Special to Beneath the Surface News Vendor registration is now open for the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Festival. This year’s event will be held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Stephenville City Park. Hosted by Knights of Columbus Council 10816, the festival will feature a full day of food, music, culture, shopping, family activities and entertainment. One of this year's featured attractions will be the 5th Annual Lights Out Tournament, hosted by the St

Special to Beneath the Surface News This summer, there’s no better place to gather with friends, enjoy great food and catch all the action than Buffalo Wild Wings. Their “Summer at B-Dubs” lineup is packed with weekly specials, themed trivia nights, bingo, watch parties and family-friendly events designed to bring the community together all season long. Guests can enjoy bingo night every Tuesday with $2 cards, cash prizes and $10 beer pitchers from 6-8 p.m., while Thu

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Ahhhh. Beach season… the best time of year to dive into a juicy, feel-good book with vacation vibes. I know how much my fellow Beneath the Book Clubbers love a good thriller, so I put two on June’s list of choices. Both are recently released books; one written by one of my favorite authors, Nora Roberts. And then we have a romance by a New York Times bestselling author. Take a look and tell me what you think. 1. The Divorce by Freida McFad

Scroll down to get a discount code for FRÉ mineral sunscreen. By Alexis Rochester Living in Texas means spending a lot of time in the sun, whether it’s ball games, splash pads, summer camps, pool days or simply running errands in the heat. As someone who had skin cancer at a young age, sun protection is something I take very seriously for myself and family. After years of searching for the best mineral sunscreen as both a mom and a chemist, I finally found one I truly l

Bob Haschke (left) and Boots Elliot. By SARA VANDEN BERGE Bob Haschke and Boots Elliott are stepping away from their beloved radio stations, KSTV FM, KSTV AM, KYOX FM and KCOM AM. Bob, Boots and their partner Justin McClure are selling their corporation - VilleCom LLC - to Lonestar Broadcasting Group, which will take over operations on June 1. “What a run!” Boots told Beneath the Surface News. “Bob and I were employees of these stations for a few years before we too

By Sarah McNeal-Weaver Have a sweet tooth? Try this French butter cake that’s sure to make you feel fancy at your next summer soiree. It’s a cinch to make and oh-so-good! WHAT YOU NEED 1 1/2 cups cake mix. (You choose flavor, I prefer yellow mix) 2 eggs 1 stick melted butter Combine in a bowl; this will be thick. In a stand mixer: 8-oz softened cream cheese 4 cups powdered sugar 2 eggs Dash of vanilla Mix until creamy; press cake mixture

Say hi to JP! By SARA VANDEN BERGE One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is JP, a nine to 10-month-old male kitten. “He was found as a stray and has quickly blossomed into a friendly, lovable companion,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News. “He's curious, social, loves people, enjoys car rides and wants to be part of whatever you're doing.” JP enjoys hanging out with dogs and may do well wit

Brandon Merriman served in the U.S. Air Force for 18 years before he was medically retired after suffering multiple injuries while on deployments. By SARA VANDEN BERGE Plans for a benefit to help an American soldier injured during January’s ice storm is underway in Erath County. A fundraiser for Erath County resident Brandon Merriman will be held on Saturday, June 20, at Melody Mountain Ranch. Dewayne Terry, known for his Toby Keith tribute, will headline the event,

Photo/TSU Media Relations TSU Media Relations Special to Beneath the Surface News Tarleton State University has received approval for $100 million in Permanent University Fund (PUF) support to construct a new Agricultural Sciences Building, marking the largest PUF project in the institution’s history. The investment reflects continued support from Chancellor Glenn Hegar and the Texas A&M System Board of Regents and reinforces Tarleton State’s leadership in agricultural ed

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The following report is from Erath County District Attorney Alan Nash’s office and includes a full list of May’s indictments. On Thursday, the Erath County grand jury indicted 14 people on a variety of charges: • Brandon Nathaniel Arndt for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon (enhanced) and possession of a substance in penalty group 1 (4-200G) (enhanced). • Crystal Lee Bates for possession of a substance in penalty group 1 (1-4G). • Cindy Fl

