Quality Telecommunications & Tech Services, a second-generation family business, is expanding its operational presence in the Sioux Falls region with the relocation to a larger, upgraded facility in Tea, SD to better support the growing needs of area businesses and organizations. Having already served the Tea & Sioux Falls community for years with security technology, business phone systems, and IT services, this expansion reflects both rising demand and the company’s long-te

The Tea City Council met Nov. 3 and held a first reading on an ordinance on animals. Community development director Albert Schmidt presented a first reading on ordinance 320. The ordinance specifically addresses the keeping of chickens within city limits. The proposed updates include a maximum of six total animals of chickens, quails or rabbits. Roosters are prohibited. Waterfowl would need a conditional use permit. The second reading on the ordinance will be at the Nov. 17 c

Alexandria, VA—Jay M. Swatek, principal of Venture Elementary School, has been named as one of 43 exemplary elementary and middle-level principals from across the nation to receive the award of 2025 NAESP National Distinguished Principal (NDP) by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). The pre-K-8 principals traveled to the nation’s capital from Oct. 23 – 24, to participate in two days of events that culminate in an awards banquet to honor their acco

Tea’s food pantry made the move to a new location on Main Avenue and opened to the public on Oct. 21. After around 20 years in Trinity Lutheran Church, the Tea Food Pantry moved into its own space at 125 S. Main Avenue with a new name - Tea Area Cupboard. Board member Amanda McKnelly noted that Ruth Anderson was a huge part of the pantry for all of those years and expressed her thankfulness. About a year and a half ago, a group of people started talking about needing to servi

The Tea Area Community Scholarship Fund (TACSF) recently concluded its Touchdown Campaign Fundraiser, successfully raising $1,265 with the support of local residents and businesses. While the organization has been awarding scholarships to Tea High School seniors since 2005, its visibility within the community has decreased in recent years, making it possible that many might not be familiar with its mission. The TACSF understands the financial burden of college expenses, and i

As a Tea Area student, Lauren (Hill) Diede was involved in many activities. As a 2013 Tea Area graduate, Diede participated in track, volleyball, basketball, band, choir, FCCLA, HOSA, student council and National Honor Society. Diede was one of five to be inducted into the Tea Area School District Hall of Fame during homecoming in September. “It’s a really huge honor, especially because I got to see the school itself grow and we got to watch individuals and then teams succeed

The Tea Area School Board met Oct. 13 and heard about the annual levy trend. Superintendent Tonia Warzecha presented a levy trend report. The board reviews it every year at this time. She said the district’s levy has gone down. The bond redemption levy has gone down 24 cents since last year. They are strategic in the bond redemption to leave room to build in the future. Last year the district’s bond redemption levy was $2.66; this year it’s $2.42. Out capital outlay fund levy

The Tea Area High School Marching Band had an incredible day at the March to the Meridian competition in Yankton on Saturday, Oct. 11, bringing home an impressive seven awards — including first place in both the parade and field competitions, as well as the coveted Sweepstakes title. “This was our third year competing at the March to the Meridian,” said Band Director Stephanie Wranek. “This year we came home with seven awards on the day. It was an outstanding day for our grou

Drum majors from Tea Area are pictured above accepting their award. High school marching bands from across the region showcased their...

By Wendy Sweeter, SDSU Extension  4-H Educator - Lincoln County Two Lincoln County 4-H members attended the 4-H Citizenship Washington...