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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

Lincoln County Board Supports Agricultural Enterprise Area Designation in Towns of Harding, Corning

Published on 06/17/2026 under News Lincoln County is throwing its support behind a new initiative to safeguard agricultural land and strengthen the local farming economy. At Tuesday's meeting, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution supporting the creation of the proposed "Copper River Agricultural Enterprise Area" in the Towns of Corning and Harding. These specialized agricultural zones are designated by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection as part of the Agriculture Enterprise Area program. They help protect farmland by allowing eligible landowners to participate in the state's Farmland Preservation Program, which offers tax credits in exchange for keeping acreage dedicated to agricultural use. Supervisor Julie DePasse, whose district includes the proposed zone, described the program as a valuable tool for supporting local farmers. She noted that these state tax credits are available to participating landowners without impacting the local tax levy. County officials say agriculture remains an important part of the Lincoln County economy, contributing an estimated $132 million annually. However, the resolution notes that the county has seen a steady decline in the number of farms over the past decade. Officials hope that protecting this land will help sustain existing farming jobs while attracting new agricultural businesses to the area. The measure passed on a unanimous voice vote with little discussion. The final decision on the Agricultural Enterprise Area designation will be made by the state.

Published on 06/17/2026 under News A major fundraising milestone is paving the way for a permanent, year-round Boys & Girls Club in Merrill. The Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area announced it has secured the $3 million needed to renovate the former Merrill National Guard Armory building into a full-service youth facility. For the past four years, the club has operated out of Prairie River Middle School, but leaders say a dedicated home will allow them to expand programming and serve more local children. Originally built in 1953, the armory has been used sparingly by the National Guard in recent years. The upcoming makeover will completely transform the space, adding four classrooms, a playground, a teaching kitchen, an art studio, a gymnasium, and an academic center. This expansion will allow the club to accommodate younger students and boost participation in STEM, academic support, leadership, and workforce readiness initiatives. The latest announcement builds on efforts that began last year when the City of Merrill, with financial backing from the Bierman Foundation, purchased the armory and invited the Boys & Girls Club to become its long-term tenant. While construction funding is officially complete, the organization is now shifting its focus toward raising the remaining operational funds required to open the doors. If everything stays on track, renovations are scheduled to begin this October. The new facility is expected to welcome its first students by next summer, perfectly coinciding with the Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area's 30th anniversary. Visit the Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area-Merrill webpage for more information, project designs, and donation opportunities.

Published on 06/17/2026 under News Hundreds of bicyclists are spending the week on an annual tour of the state, following a route that mirrors the Wisconsin River. The ride is part of the Great Annual Bicycle Adventure Along the Wisconsin River, or GRABAAWR. Cyclists cover the 427-mile length of the river, pedaling along low-traffic roads and stopping at various communities along the way. The journey began over the weekend at the headwaters of the Wisconsin River in the Northwoods, with riders leaving from Eagle River. Their first checkpoint was approximately 70 miles south in Tomahawk. From there, Day 2 takes the riders to Mosinee. Ultimately, the tour will lead the cyclists to Southwestern Wisconsin, where they are scheduled to arrive in Prairie du Chien by the coming weekend. The event is organized by Bike Wisconsin and is one of a half-dozen rides planned for the summer months. The group will actually return to the area in just a few weeks for the Bike Northwoods Tour, which kicks off on the Fourth of July. With bike season in full swing, motorists are encouraged to be mindful of these and all cyclists on the road this summer.

Published on 06/17/2026 under News Tonight (Wednesday, June 17), the state is laying out its long-term fix for a notoriously rough stretch of Highway 86 in Tomahawk. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting this evening to discuss permanent reconstruction plans for Somo Avenue/Highway 86 between Wisconsin Avenue and US 51. While local crews put down a temporary pavement overlay on a four block segment earlier this spring, the state's full overhaul isn't scheduled until 2030. Tonight's session starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Tomahawk High School Cafeteria, featuring a brief presentation followed by an open house where residents can view maps, ask questions, and provide feedback.

Published on 06/17/2026 under News Good news for Northwoods forests: a destructive tree-eating caterpillar population is expected to remain at very low levels again this year. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says forest tent caterpillar populations remain low across northern Wisconsin, extending a remarkable 23-year trend. Spring surveys found very few caterpillar egg masses, meaning widespread tree damage is unlikely in 2026. These caterpillars have typically shown strong growth cycles every ten to sixteen years according to forest health specialist Paul Cigan. The caterpillars feed on a variety of trees, including aspen, oak, maple, birch and basswood. During these low-population periods, defoliation remains localized and light in intensity, usually going unobserved and unreported. They did highlight an area in northern Taylor County that saw heavier defoliation last year, and could once again. The low population levels are welcome news for aspen stands that have already been stressed by drought and past insect outbreaks. However, DNR officials caution that forest tent caterpillar populations naturally rise and fall in cycles and say a future population increase is still expected. Landowners are encouraged to watch for and report any significant caterpillar damage to the DNR. 622p" target="_blank">They have a guide that can differentiate between defoliators including the eastern tent caterpillar, the forest tent caterpillar, and the spongy moth caterpillar, which all look similar to the untrained eye.

