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

Residents and visitors enjoyed four days of summer fun as Teapot Days 2026 brought the community together June 17-20 for one of Tea’s most anticipated annual celebrations. The festivities began Wednesday evening with the CommuniTEA Picnic, setting the tone for a fun-filled week. A large crowd attended the picnic, sponsored by Trinity Lutheran Church. Despite a rain shower that necessitated moving the event indoors, approximately 600 people were served. Entertainment was provi

The Tea Baseball Association’s competitive teams continue to do well in tournaments around the region. The 13U Titans took home 1st Place in the Marshall (Minnesota) 13U Tournament June 6-7. They dominated with a 20-0 win (over Benson, Minnesota), 10-2 win (over Marshall Tigers Orange) and 6-2 win (over Diamond Ducks). Pitcher Colin Terveen struck out 10 batters. The Titans scored nine runs on three hits in the second inning and 10 runs on nine hits in the third inning in th

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, June 9. Auditor Sheri Lund was present for the Auditor’s 2027 budget presentation to County Commission. “The budget is not a staff budget or an auditor’s budget, it is the county’s commission budget. The public expects its elected officials to make the difficult choices required to balance community needs, statutory obligations, contractual obligations, and taxpayer resources. The responsibility cannot be delegated, avo

For 20 years, the Tea Vet Clinic has been a trusted name for pet owners in the Tea area as Dr. Thomas Rentschler and his team have built a reputation on compassionate care and connection with pet owners. Dr. Rentschler and his team are celebrating the milestone with a remodel and expansion designed to meet the growing needs of his clients. Dr. Rentschler started his path to veterinary medicine at Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa, where he graduated with a degree in biol

The annual Teapot Days celebration is underway in Tea and continues through Saturday, June 20, with three days of carnival rides, live music, food vendors, sporting events, a community parade and fireworks. Festivities resume Thursday, June 18, as the Mighty Thomas Carnival opens from 5-10 p.m. on Brian Street near Tea City Park. Baseball fans can also catch the Tea Steam taking on the Renner Rangers, with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Tea Athletic Complex. Friday’s