE With the holidays upon us, I ordered ingredients to whip up one of our favorite holiday appetizers that’s the perfect crowd-pleasing dish. I stumbled upon this recipe a couple of years ago, and now it’s a staple at holiday gatherings. I made a big crockpot of these festive cranberry meatballs for a recent Friendsgiving and they were gobbled up fast! HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED 1 can (14 ounces) jellied cranberry sauce 1 bottle (12 ounces) chili sauce 3/4 cup pac

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If things are a little tight this year and you’re struggling to purchase what you need for Thanksgiving dinner, Lida’s Bakery is offering to help.   Manager Michelle Pierce said every year the bakery donates a large meal to a family in need, and this year, they can help even more.     “When we advertised it on our Facebook page, three customers donated large meals and two customers donated a small meal to help those that need a hand up this year,” Miche

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   Tarleton State University ’s Texan Theatre will present a five-performance run of "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" Nov. 20-23 in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center auditorium in Stephenville.  Directed by Tarleton theater professor Dan Stone, the show is an adaptation of the children's book by Kate DiCamillo and follows a self-centered China rabbit's journey of learning to love and b

Click the link below to watch the video.

The Reuben is built with house-made pastrami, sauerkraut and Russian dressing. Photo/Buzzi's Food Truck By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Stephenville is getting another new restaurant. Yay!   Buzzi’s Pizzeria (named after Ruth Buzzi) is slated to open on McNeill Street in Stephenville in mid-December. (Where BJ’s Restaurant was located.)     Owner Mark Bryant is currently serving up his delicious food from Buzzi’s Food Truck parked right in front of the new restaurant.   The food truck

This wine will be center stage on my holiday tables this year. By SARA VANDEN BERGE   If you’ve ever dreamed of wine tasting your way through Northern California’s epic vineyards, Napa is likely the place you plan to visit.   And while Napa is a gorgeous place you shouldn’t skip, Paso Robles offers a different, but equally incredible experience.     The Husband and I just returned from a three-day trip to Paso, where our long-time friends from high school opened Creekcut Win