CTFAC Executive Director Christine Newton and Erath County Judge Brandon Huckabee Special to Beneath the Surface News The Texas Commission on the Arts in Austin has selected the Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council to receive an America250 grant, awarded through TCA’s Commission Initiative program. CTFAC was chosen to represent Texas’ U.S. 25th Congressional District in this statewide celebration of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The America250 grant supports ar

Special to Beneath the Surface News The following narrative was released by the Stephenville Police Department on Monday, May 20. At approximately 2:34 p.m. on Monday, the Stephenville Police Department received reports about a male subject entering multiple businesses within the city and making threats. “Stephenville Police Officers immediately responded to the area and began actively searching for the suspect. "Officers located the subject driving a pickup truck sho

Barrett Hutchison By SARA VANDEN BERGE Barrett Hutchison, the principal and athletic director at Morgan Mill ISD, was arrested Tuesday, May 19, and charged with driving while intoxicated with an open container and unlawfully carrying a weapon. According to Captain Jeremy Lanier with the Stephenville Police Department, Hutchison was pulled over by police on East Washington Street shortly before midnight on Tuesday. “Last night officers responded to a report of a reckle

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Stephenville ISD is making sure that no child goes hungry this summer. The district is kicking off its annual summer feeding program from June 1-25. All kids ages 18 and under can receive a free breakfast and lunch at Hook Elementary when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Breakfast will be served from 7:15-8 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE Big changes are coming to Morgan Mill ISD in the form of a school-wide clear bag policy for the upcoming school year. A parent of a Morgan Mill student contacted Beneath the Surface News about the new policy after the school district posted on its Facebook page. In March, school officials had to deal with a young student who allegedly threatened to bring a “sniper rifle” to campus. (Read full story here.) It’s unclear if part of the reason beh

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The city of Stephenville is gearing up for another exciting event! Wings & Wonders will take place from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, June 6, at Stephenville Clark Regional Airport. There will be various aircrafts on display, food, entertainment, shopping, art and a unique experience the whole family will love! The event will take place on the final day of Moo-La Fest at City Park, so there will be double the fun that weekend!

Say hi to Wiggles By SARA VANDEN BERGE One of this week’s featured pets up for adoption at the Erath County Humane Society is Wiggles, a three to four-year-old terrier mix. “He may only weigh around 20 pounds, but don't let his size fool you,” ECHS executive director Serena Wright told Beneath the Surface News. “He's got the heart of a pit bull and enough spirit to fill a whole house.” Wiggles loves car rides, being close to his favorite people and living life full

By SARA VANDEN BERGE If you’re looking to expand your summer reading list, make plans to attend the Dick Smith Library’s annual book sale on the campus of Tarleton State University. Brenda Burks, a library board member, told Beneath the Surface News that a variety of books in every genre will be sold. The sale will take place from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. on June 10-11 in the MP Room at the Dick Smith Library. Parking is available in lots P34, P36, P37 and P38. A parking permit wil

By SARA VANDEN BERGE The dog days of summer are upon us and Beneath the Surface News’ 2nd annual Guide to Summer Fun will keep your kiddos happy and busy! Keep scrolling for a (long) list of summer camps and Vacation Bible Schools happening across Erath County. Stephenville Dance Center is hosting several dance camps this summer. Click the ad to learn more. Tarleton State University is hosting a slew of great camps from ag, choir, theatre and cheer to drumline and every

Manuel Remy competes in MotoTrials on a Montesa Repsol. Photo/Tandi Remy By SARA VANDEN BERGE Manuel Remy just might be the most interesting man in Erath County. Not only does he race motorcycles competitively, he’s a professional tree climber. Here’s another fun fact: His birthday is on May 16. Manuel and his wife Tandi own and operate Remy Tree Service, and she’s the one who let the cat out of the bag about his birthday. “As you watch him trim trees, you can feel