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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

Tomahawk Police, Nokomis Fire Receive WPS Rewarding Responders Grants

Published on 08/27/2026 under News First responders across the Northwoods have been receiving new emergency response tools this week to help keep their communities safe. The Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Foundation has been awarding grants of up to $2,000 to law enforcement, fire, rescue, and EMS agencies across the region through its Rewarding Responders grant program. That generosity included a pair of stops right here in the Tomahawk area. The Tomahawk Police Department received a grant to purchase additional Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units for cardiac emergencies. As highlighted during Tuesday's Health and Safety Meeting, the department's current units are nearing the end of their service life and the model discontinued. AEDs typically have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years and require regular maintenance. A bit further north, the Nokomis Fire Department was also selected for a Rewarding Responders grant. They will use the funds to purchase an adaptable piercing nozzle kit—a specialized tool designed to quickly direct water into confined spaces such as engine compartments, semi-trailers, or basements. During this cycle, the WPS Foundation is distributing $75,000. Since Rewarding Responders was established in 2014, the program has awarded $750,000 to emergency responders across its service area, primarily focusing on the Northwoods and Fox Valley.

Published on 08/27/2026 under News With school bells set to ring across the Northwoods in the coming days, state and local law enforcement agencies are reminding parents and students to prioritize traffic safety, starting right at the bus stop. Officials encourage families to review the "SAFE" guidelines to keep children secure during their morning and afternoon commutes. S – Stay back: Keep at least five giant steps (10 feet) away from the curb while waiting for the bus.A – Always wait: Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver signals that it is safe to board.F – Face forward: Find a seat quickly and remain seated facing front for the entire ride.E – Exit carefully: Watch your step when getting off, and look left-right-left before crossing the street.Officers strongly recommend that parents of younger or first-time students take a trial walk to their assigned bus stop before the first day of class to practice these safety habits together. Motorists are also urged to stay alert for children near bus stops and walking to school. We'll have a few additional reminders before the first day of class.

Published on 08/27/2026 under News A local establishment is considered a total loss following a heavy commercial structure fire early Wednesday morning along State Highway 70. Minocqua Fire & Rescue was dispatched to Sheri's Pub N Grub shortly before 2:00 a.m. Crews arrived on the scene to find the building fully engulfed in flames. Initial suppression efforts were hindered by a ruptured gas line, which kept the fire fueled until crews from Wisconsin Public Service arrived to secure the utilities. While the emergency utility shutoff triggered power outages for surrounding residents, officials noted the step was essential to ensure firefighter safety. More than a dozen area departments assisted in the five-hour operation, relying on multiple water supplies and specialized equipment to extinguish the blaze. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The blaze was one of two major fires in the Lakeland area early Wednesday morning. Just 45 minutes into the operation, mutual aid resources were stretched as crews were called to a second emergency nearby. (Arbor Vitae Fire Claims Home) Both lead departments praised the critical role of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) during the dual emergencies and expressed gratitude to the many regional agencies that stepped up to assist.

Published on 08/27/2026 under News A home in Arbor Vitae was destroyed early Wednesday morning in a fire, one of two responses across the Lakeland area. Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue was dispatched to the scene just 45 minutes after a blaze broke out at an establishment in neighboring Minocqua. (read more on Fire Destroys Sheri's Pub N Grub in Minocqua) Several Arbor Vitae units that had just arrived to assist at the Minocqua scene were immediately redirected back to their home district following initial concerns that occupants might be trapped inside. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy flames spreading rapidly through the house. Crews pushed through intense heat to perform a primary search, confirming that no residents were inside. Shortly after the search was completed, the roof collapsed under severe fire damage. While the home was deemed a total loss, no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Minocqua Fire & Rescue and Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue both highlighted the vital role played by the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) during the simultaneous incidents, thanking the neighboring volunteer departments for their swift assistance.

Published on 08/27/2026 under News Night owls across the Northwoods may want to keep their eyes on the skies tonight. A full moon paired with a partial lunar eclipse will sweep across the region Thursday evening into the early morning hours of Friday. August's full moon, traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon, will see Earth's shadow cover roughly 96% of its surface, casting a striking, deep rusty-red glow over the lunar landscape. While skywatchers shouldn't expect much aurora activity tonight due to minimal forecast predictions, Northern Lights conditions look slightly more promising for Friday night. Local viewers won't need telescopes or special glasses to take in the near-total eclipse. For the best view of the red moon, head away from city lights around 11:00 p.m.

