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

Recipe by Sarah Weaver   The holidays are upon us, and if you’re like a lot of people, making a pie crust can be a little intimidating.   The good news is that it’s not as hard as you think. Follow these steps to make the perfect crust for your holiday pie and click here  to watch how I make it. HERE’S 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 ice cold water        HOW TO MAKE IT   Start by adding fl

By Alexis Rochester   Before you know it, the holiday season will be in full swing.   Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, there are endless activities happening, and if your home needs a quick refresh, these chemistry-based cleaning hacks can make a big difference.     At Chemistry Cachet , I love bringing science into everyday life, especially when it comes to cleaning smarter, not harder.   Here are a few of my favorite tricks that use simple ingredients you already have at

Photo credit – Marathon Photos Live/Cowtown Marathon By SARA VANDEN BERGE   Stephenville resident Lexi Nelms is running for angels.   Literally.   The 20-year-old is running in the Dallas Marathon on Dec. 14 and is raising money for H.O.P.E.’s angel trees. “My parents have always adopted a bunch of angels during Christmas, so it was always near and dear to my heart,” Lexi told Beneath the Surface News . “When I was little, we adopted an angel from a nursing home and I got to

By Julie Brinkley   Soup season is officially here and this recipe for creamy Tuscan tortellini is a family favorite.   Heavy cream, chopped kale and shredded chicken makes for a flavorful, creamy and filling dish that will warm you up on a cold night.   Click here to watch how it’s made.     WHAT YOU NEED   ½ diced onion diced   1 leak, diced   3 stalks of celery, chopped   3 cloves garlic   1 can crushed tomatoes     1 box of chicken stock or bone broth   Parmesan rind   2

Ethel By SARA VANDEN BERGE   This week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society have an incredibly sad story behind them.   Sisters Ethel and Annabelle were dumped in Erath County and spent months on the run before they were finally caught and taken to the shelter.     “These sweet girls are smart, happy and playful – and now that they are safe – they’re ready for a family,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News . Both g

By SARA VANDEN BERGE   The Stephenville Downtown Merchants organization is ringing in the Christmas shopping season with a holiday open house on Friday, Nov. 14.   The festive event is one of my favorites and will include refreshments, entertainment, and of course, the chance to do lots of shopping.     The Erath County courthouse square and downtown plaza are already being decorated for Christmas, beckoning holiday shoppers to keep it local.   KayLee Pemberton, manager of th