WJJQ Radio

Story Details

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

City of Tomahawk to Host Referendum Informational Sessions in March

Published on 03/02/2026 under News In just over a month, voters in the city of Tomahawk will decide on a levy referendum. In the lead up to the vote, city leaders will be reaching out to the public, an effort that begins this week. The state largely restricts the ability of municipalities to increase their tax levy without voter approval. The Tomahawk City Council is looking for a 20% increase to the base levy going forward, approximately $276,000. If approved, it would result in an increase of around $75 for a $100,000 property. Currently, the Tomahawk City Council scheduled three public informational meetings in March. The goal of the meetings will be to explain why the city is requesting additional funding. At these informational sessions, they plan to review some of the cuts they've made in recent years to balance the budget, as well as services that could be impacted in the future. In addition to the City Council members, department heads have also been asked to participate. In order to reach as many people as possible, the Council attempted to cover different times to schedule the meetings. The first is coming up at 1pm on Wednesday, March 4. Another has been scheduled for Saturday, March 7 at 10am. The final session will take place the evening of March 19. They will take place at SARA Park. In addition to the meetings, they also plan to include a fact sheet in utility bills as well as traditional and social media. Voters will decide on the referendum April 7.

Published on 03/02/2026 under News Most people will never travel to Antarctica. A local teacher recently made the trip to the frozen continent and will be talking about the trip Monday evening. Breanne Kanak is described as an artist, adventurer and teacher. She was able to participate in a 10-day expedition to Antarctica. It was a unique opportunity, and she has been able to bring those lessons back to the classroom in Wabeno where she teaches. Now she'll be sharing her adventure with the community as well. Coming up this evening, Kanak is partnering with Nicolet College to host this program. Through her stories, photos, and videos. Kanak will cover topics like conservation, mindful eco-tourism, and the joys and challenges of teaching from one of Earth's most remote places. The discussion will get underway at 6pm this evening. Prior to the conversation, artwork from Kanak's expedition is on display at Nicolet College's Lakeside Center. The program is free.

Published on 03/02/2026 under News Today is World Teen Mental Wellness Day, and behavioral health professionals at Aspirus are highlighting some of the challenges impacting youth and their families. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in three high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, a key indicator of depression. Aspirus behavioral health and employee assistance program counselor Tisha Sleiter says this can come from academic expectations, peer dynamics, and constant digital exposure of social media, while some challenges still stem from impacts of the pandemic. According to the announcement, those struggles are unfolding during a critical stage of emotional and neurological development. The prefrontal cortex, which supports emotional regulation and decision-making, continues to mature throughout the teenage years. Prolonged stress during that time can influence how young people respond to pressure and build coping skills. Some early signs of emotional distress can include social withdrawal, declining engagement, increased anxiety and behavioral changes. Starting the conversation early and working with a primary care provider can help teens. Leiter says, "The best thing we can do is ask how they're doing. Form connection, provide space, and when they ask for help, guide them toward the support they need."

Published on 03/02/2026 under News While most people bundle up when heading out on a snowmobile, some riders stripped down for a good cause earlier this year. In late January, during our coldest stretch of the year, LaCannes Resort teamed up with Ties That Bind Us, a local cancer support group, for a Bikini Run during their during their Swamp Lake Shoot Out. They recently announced an impressive contribution. In the end, fundraising totals came in at just over $13,000. Founded in 2012, the Ties That Bind Us provides support network for those diagnosed with cancer to ensure no one goes through the journey alone. In making the announcement, Ties That Bind Us wrote, "We are so thankful for the girls who braved the -30 degree day, their sponsors, the community and LaCannes for hosting this great event!!!"

Published on 03/02/2026 under News Wildlife artists have another opportunity to have their artwork featured on the state's series of bird stamps. The DNR recently launched their annual art competition. Winning entries will appear on next year's wild turkey, pheasant or waterfowl stamps. The DNR says the contest offers a unique opportunity for Wisconsin artists to showcase their artwork statewide while also promoting wildlife management. Funds raised through the sale of these stamps help support species management like habitat restoration, education and research projects. Over the years, Northwoods artists have fared quite well in the competition, winning on numerous occasions. That includes Caleb Metrich of Lake Tomahawk, who won last year's Pheasant stamp. Rules for this year's contest are available on the DNR website.

