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WIAA Board Approves Basketball Shot Clock, Two Divisions in Boys Hockey Published on 06/23/2017 under Sports

STEVENS POINT, Wis. -- The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Board of Control reviewed and approved a number of committee recommendations impacting winter sports, gave initial review and consideration of a newly conceived divisional placement plan for basketball, and engaged in robust membership-related discussions at its June meeting today.

Following a lengthy discussion, the Board voted to implement the use of a 35-second shot clock in basketball for varsity games only to begin with the 2019-20 season.

In other basketball-related action, coaches qualifying for the Sate Tournament will determine the seeds for the four qualifying teams in each of the five divisions with a Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association representative breaking any ties that may occur beginning in 2017-18.

Three other basketball recommendations received approval from the Board. If schools choose to play only one half of a junior varsity game and a full varsity game, players will be allowed to play in only two halves. Also approved was extending the coaching box to 28 feet from 14 feet for all levels. In addition, the number of players per team allowed to dress during the Tournament Series will increase to 18 while maintaining the maximum party limit of 22.

The Board also voted to convene the basketball coaches advisory committee following the 2017 Area Meetings to discuss the merits of a newly created basketball tournament placement model. Details of the plan will be shared and discussed at the Area Meetings and at each level of the committee process to be presented to the Board at its Jan. 31, 2018 meeting. General details of the plan is provided below.

The Board supported an amended recommendation for a two-year experiment on sponsoring two divisions in boys hockey beginning with the 2020 State Tournament. The tournament format will feature four teams in Division 1 and four in Division 2 with the smallest 32 programs by enrollment assigned to Division 2.

Another action item in hockey was the approval of the procedure for seeding the State Tournament. The WIAA will conduct a conference call with coaches of qualifying teams to determine the top four seeds, and the remaining four teams will be randomly drawn as opponents of the seeded teams in the brackets. The guidelines for seeding will replicate those for the regional and sectional levels.

Beginning next season, the State Tournament in team wrestling will also be seeded by coaches of qualifying teams. The process will replicate the procedure approved in boys hockey. Another wrestling recommendation approved for 2017-18 increases the total number of medals awarded to 28 at the State Team Tournament, which equals the number of eligible athletes. In other wrestling-related discussions, the Board was informed of a change in the Feb. 1, one-pound growth allowance to take effect on the date of the first regional competition.

The lone gymnastics coaches' recommendation received approval. It requires the final average score of a routine to be posted during meets throughout the season.

The Board also ratified spring cooperative programs for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, general fund financial statements and payments and a spending resolution during development of the 2017-18 operational budget.

Among the additional discussions were a review of the 2017 spring State Tournaments, updates on Assembly Bill 260/Senate Bill 232, the 2017 New Athletic Director Workshop, possible 2017 Area Meeting topics, and potential Constitution items for the 2018 Annual Meeting.

The Board also received liaison reports from John Ashley of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards and Peggy Seegers-Braun of the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association.

The WIAA oversees interscholastic athletic programs for 511 senior high schools and 41 junior high/middle level schools in its membership. It sponsors 27 championship tournament series. For more information, please contact the WIAA office at (715) 344-8580.

In Other News

Oneida County Health Department Unveils New Public Health Vending Machine

Published on 09/30/2026 under News Instead of candy bars or soft drinks, Oneida County's newest vending machine is stocked with valuable health supplies, free to those who need them. The Oneida County Health Department has launched its very first Public Health Vending Machine this week. Positioned right outside the Health Department and ADRC building on Keenan Street in Rhinelander; it's accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The machine is stocked with essential items like hygiene and dental kits, first aid supplies, laundry kits, and even tick removal packs. They've also stocked some critical safety gear like drug deactivation bags and gunlocks, which were donated by the Rhinelander Police Department and Iron Mountain VA. Local health officials say removing the price tag eliminates barriers for families who might otherwise struggle to afford basic care items, all while offering a private and convenient way to get help. Public health vending machines are catching on across Wisconsin, and community donations are helping keep this one stocked year-round.

Published on 09/30/2026 under News As fall foliage peaks across Northern Wisconsin, more families are trading typical weekend getaways for a day on the farm. Governor Tony Evers has officially proclaimed September and October as Wisconsin's Agricultural Tourism Fall Season. Agritourism, where farms open their doors to the public for entertainment, education, and fresh local food is a growing industry, both statewide and locally. Common attractions at this time of year include: apple orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and farmstead pizza. With less than two percent of Americans working directly in agriculture, industry experts say these visits help bridge the gap—giving people a chance to learn where their food comes from while supporting local family farms. In turn, it gives hardworking farmers an opportunity to showcase their operations and supplement their income. To help travelers plan an autumn trip, the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association recently launched a new online directory featuring interactive maps, digital discounts, and interactive games with prizes, such as "Fall on the Farm Bingo" and a "Fall Maze Challenge." To learn more or plan your visit, go to wiagritourism.com.

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Published on 09/30/2026 under News With winter a few months away, Boulder Junction is preparing for the upcoming season at Winter Park following a strong 2025–26 winter. The park recorded more than 20,000 visits during its eight-week season at The Glide, nearly doubling its inaugural figures. An analysis by the town's Economic Development Committee estimates that these visitors generated approximately $1.2 million in direct local spending. Winter Park's initial infrastructure relied on temporary solutions to operationalize the park quickly and evaluate usage patterns. With two successful seasons completed, the town now possesses a clear understanding of park functionality, necessary improvements, and high-impact long-term investments. To support future growth, the Town of Boulder Junction is launching a $110,000 improvement campaign to construct permanent facilities. Planned upgrades include heated winter pit toilets, pavilion improvements, new seating, and updated signage. Partnering with the Boulder Junction Community Foundation to raise the remaining funds, the town has committed $55,000 from room tax revenues to cover half the cost. To learn more or donate, visit boulderatplay.com or boulderjunctioncf.org.

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Published on 09/29/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's girls swimmers traveled down to Wausau and competed in a double dual with Wausau East and Medford Tuesday night. The Highest a Hatchet placed was third across two different events. Kami Gabrich would take third in the 200 freestyle with a time of 2:27.85. Gabrich also joined Kaylee Roberts, Sloane Eisenman, and Kourtney Busterud in a third-place finish in the 200 yard freestyle relay with a time of 2:11.21. The Hatchets are back in the pool for a GNC Dual Thursday against Medford. Events will begin at 5:30.

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