By SARA VANDEN BERGE Beach reading season is in full swing and I’ve got three new releases for Beneath the Book Clubbers to choose from for our July book. Honestly, I hope to read all three, but check them out and tell me what appeals to you. 1. The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson 4.10 on Goodreads WHAT GOODREADS SAYS: “When Caroline Lash arrives in Greenhead, Massachusetts, she falls head-over-heels for Van Whittaker, a fleece-wearing, litter-collecting, kayak en

By SARA VANDEN BERGE If your Fourth of July celebration includes at-home fireworks, there are a few things you should know. First, it’s legal in Erath County. County Judge Brandon Huckabee told Beneath the Surface News that with no burn ban in place, residents have the green light to ignite those fireworks. But it’s a different story for those residing in the city limits. Fireworks are prohibited in the city of Stephenville with the exception of professional shows which requi

The following is a list of indictments issued by the Erath County grand jury on Thursday. The list was sent to Beneath the Surface News by the office of District Attorney Alan Nash. • Jason Christopher Bourgeois for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, a state jail felony. • Jacob Derrell Craig for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, a state jail felony. • Edward Vaughn Decker for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second degree felony. • Maciel Deloss

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Plans are underway for this year’s Dinner in the Stacks benefiting Tarleton State University’s Dick Smith Library. The annual event will be held on Saturday, July 18, at the library. Appetizers will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner and program by Dan Young at 7. Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased here. The deadline to purchase tickets is July 10. “Established in 1990, The Friends of the Dick Smith Library at Tarleton State University is a vol

Lea Contreras By SARA VANDEN BERGE A familiar face with years of experience working in the public sector has been hired to head the city of Stephenville’s Tourism and Visitors Bureau. Lea Contreras will step into her now role on Monday, June 29. “I am really excited for the opportunity to join the city,” Lea told Beneath the Surface News. “This job has everything that I love to do and what I have been doing for years wrapped into one.” Lea says her No. 1 priority wi

Prime is inviting the community to join the celebration and see firsthand how the new facility is helping the company continue its mission of delivering high-quality metal building products with unmatched service and speed. Photos/Prime Metal Buildings Special to Beneath the Surface News Prime Metal Buildings & Components is proud to announce the grand opening of its new flagship retail store in Stephenville, marking an exciting new chapter for the company and its customers

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Nothing screams summer like a delicious morning donut. But indulging in a sweet treat doesn’t always mean it’s bad for you. This recipe for protein donuts will satisfy that sweet tooth without wrecking your diet. WHAT YOU NEED • 2/3 cup gluten free baking flour • 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder • 2 tsp baking powder • dash of salt and dash of cinnamon • ¼ cup maple syrup • 3 tablespoons olive oil • ¼ cup whole milk • 1 egg •

TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Tarleton State University’s Wind Ensemble recently released a professionally recorded album, “Deep Reverberations,” through the VOCE label that is available on major music streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. “I’m quite proud of the Wind Ensemble for their work on this project,” said Dr. David Robinson, the group’s director. “The success of this product was the result of both a ton of p

Photo credit: Visit Granbury Special to Beneath the Surface News Erath County offers no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors. From ranchland and country roads to hunting, fishing, and camping, the region has long attracted people who prefer spending their free time outside. But when summer temperatures begin climbing and families start looking for a place to cool off, many residents find themselves making the same drive north. Less than an hour from Stephenville

By Julie Brinkley This healthy and delicious recipe is perfect on a hot summer night. I’ve made this sloppy joe bowl before, but this dish includes a little more protein. Click here to watch how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED 1 lb. ground beef Potatoes 2 tbsp ghee or olive oil 1-2 tbsp minced garlic ¼ cup yellow onion, diced ¼ cup red onion, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp yellow mustard 3 tbsp paleo or low sugar ketchup

Special to Beneath the Surface News The Tarrant Area Food Bank has decided to cancel the 3rd Thursday drive-thru community pantry that has been held in Stephenville since 2018. In a letter to local agencies, TAFB stated that there are plenty of brick and mortar food pantries in Stephenville, and the drive-thru is not needed. The last drive-thru pantry will be held in August. The drive-thru pantry was started after multiple requests to the Food Bank. They deliver

Snickerdoodle By SARA VANDEN BERGE One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Snickerdoodle, a sweet, playful kitten that’s full of curiosity. “This adorable orange boy was found with his siblings tucked away inside a tire when they were just a few weeks old,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News. “Now he's grown into a confident little explorer with a one-of-a-kind look, thanks to his unique black

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Admit it, you need some girl time. So, gather your besties and make plans to head to Newton’s Saddlerack from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, for “Ladies Night.” The event will include specialty cocktails, a hat bar, permanent jewelry, Botox and a fun playlist. “Whether you’re checking off a little self-care, shopping for something unique, or just enjoying a cocktail with your favorite people, this is your excuse to slow down for a few hours and do something

Mr. Granville N. Young celebrated his 100th birthday Saturday at Peacocks. Photos/Stephanie Beach By SARA VANDEN BERGE When you live to be 100, you eat the cake. And on Saturday, Mr. Granville N. Young did just that. The Stephenville resident, known locally as “Peewee,” has turned 100 years young and celebrated the milestone Saturday morning at Peacocks. “The party was given by the staff at Peacocks,” owner Stephanie Beach told Beneath the Surface News. “He comes

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Nothing says family-fun like the city of Stephenville’s annual Fourth of July celebration. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, July 4, and kicks off with the traditional parade at 9 a.m. The parade will begin at the south entrance of Stephenville City Park, turn left on Graham Street, left on Washington and left on Harbin where it will come to an end. Make plans to hang around City Park where food vendors will open at 11 a.m. followed by inflat

Blessed Matai and Shane Freels. Keep scrolling for workout video.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE CASA for the Cross Timbers Area is once again bringing Las Vegas-style fun to Stephenville. The dice at this year’s annual Casino Night will get rolling on Friday, July 24, at Tarleton State University’s ballrooms. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There will be dinner, photo booth, live auction and Vegas-style casino games and prizes. (Think craps tables, blackjack, roulette and slots.) Individual tickets will not be sold. Instead, $1,500 bankroll sponsorships are

Chef Eric Hunter at his new restaurant Sidecar Smoke Shack. Photos/Kyle Davis By SARA VANDEN BERGE A new restaurant in Hico is dishing up some amazing authentic Texas barbecue. Sidecar Smoke Shack opened in March on 2nd Street in Hico. Chef Eric Hunter converted the former Chicken Express attached to the Chevron station into the restaurant. A Texas native, Eric has devoted his life to the craft of cooking and is also the head chef at Hico’s Midland Chophouse. “I d

Clayton Iley's collection of luxury cars were seen Tuesday being towed away from a storage unit that had reportedly gone unpaid. Photo contributed By SARA VANDEN BERGE It was a sight you don’t often see in Stephenville, Texas. Tow trucks carrying a collection of high-end luxury cars owned by Clayton Iley (think Rezvani Tank, Maseratis, Lamborghinis, Mercedes, Corvettes, Camaros, Porches, Apocalypse Hellfire, Ferrari and McLarens) were seen Tuesday afternoon traveling thro

By Julie Brinkley I’m training for a marathon and dishes like this high-protein chicken shawarma bowl are important to fuel my body, and the good news is that it’s delicious. I bet your family loves it too. Click here to watch a video on how it’s made. WHAT YOU NEED: 2 lbs. chicken thighs ¾ cup Greek plain yogurt 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 juice of one lemon 2 cloves garlic 1 tbsp paprika 3 tsp oregano 2 ½ tsp cumin ½ cinnamon ½ tbsp onion powder Salt