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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

Farmer's Market Season; Tomahawk Main Street Market Returns

Published on 06/02/2026 under News While the growing season is just getting underway, it is already time for the return of the Tomahawk Main Street Farmers Market. Over the years, the popularity of farmers markets has exploded. They offer consumers a chance to purchase locally sourced food directly from the growers, often featuring unique heirloom varieties and cultivars of popular produce that aren't available at traditional grocery stores. Ahead of Tuesday's opener, we spoke with Jennifer Turkiewicz of Tomahawk Main Street, which partners with many downtown businesses for the event. While the opener always arrives quickly, she says they're ready to go. While it is still too early in the season for crops like tomatoes, squash, and corn, she noted that early-season produce like onions, asparagus, and rhubarb are already being harvested and sold. In addition to produce, vendors will offer proteins, baked goods, honey, and maple syrup. Turkiewicz added that some vendors will even sell homemade products like soaps. The market is back at its usual location on North 3rd Street, just off Wisconsin Avenue, that's Main Street in Tomahawk. Turkiewicz explained that the midday time slot allows farmers to harvest their crops fresh that morning, while also accommodating the market's popular non-profit lunch stand. Week one will feature a brat lunch supporting the local VFW. The Main Street Farmers Market will run every Tuesday from 11am to 3pm through the end of the growing season.

Published on 06/02/2026 under News A new generation of peregrine falcons at Wisconsin Public Service's Weston Power Plant is helping researchers break new ground in bird tracking technology. Four peregrine falcon chicks were banded and named Monday, which included the addition of tiny BlūMorpho tracking tags. The lightweight transmitters, small enough to be attached to a butterfly, will use smartphone networks to provide real-time location data as the young falcons leave the nest and begin exploring on their own. The new technology is expected to give wildlife experts unprecedented insight into where young peregrine falcons travel during their first year of life before eventually establishing nesting territories of their own. In previous years, the chicks had bands which required visual reports to track. The four chicks were also assigned their new names, as we previously covered, this year's names were inspired by local news personalities. The birds are back in their nesting boxes for the time, and people can continue to follow along on the webcams until the leave the nest for good in the coming weeks. Peregrine falcons nearly disappeared from Wisconsin decades ago, but nesting programs supported by WPS and We Energies have helped the species recover. Since the early 1990s, the companies have banded and named 465 peregrine falcons, accounting for about 20 percent of all peregrine falcons born in Wisconsin.

Published on 06/02/2026 under News A vehicle pursuit on a Lincoln County highway last week approached speeds nearly double the posted speed limit. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, the incident happened Thursday near Tomahawk when a patrol deputy spotted a vehicle traveling south on Highway 51. The driver, identified by the Sheriff's Office as Nicholas Langston of Wausau, was known to have an active warrant. When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, they said Langston fled, reaching speeds of up to 130 miles per hour. The deputy pursued for several miles before calling off the chase due to safety concerns. A short time later, investigators received a tip that Langston was at a Tomahawk bar. Deputies located him there and took him into custody on more than a dozen charges, including second-degree recklessly endangering safety and fleeing an officer in a vehicle. Langston is currently being held on a $10,000 bond. His adjourned initial appearance is scheduled for June 15.

Published on 06/02/2026 under News The Tomahawk Lions Club is well known for its annual Powwow Days celebrations, and ahead of this year's Fourth of July festivities, the group has brought back its community-wide scavenger hunt. The treasure hunt debuted in 2024 as a way to build excitement for the holiday weekend. This year, hunters are searching for official Tomahawk Lions Club pins, which feature a fitting design for the city: a hatchet with the Lions logo stamped on the blade. There are 10 pins hidden in all. The Lions teased that they could be tucked away in local parks, businesses, and other creative spots around town, though they noted that all pins will be visible. Those lucky enough to track a pin down will win a cash prize. The club also hopes to gather all the winners during the Powwow Days festivities for a group photo in front of the classic Lions truck. The contest kicked off over the weekend and will continue until all 10 pins have been located. For clues and additional information, updates are available on the Tomahawk Lions Club Facebook page.

Published on 06/02/2026 under News Lincoln County residents in financial need can now protect their homes from carbon monoxide for free, thanks to a limited-time program by the local health department. Through a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Lincoln County Health Department is offering free carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to local households. The program specifically targets individuals and families with financial need who currently lack a working detector or have one that needs to be replaced. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas produced whenever fuels like gas, propane, charcoal, or wood are burned. In the home, common sources include gas appliances, wood stoves, and portable generators. (CO risks also extend to recreational activities like camping, boating, and riding UTVs.) Because the gas is undetectable by human senses, recognizing the symptoms of CO poisoning is critical. Health officials warn that early signs include headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, confusion, and shortness of breath. Severe or prolonged exposure can lead to unconsciousness or death. To keep your household safe, safety experts recommend installing a detector on every level of your home, testing the alarms monthly, and replacing the units every five years (or according to manufacturer guidelines). The free detectors are available while supplies last and can be picked up during regular business hours at the Lincoln County Health Department in Merrill by qualifying residents.

