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Erath County News


Tarleton State Rolls Into 2026 as Texas’ Fastest Growing University
STEPHENVILLE, Texas — As a new year unfolds, one constant holds true: Tarleton State University is the leader in Texas for enrollment growth. According to data released by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board following the fall 2025 semester, Tarleton State leads all Texas public universities with a 48.58% increase in enrollment since fall 2022. The state total for public institutions is 6.36% over that time. “There has never been a more exciting time to be a Tarleto
4 days ago2 min read


Six to Seven: Stephenville Levels Up With Another State Title
ARLINGTON, Texas - The Stephenville Yellow Jackets are state champions once again after defeating Kilgore in the UIL Class 4A Division I State Championship at AT&T Stadium on Friday morning. Stephenville ISD took the field at AT&T Stadium today as the Yellow Jackets faced the Kilgore Bulldogs in the UIL Class 4A Division I State Championship. Kickoff was set for 11 a.m. inside the iconic Arlington venue, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Photo from SISD Athletics Facebook Stephenvi
Dec 19, 20252 min read


Tarleton State Takes Top Place at NASA-TSGC Design Challenge
The RELLIS LTV team shows off their winning Lunar Terrain Vehicle prototype. From left are Syeda Roushan, Alyssa Castro, Behram Khan, Yashasvi Gullapally, Nicholas Ekleberry Irving Wistam. STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Engineering students from Tarleton State University’s RELLIS campus received the highest award for their NASA-based research project at the Texas Space Grant Consortium Design Challenge Showcase held Nov. 17-18 in League City, Texas. Team RELLIS LTV (Lunar Terrain Vehi
Dec 16, 20252 min read


LBC Brings Bethlehem to Life at Annual Live Nativity Scene
DUBLIN, Texas — The holiday season is returning in full sparkle as LBC prepares to host its beloved Live Nativity Scene December 12–14, 2025, at 21543 FM 219, Dublin, TX 76446. The annual event begins each evening at 6:30 p.m. and continues until all visitors have had the chance to walk through. Flyer from Lingleville Baptist Church Facebook Guests are invited to step back in time and experience Bethlehem as the church transforms into a bustling village filled with vivid sce
Dec 12, 20251 min read


Commencement Speaker Fladager Finds Home Away From Home at Tarleton State
STEPHENVILLE, Texas — For Josie Fladager, finding a community and a place that felt like home made all the difference. That’s what led her to Tarleton State University. She will talk about her educational journey as the student commencement speaker at Friday’s 3 p.m. graduation ceremony, during which she will receive a master’s in agricultural leadership, education and communications. This will be her second degree from Tarleton State. Before deciding on where to attend c
Dec 10, 20253 min read


Erath County United Way to Host 6th Annual “Light Up the Night”
STEPHENVILLE -Erath County United Way is gearing up for the holiday season with the return of its 6th Annual Light Up the Night, set to take place during the first three weekends of December at Stephenville City Park. The event will be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday December 5th-21st with gates opening each evening at 6 p.m. and last admission at 9 p.m. Visitors can enjoy a festive walking trail featuring iconic holiday displays, over 3 million twinkling lights, and animat
Dec 9, 20251 min read


Holly Jolly Christmas Festival Returns to Downtown Stephenville Tonight
STEPHENVILLE, Texas - Downtown Stephenville will transform into a Christmas wonderland tonight as the Holly Jolly Christmas Festival takes over downtown and surrounding streets from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday, December 8. This family-friendly event, h osted by the Stephenville Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Stephenville, invites the community to “step into a Hallmark movie” with festive sights, sounds, and activities designed for all ages. Families can enjoy p
Dec 8, 20252 min read


Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity Brings Joy Through Annual Angel Tree Event
STEPHENVILLE, Texas — The Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity at Tarleton State University, in partnership with the Lance Zimmerman Department of Campus Life, within the Division of Student Engagement and Success, hosted its annual Angel Tree event on Tuesday, Dec. 2, continuing a cherished tradition of bringing holiday joy to children in Erath and surrounding counties. This initiative provided Tarleton State students, faculty and staff an opportunity to give back by adopting “angels,
Dec 3, 20252 min read


‘Blessing Bags’ Given to Tarleton State Students Spending Thanksgiving on Campus
Members of the Gamma Zeta Texas Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International and Tarleton State alumni including from left, Marilyn Pack, Program/Projects Chairman; Dr. Ann Calahan; Dr. Sherri Benn, Tarleton State Vice President for Global, Community and First-gen Initiatives; Mindy Petross, President; and Kimberlea Adams, Treasurer, delivered “blessing bags” of food and supplies to support students in need during the holidays. STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State Texans spendi
Dec 1, 20252 min read