Published on 08/27/2026 under News State health and wildlife officials have issued an updated guide to help anglers safely enjoy Wisconsin fish. The DNR and Department of Health Services released the latest edition of their Choose Wisely guide on Tuesday. While fish offer great lean protein and healthy omega-3s, they can absorb environmental pollutants like mercury and PFAS over time. DNR toxicologist Sean Strom says staff regularly test fish across state waterways to update recommendations, noting it's critical for frequent fish-eaters to check for new advisories. Depending on the body of water, fish species, and individual health factors, recommendations may suggest limiting fish meals to once a week, once a month, or avoiding consumption altogether. While most Wisconsin waters have no restrictions, several local lakes and rivers do carry specific guidelines. The full 2026–2028 Choose Wisely guide is available online, with advisory signs posted at popular public boat launches.

Published on 08/26/2026 under News A new feature-length documentary exploring the rich history of Tomahawk is set to make its big-screen debut next month. Tomahawk: City in the Pines will premiere on Saturday, September 12, at the Tomahawk High School Auditorium. Created by Tomahawk native Clay Schmit and Academy Award-winning filmmaker John Newcombe, the project spent more than two years in development, tracing the area's roots from its early days prior to incorporation, through its founding in 1886, and into the modern era. The 90-minute film highlights the region's timber origins, the dangerous logging era along the Wisconsin River, historic sawmills, and iconic local landmarks like the former Mitchell Hotel and the Tomahawk Boat Company. Schmit credits tremendous support from local residents, the Tomahawk Historical Society, and community members who contributed photographs, stories, and historical records. Tomahawk Mayor "Hob" Habeck, who attended an advance screening, praised the project: "When people see this film, they'll gain a whole new perspective on Tomahawk. It shows just how much hard work and determination went into building this community." Organizers encourage attendees to wear flannel to the premiere in honor of the town's logging heritage. Schmit noted that the documentary is dedicated to those who lost their lives working in the timber industry. We'll have more coverage leading up to the premiere here on WJJQ, including an upcoming conversation with Newcombe.

Published on 08/26/2026 under News A new Veterans Memorial Mural is in the works for Antigo, and the local artist behind the project is seeking the public's help to bring the vision to life. Artist Danna Gabriel is collaborating with Antigo Visual Arts and Bradley Funeral Home to create the piece. From a distance, the mural will resemble a traditional American flag, but up close, it reveals a detailed mosaic composed of 305 individually customized red, white, and blue ceramic tiles. Project organizers are inviting community members to purchase and dedicate individual tiles to complete the design. Each tile can be personalized with a veteran's name, photograph, military details, or a message of gratitude. Proceeds from the project will support the Langlade County chapter of Disabled American Veterans. "This project is about honoring the people who served, preserving their stories, and creating something our community can be proud of," Gabriel shared. "Whether you are honoring a family member, remembering a friend, or simply want to say thank you to a veteran, there is a place for you in this mural." While 32 tiles have already been reserved, all 305 must be claimed before final assembly can begin. Once completed, the mosaic will be permanently installed inside Bradley Funeral Home. Those interested in sponsoring a tile or supporting the project can contact Antigo Visual Arts or Bradley Funeral Home.

Published on 08/26/2026 under News There's plenty of incentive to head down to WaWui bingo this evening, featuring a special promotion and a growing prize pot. First up, it's WJJQ Night at bingo! Our very own Gregg Albert will be on the microphone calling numbers for the evening. Even if you don't score a bingo, you might still walk away with some cool Big Q gear. If that isn't enough to get you out the door, WaWui's Blackout Progressive Game features a pot that grows every week and is now up to nearly $1,700. As always, all WaWui bingo proceeds directly support operations and improvements at the SARA Park facility. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and games begin at 6:30 p.m. at SARA Park.

Published on 08/26/2026 under News It was a routine night of committee meetings for the City of Tomahawk, with few action items on the agenda. The Health and Safety Committee approved special event applications for two upcoming events which are unrelated, but fall on the same weekend: the annual Tomahawk High School Homecoming Parade on October 2 and the WaWui Beer and Bacon Bash on October 3 at SARA Park. The Finance Committee re-approved borrowing resolutions to purchase two new squad cars and several pieces of Public Works equipment. Because these items had been previously approved, a renewed application was required. The committee spent the majority of its time scheduling upcoming sessions to discuss a potential fall levy referendum, the city's room tax, and the 2027 municipal budget. Meanwhile, the Board of Public Works reviewed monthly updates from department heads and briefly discussed signage for the South Tomahawk Avenue boulevard between Wisconsin and Somo avenues. The location currently displays the Tomahawk Main Street sign, with future plans to add a Wisconsin Historical District sign. No action was taken as members gather additional details on sign dimensions and potential Department of Transportation height restrictions.

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