Gracie Yates By SARA VANDEN BERGE An Erath County grand jury on Thursday indicted Gracie Yates, the woman accused of crashing a pickup into a home in Stephenville in March, killing a mother and her young son. The 18-year-old was indicted for intoxication manslaughter (death of two people), a first degree felony, and injury to a child, a state jail felony. She is being held at the Erath County Jail without bond. Barbara Rocha, 49, and her seven-year-old son Alex, wer

Photo/Stephenville Dance Center By SARA VANDEN BERGE Stephenville Dance Center recently returned from the National Dance Finals in Galveston, celebrating an outstanding week of competition and bringing home multiple national honors. The dance studio earned two national championship titles along with three 2nd place finishes, showcasing the dedication, talent and hard work of its dancers and instructors. “We are incredibly proud of every dancer who took the stage this

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver I’ve had several requests to share another version of my healthy granola bar recipe, so here it is. This recipe is super easy to make, delicious and stays fresh for several days. STEP 1 1 stick of butter 1/4 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup honey Let this melt over low heat; remove and add dash of vanilla. STEP 2 In large bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups protein oats 2 cups rice cereal 1/4 cup flour Dash of cinn

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Hispanic man behind the now viral video showing a Dublin police officer asking him if he wanted “some ice” is not only a legal U.S. citizen, but a business professional with a PhD. The 39-year-old man spoke to Beneath the Surface News about Saturday’s incident, but asked that his name not be released citing his children’s safety. For purposes of this story, he will be referred to as “E.” “My parents immigrated here from Mexico in pursuit of

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Summer is in full swing and so is the annual summer concert series held at Stephenville City Park. With only three performances left, you don’t want to miss Rodney Crowell at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 17, at Birdsong Amphitheater. All you need to do is bring a chair, cooler of drinks and your favorite people to enjoy these free concerts under the big Texas sky. Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder will perform on Saturday, Aug. 1. The final concert of the seaso

Say hi to Egg. By SARA VANDEN BERGE One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Egg, a five-month-old Heeler mix with a big personality and an even bigger heart. “His journey began when he and several of his siblings were found along the highway,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News. “While the rest of the litter found homes, Egg and his sister, Noodle, are the last two waiting for their chance.”

A still clip from the video shows a Dublin police officer leaving a store after offering a Hispanic man a bag of "ice." By SARA VANDEN BERGE A Dublin police officer filmed inside a convenience store telling a Hispanic man, “I can grab you some ice if you want,” will undergo additional training in cultural diversity and racial bias. A press release from Dublin Police Chief Cameron Ray posted to the department’s Facebook page, states: “The video being shared does not

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Frames Etc in downtown Stephenville is not only getting in on the action at Thursday’s (July 16) Great American Ice Cream Social, it’s also revving up for the new school year with its annual tailgate party. “We will be unveiling our newest crop of spirit gear; think new shirts, shorts, skirts, earrings, bags, caps and more,” owner Julie Lowrance told Beneath the Surface News. Members of the Stephenville Yellow Jacket Band will be on scene selling

By Alexis Rochester As a chemist and mom, I’ve learned that summer skincare works best when it’s simple. Between the Texas heat, pool days, sports practices, vacations and long hours outdoors, many people assume they need more products to keep their skin looking healthy. In reality, it’s all about using fewer products that work harder. The right products can save time and money, protect skin from damage and keep it looking healthy and youthful without a complicated

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Colleges of Distinction has once again named Tarleton State University to its list of schools across the United States known for their exceptional contributions to higher education. In addition to its undergraduate recognition as a 2026-27 National College of Distinction, Tarleton State was also commended in the categories of Texas, Public, International, Military, Business, Education, Eng

By SARA VANDEN BERGE As concerns grow over the spread of the New World Screwworm in Texas, the Erath County AgriLife Extension Office is hosting an informational meeting about the situation on July 23. The move comes as ranchers across the state increase monitoring efforts to protect their livestock. The July 23 event will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Stephenville ISD Bond Auditorium. Registration will begin at 5. The program will include situational updates

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Dublin Public Library is preparing to give students and families a boost for the upcoming school year. The library will host its annual back-to-school fair from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 25. Library director Adina Dunn told Beneath the Surface News that it's partnering with Dublin Lions Club and Dairy Queen to serve hot dogs and ice cream. “We are so excited for this year's event," Adina said. "The mission of the fair is to support families i

By Julie Brinkley A ton of variations for this viral recipe keep popping up on TikTok and I was dying to try it, so here we are. This crispy pasta salad is one worth trying and it makes the perfect summer meal. Click here to watch how it’s made. Here’s everything you need: CRISPY PASTA 8 oz bow tie pasta (or pasta of your choice) 1-1½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp kosher salt ½ tsp black pepper 1 tsp granulated garlic 1 tsp Italian seasoning SA

Before and after using a hair topper. By SARA VANDEN BERGE Local hairstylist Morgan Cowan is helping her clients look and feel their very best by offering hair toppers for women battling thinning hair. The European toppers provide instant fullness, clip in easily and last for years. “I began selling these as a way to help clients dealing with hair loss due to things like perimenopause, menopause, weight loss, medication stress, fine hair, alopecia, natural aging and root

Pasta By SARA VANDEN BERGE One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Pasta, a lovable five to six-year-old Hound/Lab mix who's been waiting far too long for her happily ever after. “She first came to us in March 2023, was adopted in 2025, and was heartbreakingly returned because of housing issues,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News. This adventurous girl loves long walks, car rides, treats

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Erath County Volunteer Fire Rescue department is asking the community for help with restocking its emergency supplies as fire season heats up. The department has a direct link to Amazon that allows you to click on the items you want to donate that will be sent directly to the station. Some of the items on the list include beef jerky, phone chargers, fruit cups, granola bars, sports drinks, bottled water, deodorant, sunscreen, crew socks and sn

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Stephenville’s Downtown Merchants group is bringing some extra sweet fun to the city with The Great American Ice Cream Social. The tasty event will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 16, on the Erath County courthouse square. “It’s a fun summer event for people to taste homemade ice cream and other goodies at each merchant location, then vote for their favorite,” KayLee Pemberton told Beneath the Surface News. “There will also be a chance to w

Sadie Shudde Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Tarleton State University senior Sadie Shudde has been selected as the university's first Astronaut Scholarship Foundation recipient, earning $15,000 for the 2026-27 academic year through an endowment sponsored by astronaut Charlie Duke and his wife Dotty. The Dukes and representatives from the ASF were on campus in January to officially establish the endowment. Charlie said

By Sarah-McNeal Weaver Love a good peach cobbler, but hate the time it takes to make one? I call this recipe a “cheater peach cobbler” but it’s got all the deliciousness your family will love! Oh, and this will make a great dish to serve on the Fourth of July. WHAT YOU NEED 29 oz can of peaches 1/4 cup salted butter 1/2 cup flour 1 cup white sugar 1 tsp baking powder 1/3 cup milk 1 egg Dash of vanilla Dash of cinnamon 1/4 cup brown sugar

Alexis Rochester has her first microneedling treatment at Revision Aesthetics and Wellness. By Alexis Rochester Last month, I shared my skin cancer journey and why I am so passionate about daily sun protection and using high-quality mineral sunscreen. Protecting your skin is one of the most important things you can do for both skin health and healthy aging. While a good skincare routine is always the foundation, I am also interested in treatments that support the skin