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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

Monday Storms Cross Northwoods; Downed Trees, Power Outages, Hail

Published on 07/28/2026 under News While the Fox Valley took the brunt of the storm, severe weather swept through the Northwoods on Monday morning, causing widespread property damage and leaving thousands without power. Moving from northwest to southeast, the storm hit northern Oneida, Vilas, and Forest Counties the hardest within our listening area—affecting communities including Eagle River, Land O' Lakes, Crandon, and Three Lakes. Listeners reported skies turning as dark as night, accompanied by frequent lightning, powerful wind gusts, and torrential downpours. Severe hail was also reported, with some stones measuring several inches in diameter. The storm's destructive winds and downed trees triggered widespread power outages. Wisconsin Public Service reported roughly 8,000 customers without power across the Northwoods around midday Monday, concentrated mostly in Vilas County. Crews have been working around the clock, cutting that number down significantly. As of daybreak Tuesday, about 1,000 outages remain, split evenly between Vilas and Oneida counties. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries in the Northwoods.

Published on 07/28/2026 under News As Wisconsin celebrates Disability Pride Month, outdoor recreation is becoming more accessible for visitors of all abilities, and Lincoln County's Council Grounds State Park is among the state parks helping lead the way. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is highlighting accessible features available throughout the state park system, encouraging everyone to enjoy Wisconsin's public lands during July and year-round. The effort coincides with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law in July 1990. At Council Grounds State Park, visitors can take advantage of an accessible fishing pier on the Wisconsin River and Lake Alexander, adaptive kayaks available through the DNR's rental program, and accessible campsites and picnic areas with paved or level paths and modern amenities. Statewide, the DNR also offers amenities such as all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, accessible kayak launches, barrier-free cabins, sensory bags at select nature centers and universally accessible recreation programs. The DNR says accessible outdoor spaces benefit everyone by making it easier for families and visitors of all abilities to enjoy Wisconsin's parks together. They have an interactive map on their website with options to search for accessibility features.

Published on 07/28/2026 under News Ice Age Trail hikers have a brand-new segment to explore in the Northwoods thanks to an impressive volunteer effort, and organizers are already looking for help on their next big project right here in Lincoln County. Crews with the Ice Age Trail Alliance officially wrapped up work on the Antigo Heights Segment in Langlade County earlier this month, marking their second major volunteer project in the county this summer. Despite heat, humidity, and rain, volunteers built over a mile of fresh trail, constructed a 52-foot boardwalk, set up a new backpacker campsite, and installed scavenger-hunt boxes for kids exploring the area's ancient glacial terrain. Alliance officials say the new loop trail is designed for both long-distance hikers and local families looking for a short evening outing. Now, attention turns to Lincoln County. From August 6th through August 9th, the Alliance is hosting its next event on the Underdown Segment. The goal is to build nearly a mile of off-road trail on DNR land to replace a long-standing road walk section. The project will also add three short boardwalks and another backcountry camping area. No prior trail-building experience is required, and all necessary tools and training will be provided on-site. The deadline to sign up for next month's project is Thursday, July 30th, with registration available online through the Ice Age Trail Alliance volunteer portal.

Published on 07/28/2026 under News Ten local students pursuing careers in the medical field have received scholarships to help fund their education. The Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital Foundation recently announced the ten $1,000 awards, representing a $10,000 total investment in healthcare education in the Northwoods. This year's recipients are Caylie Swan, Jessica Wergin, Riah Petta, Taylor Repinski, Alexis Repinski, Ella Hilgendorf, Molly Mott, Sara Gebauer, Samantha Gebauer, and Courtney Theiler. The students are pursuing degrees across a wide range of medical fields, including nursing, emergency medicine, optometry, speech pathology, and psychology. To date, the foundation has provided approximately $200,000 in scholarships. Foundation leaders noted that many past recipients have returned to the area after completing their degrees, bringing valuable care back to local Northwoods communities. Pictured Left to right: Roger Schlegel-Foundation board, Carmen Viegut-Director of Nursing, Riah Petta, Caylie Swan, Alexis Repinski, Taylor Repinski, Ella Hilgendorf, Jessica Wergin and Gregg Albert-Foundation board; Not pictured: Samantha Gebauer, Sara Gebauer, Courtney Theiler and Molly Mott

Published on 07/28/2026 under News A weekend crash involving a motorcycle and a deer in Lincoln County left the rider with minor injuries. According to the Sheriff's Department, the collision occurred Sunday on County Highway X near County Highway C in the Town of Schley. The operator, a Merrill man, struck the deer, which he reported survived the impact and ran off into the woods. The man reported minor injuries but declined medical attention at the scene. This marks at least the third motorcycle-versus-deer collision on Lincoln County roadways this riding season. While total vehicle-deer accidents are down this month, deputies still responded to six reported deer strikes over the past week, along with additional collisions involving a bear and a coyote. A couple of other quick notes from the Sheriff's Report… An Irma teen sustained minor injuries following a single vehicle crash in the Town of Rock Falls on Saturday. The driver reported traveling east on North Star Drive when he drifted off the roadway, hit a culvert and struck a utility pole. The vehicle came to rest on its side. The teen refused medical treatment. And traffic stops led to three separate OWI offenses over the weekend.