Published on 03/01/2026 under Sports At the WIAA State Wrestling Tournament at the Kohl Center in Madison, both Hatchet wrestlers would bow out in the consolation brackets. Kylie Peissig would bow out in the consolation quarterfinals to Wausau West's Aleeah Le. Peissig started off the tournament losing by fall to Winneconne's Addison Brown Thursday. Peissig would win her first consolation match of Horicon's Keleigh Holl. Kami Gabrich would go winless at the State Tournament. Gabrich lost in the first round to Janesville Parker's Katie Kent. She then would lose to Holmen's Avalee Euler in the first round of the consolation brackets.

Published on 02/27/2026 under News Invasive species impact public lands and waterways, and officials are using this week to highlight some of the ways people can minimize the spread. It's National Invasive Species Awareness week. The DNR is taking part and encouraging others to get involved. This is a great time to remind the public of how they can help prevent the spread of invasive species year-round. The event is dedicated to raising awareness about invasive species, the threats they pose and the actions that can be taken to prevent their spread. The good news is that the public can help by taking steps toward basic care to greatly reduce the risk of spreading invasive species to the places that they love. The DNR highlighted some of those steps including cleaning outdoor gear and equipment between outings and buy local for firewood, plants, and bait. There are also volunteer opportunities from removal to education and outreach. The DNR's Invasive Species webpage offers plenty of information on what invasive species are and why it's important to control them.

Published on 02/27/2026 under News The Rhinelander Area Food Pantry (RAFP) is challenging local residents to contribute to the Annual Spring Challenge. Two local families, who wish to remain anonymous, have agreed once again to make a partial match for all donations or pledges received from March 1st through April 30th. The 2026 Spring Challenge marks the 21st Anniversary of RAFP and over 10 million pounds of food distributed to our community. RAFP currently serves over 1,100 households and in the past year provided 37,000 meals to children in our community. Donations can be lower during this time of year, so your help is greatly appreciated. To help the Food Pantry with the Annual RAFP Spring Challenge, monetary donations can be made to Rhinelander Area Food Pantry PO Box 1306, Rhinelander, WI 54501. Food items may be dropped off at the Food Pantry at 627 Coon Street from 9 am to 12pm, Monday through Friday. For more information, go to www.rhinelanderareafoodpantry.org or call 715-369-7237.

Published on 02/27/2026 under News The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council recently announced its annual awards honoring those dedicated to protecting, preserving and increasing the number of trees that line city streets, fill community parks and beautify neighborhoods throughout the state. "Those who advocate for and work toward improving Wisconsin's urban forests can often go overlooked," said Linda Cadotte, Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council Chair. "With these awards, we aim to highlight just a few of the dedicated leaders who have made an outstanding contribution to urban forestry today to help ensure a healthy and resilient tree canopy tomorrow." This year's recipients were announced at the 2026 Wisconsin Arborist Association – DNR Urban Forestry Conference and will be recognized at an event of their choosing in their community. This year, there were five winners in four categories and a Rhinelander area man was awarded the Leadership Award. The Leadership Award recognizes an individual or elected official at the county or local level of government who has made an outstanding recent contribution to urban forestry in Wisconsin. • Tom Jerow has served as the Rhinelander City Forester for several years. Among his many accomplishments, highlights include establishing and chairing an Urban Forestry Tree Board, securing over $300,000 in urban forestry grants and donations, establishing a cost-sharing program for private property plantings and leading numerous education and outreach events. These accomplishments would be impressive for any full-time employee, but Tom has done all of this as an unpaid volunteer.

Published on 02/26/2026 under News Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), announced nine businesses and organizations in eight Wisconsin counties across the state will collectively receive $250,000 in commercial driver training grants. These grants are part of the Commercial Driver Training Grant program and work to support businesses and organizations that offer training for trainees to obtain their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with the goal of bolstering Wisconsin's driving workforce, such as school bus drivers, truck drivers, delivery drivers, and more. This round of grant awards will help 190 trainees obtain a CDL and grow their earning potential, all while helping to meet the demands for one of the state's most in-demand occupations. In our area, Northcentral Technical College in Marathon County received grant funding of $30,000 to provide Class A CDL training for 30 individuals. Interested businesses are encouraged to learn more about other worker training programs available through DWD's Office of Skill Development, including the Wisconsin Fast Forward grant program. Individuals interested in a professional truck driver career can find more information on the Job Center of Wisconsin website and CDL Apprenticeship opportunities.

+ Read More