By SARA VANDEN BERGE The struggle to find often sold-out accommodations in Stephenville will soon come to an end with the construction of three new hotels. With an ever-growing Tarleton State University, rodeo industry and the city’s bustling main street and tourism departments, visitors to Erath County often struggle to find places to stay. Jeff Sandford, president of the Stephenville Economic Development Authority, sat down with Beneath the Surface News to talk abou

Photo/Caitlin Moyer Photography By SARA VANDEN BERGE A festival that began as a way to spotlight the local dairy industry has evolved into the biggest event in Erath County. Moo-La Fest is set to make its return on Thursday, June 4, through Saturday, June 6, at Stephenville City Park. A crowd favorite - Carnival Americana – will also be back with those famous games, rides and fun houses the whole family will love. The midway will be open Thursday through Saturday. Ashley Thom

Barefoot Buddies volleyball camp for children and teens with special needs will be held in June inside the gym at Faith Lutheran Church in Stephenville. Photo/Debbie Knutz Special to Beneath the Surface News (The following was written by Chiraz Mansouri, a mother of two children who attend Barefoot Buddies annual summer volleyball camp for children and teens with special needs.) “I’m a parent of two athletes who participate in Barefoot Buddies Adaptive Volleyball Camp here in

Wilbur By SARA VANDEN BERGE One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Wilbur, a four to five-year-old Boxer mix with a heart as big as his adorable face. “Once found scavenging through trash just trying to survive, this sweet boy is now ready to trade the streets for a cozy home full of love,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News. “He absolutely adores people and will happily soak up all the

Jason Smith By SARA VANDEN BERGE Stephenville voters elected to keep a longtime city councilman in his place despite a challenge from newcomer Jorge Moreno. In Saturday’s city election, Gerald Cook won his race to retain place 2 on the Stephenville City Council with 76% (478 votes) to Moreno’s 24% (147 votes). In the race to fill the unexpired term of place 4 on the Stephenville ISD board of trustees, voters chose Jason Smith. Smith received 58% (556 votes) while his

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Tarleton State University will celebrate spring 2026 graduates with commencement ceremonies Friday and Saturday, May 8 and 9, at the EECU Center on the Stephenville campus. Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley will preside over four ceremonies, which will include graduate and undergraduate students. Commencement Schedule: Friday, May 8 10 a.m. — Dr. Sam Pack College of Business

The Bellamy Brothers will kick off this year’s summer concert series at Stephenville City Park. Photo/Derrek Kupish By SARA VANDEN BERGE Summer officially gets rolling in Stephenville every year with the kickoff of the wildly-popular concerts in the park. The concerts will begin during the city’s annual Moo-La Fest from June 4-6 at Stephenville City Park. Organizer Doug Montgomery has been the man behind the concerts for the past 27 years. “I’m excited for this year’s series,

The Beach Vacay Bow with Hibiscus Wreath is part of Wild Willow’s summer collection. By SARA VANDEN BERGE A new online company is transforming the entrance of homes and offices with artisan-crafted door décor. Katy Copeland and Krista Skiles, owners of Wild Willow, use premium material to handcraft luxury wreaths and bows for any occasion. Wild Willow’s gorgeous collection includes decor for baby and wedding showers, holidays, birthdays, game days and custom designs.

Clayton Iley on Facebook. By SARA VANDEN BERGE Clayton Iley, a Stephenville man accused of theft, money laundering and pretending to work in the shadows of the military, has reportedly hired Warren St. John, a high-profile attorney from Fort Worth to represent him. Iley was taken into custody on Friday, April 24, and remains behind bars at the Erath County Jail, held on a $500,000 bond. St. John was the lead defense attorney who represented Eddie Ray Routh, the man co

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Making a pie crust is easier than you might think. I shared this recipe during the holidays and it was very popular. Summer pies are equally delicious so we are making it again. WHAT YOU NEED 1/2 cup shortening or butter 1 1/2 cups flour, plus 1/2 cup for surface 1/2 tsp of salt 1/2 cup cold water HOW TO MAKE IT Start by adding flour and salt into a mixing bowl, blend with fork. Add shortening or butter; cut with pastry ble