Published on 06/17/2026 under News Residents interested in the future of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest are being invited to help shape upcoming local projects. Forest officials are actively recruiting members for a new Resource Advisory Committee (RAC). This 15-member committee will review and recommend projects funded through the federal Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, fostering collaboration across the 12-county region encompassed by the national forest. To ensure a balanced perspective, the committee will represent a wide array of interests and stakeholders. Openings are available for recreational users, environmental groups, tribal representatives, local elected officials, school administrators, timber industry professionals, and members of the general public. Applicants must be Wisconsin residents, with preference given to those living within the forest's 12-county footprint. The committee is expected to meet two or three times a year, typically at the forest headquarters in Rhinelander. Applications for the four-year terms are being accepted through July 31. Those interested can find more information and application details by visiting the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest website.

Published on 06/16/2026 under News Those eager for the kickoff of Tomahawk's Music on the River will have to wait an extra week. With heavy rain in the forecast throughout the day on Wednesday, the opening night of the summer concert series has been postponed. The Cougars were scheduled to play the first show of the year; they will now return on August 12 to close out the 19th season instead. While SARA Park typically serves as a backup rain location, organizers noted they always prefer for bands to play at Veterans Memorial Park. Remaining at the outdoor venue preserves the atmosphere and true spirit of the event's name, Music on the River. Opening night also traditionally features the WJJQ Community Cookout. That event has been rescheduled for July 1, coinciding with a performance by Ember, which organizers hope will be a great way to kick off the Fourth of July holiday week. So once again, to update your calendars, Wednesday's Music on the River concert has been postponed due to the rain. Opening night will now take place June 24 with B.D. Greer with The GentsThe WJJQ Community Cookout is now July 1And the Cougars will now play August 12

Published on 06/16/2026 under News Tomahawk's signature downtown flower baskets are once again in place, bringing a burst of color to Main Street just as the summer tourism season gets underway. More than 2,000 wave petunias grown by Cerny's Greenhouse now fill the hanging baskets and flower boxes throughout the downtown area and should be in full bloom shortly. This year's display features a patriotic red, white, and blue theme in recognition of America's upcoming 250th birthday celebration. According to Cerny's Greenhouse, the vibrant display has been months in the making. The petunia seeds were started in late February, transplanted in April, and finally delivered to downtown Tomahawk this past week. Tomahawk Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz noted that the flowers have become one of the community's most recognizable features, helping create a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Maintaining the flowers is a community effort. Turkiewicz credited local grower Justin Cerny for helping select the plants and providing expert knowledge on their care. The dedication extends to the volunteer "Rainmakers" crew, who are out bright and early each morning to keep the plants hydrated, while additional volunteers assist with weeding and general upkeep throughout the season. Turkiewicz added that volunteers are always welcome to help. Community members can also support the flower program's expenses through financial donations or by participating in local fundraising efforts, such as purchasing "North for the Fourth" t-shirts. With the colorful baskets now fully in place, the flowers are set to provide a bright, beautiful first impression for the thousands of visitors passing through Tomahawk during the busy summer months.

Published on 06/16/2026 under News A Langlade County conservation volunteer is being recognized statewide for her efforts to protect Northwoods forests and natural areas from invasive species. The DNR and the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council have named Terrie Pohjola as one of nine recipients of the 2026 Invasive Species Action Awards. Pohjola serves as Forestry Chair for the 2,400-acre Knight Templar Club Reserve on Duck Lake and is also a Wisconsin Master Naturalist. According to the DNR, she developed comprehensive maps and management plans to identify and control invasive species across the property. As a result, known populations of garlic mustard have been eliminated or brought under control, while tansy has been removed from environmentally sensitive areas. Pohjola also works closely with the reserve's Junior Naturalist Program, helping educate the next generation about conservation and stewardship. The Invasive Species Action Awards are presented annually during June, which is designated as Invasive Species Action Month in Wisconsin. This year, nine individuals and organizations were honored for their outstanding commitment to preventing the spread of invasive plants and animals and protecting the state's natural resources. To read more about this year's recipients

Published on 06/16/2026 under News It's graduation season, and eight interns recently celebrated a major milestone after completing Goodwill North Central Wisconsin's Project SEARCH program in Rhinelander. The 2026 class graduated from the program's site at Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital, capping off nine months of workplace training designed to help individuals with disabilities prepare for employment. Project SEARCH provides participants with hands-on experience through rotations in various hospital departments, including radiology, environmental services, food service and other support areas. The internships are intended to build job skills and confidence while exposing participants to a variety of career paths. Shana Herzfeldt is the director of mission operations. She says, "This program shows how a partnership with a shared vision can lead to a future full of opportunities for these students. Herzfeldt added, "It is extremely rewarding and inspiring to see their remarkable progress and achievements." Following graduation, Goodwill NCW continues to work with participants through individualized job searches, helping them secure employment either with the host organization or elsewhere in the community. The Rhinelander program operates through a partnership between Goodwill NCW, the School District of Rhinelander, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital, TMG, Lakeland Care and Inclusa.

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