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

Get festive with this beautiful holiday cocktail. By SARA VANDEN BERGE It appears that I am set to be the hostess with the mostest for the third year in a row thanks to this fancy winter cocktail I’ve mastered. The Brandy Ice. If you’ve never enjoyed one of these, you’re missing out. This holiday cocktail made with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream quickly became a fan favorite in our home a few years ago. The festive cocktail is perfect for a crowd. Here’s the recipe to make Brand

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Erath County victim services staff will host its 24th annual Tree of Angels ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Donald R. Jones Justice Center in Stephenville. The Tree of Angels is a time for families and friends to remember those who have been victimized or lost to violent crime. Beginning on Monday, Dec. 8, victims, families and friends are invited to bring a new angel to place on the tree, located at the justice center. Since its in

Photo/Tim O'Keefe TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News   Chart-topping, multi-platinum country star, Parker McCollum, has announced dates for the second leg of his 2026  Parker McCollum Tour .     Known for being one of the busiest touring acts in country music, McCollum is bringing fans his No. 1 hits and fan-favorite tracks to cities across the U.S. including a stop at EECU Center in Stephenville on Sept. 24.   Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased

By Sarah Weaver   Christmas smash cookies are an excellent cookie to throw in your holiday rotation!   With lots of room to play around, and easy to make, these cookies can be as crazy and festive or as simple and elegant as you want.   Bring your butter and eggs to room temp by laying on the counter an hour before you are ready to bake.      HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED   1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) softened butter    1 cup white sugar   2 eggs   2 tsp. vanilla   2 ½ c flour   ¼ tsp b

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Stephenville Chamber of Commerce  is organizing its annual buyer’s pool, which supports youth taking part in the Junior Livestock Show of Erath Count y happening Jan. 4-10. The  Chamber accepts donations as small as $25, with most giving $100 - $500, and some giving more than $1,000. All donors will be recognized the night of the sale and in the Chamber newsletter. Click here to register. All funds will be used to support youth and their animal proje