The Tea City Council met July 6 and held a public hearing on a variance. Community development director Albert Schmidt presented information for a variance at 1601 E. 1st Street for temporary approval for a non-hard surface for the parking area along East 1st Street. He said the area would help them move product across their property without going on 1st Street. The council approved the variance. Vicki Pick spoke to the council during public comment about the Tea Community Ha

[Editor’s Note: Following the interviews detailed in the story below, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, July 7, to fill the vacant District 2 commissioner seat. After voting by paper ballot, former state legislator and Tea mayor Herman Otten was selected to serve as the District 2 representative. Otten received votes from Commissioners Tiffani Landeen, Jim Schmidt, and Sheri Lund. Duane Carlson received votes from Commissioner Doug Putnam and Commissio

Three members of Tea’s Scout Troop 99 were recently recognized for their quick thinking and lifesaving actions after coming to the aid of an injured man during the troop’s return trip from summer camp last year. The Scouts were honored during the troop’s Court of Honor in May of this year for their actions on June 28, 2025, at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri. According to troop leaders, the awards are among Scouting’s highest recognitions

Tea Area High School student Jaxon Johanneson (pictured at right) was among 130 young men selected from across South Dakota to participate in the 83rd Annual South Dakota Boys State, held May 25-29 on the campus of Northern State University in Aberdeen. Sponsored by the South Dakota American Legion, Boys State is a premier leadership and citizenship program designed to give high school students firsthand experience in the workings of local and state government. This year’s pr

Tea Area High School sophomore Beckett Martens made school history June 18-21 by becoming the first Titan to compete at the prestigious New Balance Nationals Track and Field Championships at Franklin Field on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The annual meet features some of the nation’s top high school track and field athletes, with competitors earning their spots by meeting rigorous qualifying standards during the outdoor season. Martens qualifie

Longtime Tea resident Larry Bendt was honored Saturday, June 27, as a member of the inaugural Lennox American Legion Brethost Burma Post 174 Baseball Hall of Fame class, recognizing his decades of dedication to American Legion Baseball. Bendt, who now resides in Sioux Falls, was among six honorees recognized during a ceremony held between games of a Legion Baseball doubleheader. The Hall of Fame was established to recognize the individuals and teams whose dedication, leadersh

A locally based boutique with more than 1 million online followers is winding down its operations. Lauriebelles plans to close its storefront in Tea next month while launching a final collection online. Owner Laurie Karlson started her women’s clothing boutique online in August 2013, working out of her basement, as a way to be able to spend more time with her two young sons. “I feel like I’ve kind of entered a new season in life,” she said. “I’m retiring, and I use that term

The Tea Pot Dayz Summer Open golf tournament, hosted by the Tea Area Titans Sports Boosters, was held Friday, June 19, at Lenkota Country Club in Lennox as part of the annual Teapot Days celebration. Golfers from across the area gathered for a day of friendly competition, community involvement, and support for Tea Area student activities. The tournament serves as one of several events to help raise funds for the Tea Area Titans Sports Boosters and its programs. Claiming top h

CANTON, SD - The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners is seeking letters of interest for interested parties to be appointed to the vacant seat in District #2. To be considered for appointment, qualified interested persons (i.e., resident of district and eligible voter) shall submit a letter of interest to the Commission Office. Candidates will not be considered if they have not submitted a letter of interest to the Commission Office. Letters of interest may be mailed or emai

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners met for a special meeting on Monday, June 22.Commissioners discussed the resignation of Commissioner Betty Otten and considered the appointment procedures for the vacancy. Chief Civil Deputy State’s Attorney, Drew DeGroot requested board action to acknowledge the resignation of Commissioner Betty Otten and consider the appointment procedures for the District #2 Commissioner vacancy pursuant to SDCL 3-4-4. “As I’m sure you are all aw