By JULIE BRINKLEY This is the best recipe for a quick and easy, well-balanced (and very affordable) meal your family will love. Click here to watch how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED One bag small Yukon gold or cubed potatoes of your choice One bag fresh green beans 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs Jar parmesan garlic wing sauce. (Other sauce flavors will work as well.) HOW TO MAKE IT Layer potatoes and green beans in 9x130-inch baking dish. Wash and sna

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Early voting is over, but if you failed to cast a ballot in the city's election, you have another chance. There are two contested races on the Stephenville ballot – one for city council and one for Stephenville ISD board of trustees. Councilman Gerald Cook is facing a challenge from Jorge Moreno for place 2 on the Stephenville City Council. And Jason Smith and Dr. Jill McAngus are vying to fill the unexpired term of place 4 on the Stephenville ISD b

Clayton Iley is being held at the Erath County Jail. By SARA VANDEN BERGE A Stephenville man accused of stealing millions of dollars in a Ponzi scheme used social media to spread alleged false information about his military career and connection to the U.S. Armed Forces. Clayton Iley’s Facebook and Instagram pages are filled with posts claiming that he worked in the shadows of the military as a defense contractor and claimed to have served in the U.S. Army. Iley, 40,

Special to Beneath the Surface News Grace Place Ministries is hosting “Songs of Grace: A Night of Music and Giving” at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, at First Baptist Church, Stephenville. The event will feature a performance by the renowned gospel group McNeill Project, along with delicious hors d’oeuvres, delectable desserts and a silent and live auction - all to support the vital work of Grace Place Ministries. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Come early to enjoy appetizers, peruse

Clayton Iley's Facebook page By SARA VANDEN BERGE In a bombshell arrest following an investigation by the Texas Rangers, a well-known Stephenville businessman has been charged with two stunning crimes. Clayton Iley, owner of Texas Legacy Insurance Group, was taken into custody on Friday and charged with theft over $300,000, and money laundering, over $300,000, both first degree felonies. He is being held at the Erath County Jail; bond has not been set. Erath County

Inside the newly-renovated 377 Books at Frames Etc. Photos/Julie Lowrance By SARA VANDEN BERGE Book lovers like myself (and all you Beneath the Book Clubbers) have another reason to celebrate. Frames Etc., located in downtown Stephenville, has completely renovated its bookstore. 377 Books at Frames Etc. is no longer just a place to purchase gently-used books; it’s now a charming, colorful space where you can browse 1,500 new titles and releases, sit by a cozy electric

By ALEXIS ROCHESTER As an investigative chemist, I spend my days working with brands all over the world, analyzing formulations, evaluating treatments and understanding how products and technologies work. But some of my favorite research happens right here in Stephenville. There’s something unique about seeing advanced wellness innovations available right here in town. One local business that caught my attention is The Wellness Bar. I recently tested out a trending tr

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Stephenville Education Foundation is bringing back its Pits & Putts golf tournament on Friday, June 5, at Legends Country Club. Registration for the four-person scramble will begin at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1. A hamburger lunch will be served at 11:30. “This is an opportunity for the community to come together and support the Stephenville Education Foundation and our SISD staff while enjoying good food and an afternoon of golf,” Shell

Photo/Marilyn Jones By SARA VANDEN BERGE The First United Methodist Church of Stephenville raised a whopping $15,000 during its 38th annual baked potato lunch on March 3. The money will be used to fund local missions like the Tree House After-School Program, Backpack Buddies of Erath County, Love Thy Neighbor Clothes Closet and St. Luke Episcopal Church’s Food Pantry. Church volunteers washed and baked potatoes, assembled butter/cheese/sour cream packets, heated chili,

Chicken caprese smash tacos By Julie Brinkley My family loves a good smash taco, so I have another recipe to share. If you like caprese chicken, you will LOVE these tacos! Click here to watch a video on how they are made. WHAT YOU NEED 1 lb. ground chicken 4 flour tortillas 2 tsp Italian seasoning 1 tsp garlic powder 1 egg, beaten 1 cup Panko bread crumbs Cherry tomatoes Parmesan cheese Fresh basil One clove garlic Olive oil Salt and pepper