Published on 07/27/2026 under News While Christmas is still six months away, the officers across the Northwoods are getting a head start on the holiday season by trading their badges for aprons at Culver's Tuesday. During today's lunch and dinner rushes, police officers at participating locations will be serving guests and delivering meals as part of the annual "Cops at Culver's" event. Culver's is donating a percentage of sales from the day plus all tip donations to the officers. All funds raised by the departments will benefit Police Lights of Christmas, a statewide charity that provides officers with gift cards to hand out to community members facing unexpected hardships during the winter holidays. Locally that includes: Antigo, Medford, Merrill, Minocqua, and Rhinelander. In Rhinelander specifically, adding to the festive atmosphere, Santa Claus will be taking a brief hiatus from the North Pole to visit the restaurant from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Children are encouraged to stop by, say hello, and hand off their Christmas wish lists a few months early. Free face painting will also be available for kids during the evening hours.

Published on 07/27/2026 under News Plates have been cleaned, votes tallied, and a new champion crowned in the Tomahawk STAR Foundation's "Best Burger in Paradise" contest. Winding Trail Grill & Bar captured the top spot thanks to their standout bacon jam burger, a crowd favorite that will remain on the regular menu for diners eager to taste the award-winning creation. The annual friendly fundraising contest challenges local eateries to showcase their best burger creations while raising money for a great cause. Beyond bragging rights for the kitchen, proceeds from every Burger Card sold directly support the Tomahawk STAR Foundation's mission to fund local non-profits and strengthen the surrounding community. In addition to crowning the winning burger, the STAR Foundation randomly selected three cardholders who submitted completed cards to win gift certificates to Winding Trail Grill & Bar. This year's winners are Jennifer Snyder, Tammy Loka, and Keith Enzor. The STAR Foundation extends its thanks to all participating restaurants and diners. The team at Winding Trail will jump right back into local culinary competition this weekend as one of the teams participating in the Tomahawk Lions Thrilla on the Grilla Rib Competition. We'll have a preview later this week. Participating restaurants in this year's lineup included Billy Bob's Sports Bar & Grill, Castaways Bar & Grill, Nacho's Mexican Grill Tomahawk, Stars & Stripes Pub & Grub, Ten Point Bar & Grill, and Winding Trail Grill & Bar.

Published on 07/27/2026 under News A 17-year-old Merrill girl was seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash over the weekend in Lincoln County. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office says the crash was reported at shortly before 11am Sunday on Highway 64 near Elm Grove Road in the Town of Corning. According to the preliminary investigation, the teen was driving eastbound on Highway 64 when her vehicle crossed the center-line into the westbound lane and collided with an oncoming vehicle. The teen was flown by helicopter to Marshfield Hospital with injuries described as critical. No update on her condition was provided. There was a two-week-old child in the vehicle as well. Authorities say the infant was properly secured in a car seat, and was not injured in the crash. A husband and wife were in the second vehicle. The 60-year-old man and 56-year-old woman suffered minor injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

Published on 07/27/2026 under News One person was hospitalized following a single vehicle rollover in Oneida County over the weekend. According to the Pine Lake Fire Department, responders were paged to Birchwood Drive on Saturday evening. The initial call at 5pm indicated the driver was trapped inside a potentially burning vehicle. Upon arrival, emergency crews found the vehicle resting on its roof, though fortunately, no active fire was present. Bystanders on the scene had already assisted the driver in safely exiting the vehicle prior to the arrival of responders. Paramedics with Rhinelander Fire Ambulance evaluated the driver at the scene before transporting them to Aspirus Hospital for further medical care. Birchwood Drive was completely closed to traffic for approximately an hour while crews worked to clear the scene.

Published on 07/27/2026 under News The Lincoln County Board is setting its sights on the future as it continues laying out a roadmap for the remainder of its two-year term. Following an initial brainstorming session in June, supervisors continued their discussion at the July meeting. They outlined a wide range of long-term priorities, with a heavy focus on the county's aging population. Board members highlighted the growing technological and financial gaps facing local seniors on a fixed-income. Other topics on the radar include establishing a dedicated county industrial park or convention center, zoning codes to improve housing opportunities, continuing to grow and promote tourism, and developing long-term plans for both the county landfill and highway building. Supervisors even brought up structural changes to the board itself including consolidating committees and even the board size. This recent conversation served as a cursory look at potential topics without much discussion on how to accomplish goals.It builds on discussions from last month, where supervisors raised topics including data centers, broadband access, housing, and general infrastructure improvements. Board Chair Don Friske noted that only twenty meetings remain in the current session. However, despite holding these planning discussions over the last two months, Friske does not anticipate long-term goal setting becoming a recurring agenda item.

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