Dr. James E. Gentry Named Texas A&M System Regents Professor
STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University professor Dr. James (Jim) E. Gentry has been named a Regents Professor for the 2024-25 school year by The Texas A&M System Board of Regents. Created in 1996, the award recognizes outstanding faculty for their work and commitment to higher education. The selection process begins with a call for nominations from the chancellor. Final nominations advance to the chief executive officer of each A&M entity and then undergo a system-le
Dec 1, 20253 min read


Tarleton State Hosts 34th Annual Academic Scholarship Luncheon
STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University celebrated its 34th Annual Academic Scholarship Luncheon Saturday, honoring the generosity of scholarship donors and the achievements of student recipients. This yearly stewardship event brings together those who make educational dreams possible and the students whose lives are transformed by their support. With a record breaking $27 million given in scholarships to Tarleton State students this academic year, this occasion celeb
Nov 25, 20253 min read


Five Inducted Into Tarleton State University Rodeo Hall of Fame
Tarleton State University’s Rodeo Hall of Fame inducted five new members in Nov. 21 ceremonies at the EECU Center in Stephenville. Pictured, from left to right, are Tarleton State Head Rodeo Coach Mark Eakin, 2025 Hall of Fame inductees, Reggie Underwood, Jake Self, Tibba Smith, Cassie Ward Ambrose, Kylie Ward Weast and Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University’s Rodeo Hall of Fame inducted five new members — Cassie Ward Ambros
Nov 24, 20254 min read


Christmasville 2025 in Stephenville: Parade, Fireworks & Tree Lighting on Nov. 29
Christmasville in Stephenville has become a cherished hometown tradition, filled with food, fun, shopping, holiday music, and family-friendly activities. Santa and his elves will be coming to town, making it the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit! This year’s celebration kicks off Saturday, November 29th, in Downtown Stephenville, on the square in the heart of our community. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, contests and games, live entertainment, and photos with th
Nov 22, 20251 min read


The Heart of a Texan, Reyling Forges New Path Following Life-Altering Illness
STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Life is full of unexpected twist and turns, with some being bigger challenges than others. Hannah Reyling experienced this firsthand on February 29, 2024. Two days earlier, bouncing back from a bout with allergies and a sinus infection, Reyling was feeling good enough to play in a kickball game with her beloved sorority sisters. After the game, however, she began to feel ill again, and just 48 hours later she fell into a coma that would last 12 days. Jus
Nov 21, 20255 min read


Equine Herpesvirus puts Erath Area Barns on High Alert
STEPHENVILLE, Texas - A highly contagious equine virus linked to a major barrel racing event in Waco has Central Texas horse owners scrambling to tighten biosecurity, cancel jackpots and watch their horses like hawks. On Tuesday, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) issued a statewide alert about an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) reported by veterinarians after the WPRA World Finals and Elite Barrel Race, held
Nov 20, 20253 min read


Six Years Running, Texas' Top Graduate Success Rate Belongs to Tarleton State
STEPHENVILLE, Texas — 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 Tarleton State degree is more than a dipl
Nov 19, 20252 min read


20th Annual Masonic Lodge Fried Turkey Fundraiser
STEPHENVILLE - The Stephenville Masonic Lodge is once again hosting its annual Fried Turkey Fundraiser, supporting scholarships and community projects across Erath County. About the Fundraiser The Lodge awards 2-3 scholarships each year to seniors at SISD. A portion of the funds is set aside to support community needs throughout the year, including projects like the Tree House program, local organizations, and other charitable efforts. The Masonic Lodge has been a part of Ste
Nov 18, 20251 min read


Top South Korean Cadets To Train With Texan Corps in Leadership Program
STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Military students from South Korea will soon train with the Texan Corps of Cadets, thanks to an agreement between Tarleton State University and the Republic of Korea Army Cadet Military School. Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Barry Lambert and officials from the College of Leadership and Military Studies met earlier this week with a delegation from the Republic of Korea Cade
Nov 15, 20252 min read


Erath County Parties Put Politics Aside to Feed Neighbors in Need
Erath County Democrats and Republicans are putting politics aside to donate about $2,500 to local food banks and Meals on Wheels, supporting neighbors in need.
Nov 14, 20252 min read


Pickleball Court Now Open in Stephenville
STEPHENVILLE, Texas - Pickleball players in Erath County have a new place to play with the opening of The Serving Station, a private, indoor pickleball court designed for families, friend groups and local kids looking for something safe and fun to do in town. Located at 408 E Road across from Riggs Welding. Owned and operated by Sierra Felton and her husband, both Stephenville ISD graduates, The Serving Station offers one fully private court, meaning whoever books the time ge
Nov 14, 20252 min read
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