Published on 06/02/2026 under News A Mosinee man facing burglary charges in Lincoln County will avoid jail time. According to court records, 60-year-old Todd Schifelbine was back in court this past week for a plea hearing. Schifelbine was arrested in January after Lincoln County deputies investigated a vehicle crash in the Town of Somo. The caller who reported the crash also noted that the driver had broken into a building on the property. During their investigation, deputies located footprints in the snow leading from Schifelbine's vehicle to the building, which showed signs of forced entry. Deputies also found items allegedly stolen from the building scattered around the vehicle. Schifelbine was initially facing four charges. As part of a plea agreement, he pleaded no contest to one count of burglary and one count of bail jumping. In exchange, two other charges were dismissed but read in and considered during sentencing. Schifelbine received a two-year withheld sentence with probation. As a condition of his probation, he must maintain absolute sobriety and either secure employment or pursue education.

Published on 06/01/2026 under News Another group of Northwoods veterans is traveling to the nation's capital on Monday to visit the monuments built in their honor. The Never Forgotten Honor Flight is embarking on the second of four planned missions to Washington, D.C., this year. Organizers expect 96 veterans to take part, including 95 from the Vietnam era and one from the Korean War. They are hoping for better travel luck than last month's flight, which experienced a few mechanical delays. Today's mission marks the 56th flight for the local hub since its founding in 2010. Over that time, nearly 5,400 local veterans have participated in the program. Organizers continue to encourage veterans who served in any location prior to June 7, 1975, to sign up if they haven't already taken part. The public is invited to give the veterans a warm welcome home at the end of their journey this evening. Honor Flight officials recommend arriving at Central Wisconsin Airport no later than 8:30 p.m.

Published on 06/01/2026 under News A tragic end to the search for a missing boater in Lac du Flambeau late last week. Officials say the body of Kyle Ascheman, 45, of Lake Geneva, was recovered from Whitefish Lake over the weekend. Ascheman was reportedly vacationing with his family in Lac du Flambeau at the time of his disappearance. The search began Thursday evening after a concerned citizen reported an unoccupied boat circling on the water. Authorities identified Ascheman as the boat's owner and contacted his family, who confirmed he was missing. A multi-agency search was launched Thursday night, continuing through Friday and into Saturday morning. First responders noted that difficult lake bed conditions and poor visibility impeded their efforts. Crews utilized specialized equipment, including aerial and underwater drones, sonar, and search dogs. On Saturday, a dive team located and recovered Ascheman's body in approximately 38 feet of water. The incident remains under investigation.

Published on 06/01/2026 under News Tomahawk residents may notice some changes to their water this week as the City of Tomahawk Water Department conducts its annual water main and hydrant flushing program. The Water Department says this annual flushing program is an essential part of maintaining a safe, clean, and reliable water system for the community. During the flushing process, residents may experience temporary drops in water pressure and occasional water discoloration caused by sediment being cleared from the system. City officials say this discoloration is normal and can usually be resolved by running a cold water tap for one to two minutes until it runs clear. As a precaution, residents are advised to avoid washing white or light-colored laundry while crews are working in their immediate area. Motorists should also use caution around work crews and watch for standing water on roadways. Crews will begin today and work through Friday in designated zones across the city.

Published on 06/01/2026 under News Wisconsin trail riders will need to double check ATV/UTV rules, as the new off-road vehicle regulations officially take effect today, June 1. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is rolling out the updated rules to bolster safety across the state's trail systems. Among the most notable updates is a seatbelt mandate for all UTV operators and passengers. Additionally, anyone riding in a vehicle without a windshield is now required to wear goggles, glasses, or a face shield. The regulations crack down on excessive noise, unnecessary tire spinning, and reckless operation on both trails and public roads, introducing stiffer penalties for property damage. UTV drivers will also have to comply with new window tint standards and strict limitations on towing individuals on sleds or trailers. On the mechanical side, the maximum allowable weight for UTVs has been increased to 3,500 pounds, and all UTVs must now be equipped with two functioning tail lights. With summer riding season kicking into high gear, the DNR is urging riders to thoroughly review the comprehensive, updated 60-page regulations booklet, which is currently available for download on their website. Beyond the new changes, DNR officials are reminding riders that foundational safety habits remain as critical as ever. "As always, ride safe by wearing your helmets and seatbelts, knowing the rules, and riding sober," said DNR Lt. Jacob Holsclaw.

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