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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

Lights of the Northwoods Gives Back to Community Groups; Tomahawk Food Pantry in Final Week

Published on 12/26/2025 under News People have been getting into the spirit with a holiday light display in Rhinelander while also giving back to a number of community organizations. The Lights of the Northwoods has been illuminating Hodag Park throughout the month of December, and there's still one more week to check it out. Now in it's ninth year, the event continues to grow featuring hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights within the displays. In addition to the festive lights, organizers have continued to give back to a variety of community organizations through donations of money, supplies, and non-perishable food items. Last December they collected more than 4,500 pounds of food, and $11,000 in monetary donations. The group says, "This impact goes far beyond the lights themselves. It reflects the heart of our community and the difference we make when we come together." And for our Tomahawk listeners considering a trip over, the next week will benefit the Tomahawk Food Pantry. They'll even have some pantry volunteers on-site to help with the collection, and they encourage people to come out, say hello, and show some support. Lights of the Northwoods runs through the end of the year with both drive through and walking options. It culminates with a New Year's Day fireworks celebration that will be held on the evening of January 1.

Published on 12/26/2025 under News A local multi-county health organization was recently recognized for their exceptional work in improving the lives of youth and their families. North Central Health Care was recently selected as the 2025 Children's System of Care Champion by the DHS Children Come First Advisory Committee. North Central Health Care is a tri-county partnership of Marathon, Lincoln, and Langlade Counties. At their December meeting, the Lincoln County Board recognized NCHC for this achievement following a brief presentation. North Central was selected from 19 nominees around the state. The honor was for their comprehensive continuum of care, a system that spans crisis services, community treatment, outpatient programs, and youth behavioral health care. Jason Hake, Acting Executive Director of North Central Health Care said, "This recognition reflects the tremendous impact our organization has made in supporting the health and well-being of children, young adults, and families across our communities." He also credited the staff, as well as partners including the social services departments in each of the participating counties, Adding "Every employee and partner plays a role in this success."

Published on 12/26/2025 under News The Packers have another Saturday game on the schedule. And this game will be broadcast exclusively on the streaming platform Peacock. In recent years, the NFL has been expanding their broadcast partners. That's made it a little more difficult to follow the Green and Gold. In fact this season, Packer games have already aired on five different channels. Saturday's game marks number six. While affiliates in the Green Bay and Milwaukee markets will get the broadcast on traditional TV, other viewers around the state will require that streaming subscription. For those who don't have Peacock, we will be airing the radio broadcast of the game here on WJJQ. You'll have to break out a traditional radio and tune in to 92.5FM. Due to broadcasting restrictions, the game will be blacked out on radio streaming options including our app on smart devices and the WJJQ website.

Published on 12/26/2025 under News Now that the holiday is behind, it's time to beginning planning to dispose of Christmas trees. For those who chose a natural tree for their holiday centerpiece, each additional day brings additional risk of fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are an average of 150 fires involving Christmas trees each year. Once decorations have been removed the tree, the tree should be removed from the home. But officials advise against simply moving it to the garage or leaning up against the outside of the home where it remains a home fire risk. Some communities do offer Christmas tree collection and disposal, whether a pick-up or drop off. Others may choose to re-purpose their discarded Christmas tree. The DNR's Forestry blog offered a few alternatives including creating a wildlife habitat in your backyard, using the tree as compost or mulch, and breaking it down for firewood. Cross cut sections of the trunk can even turn into craft projects such as ornaments or coasters.

Published on 12/26/2025 under News For some with an extended holiday break between Christmas and New Years, it's a good opportunity for some outdoor recreation. People are reminded to keep safety in mind. A handful of counties do have their snowmobile trails at least partially opened. Most trails are listed in early-season conditions, and recent mild weather has caused further deterioration. Those heading out are reminded to stick to marked trails, with the DNR reminding that operation on closed trails is illegal. Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR off-highway vehicle administrator reminded snowmobile operators about sober riding. And for those heading out onto the area's frozen waterways, remember that no ice is considered 100% safe. A number of factors can impact ice strength including temperatures, water depths, snow cover, and water currents. They recommend checking in with local experts such as bait shops, fishing guides, or clubs. And dress for safety as well, items like float coats, life jackets, ice picks and rescue ropes can be lifesavers in an ice emergency.

Published on 12/24/2025 under News The Countdown to Christmas is on, and a special community meal here in Tomahawk is just a day away. The Christmas with Friends Community Meal at Grace Lutheran Church has become an annual tradition, and organizers have been busy in the lead up to this year's event, but took some time to offer us a preview. They noted that the meal is really important to both the church and the community. They often see many of the same faces from year to year, with diners coming for not only the food, but the holiday spirit as well. In addition to the lunch, diners also enjoy seasonal music and friendly conversation. They typically serve several hundred meals between the in-person dining and the delivery service. To pull off an undertaking like this, it takes a team of volunteers cooking, serving, and delivering meals. While most volunteers come from Grace, they also receive a helping hand from other community members and congregations. This year's menu consists of ham along with a selection of sides and desserts. They'll begin serving at around 11am on Christmas Day following the Grace Christmas morning service. The meal is free, though donations are welcome. Those needing delivery can call the church office at 453-4066.

Published on 12/24/2025 under News Santa came a bit early for non-profits around the state, courtesy of the Green Bay Packers. Last week, the Packer Foundation announced nearly 400 organizations would receive funding through their annual grant program. That includes WaWui here in Tomahawk. We've been sharing how some of these non-profits will invest their funding. For those unfamiliar, WaWui is the volunteer organization that operates and maintains the SARA Park arena and banquet hall. Following last week's announcement, we spoke with board member Charis Lau. She noted that they were grateful to the Green Bay Packers for this generous donation. They plan to invest the funding into a planned restroom renovation. They hope the project will not only improve these facilities, but also help in accessibility and ADA compliance. The grant comes at a good time for WaWui. Earlier this year, the organization launched a larger fundraising campaign aimed at a number of projects to revitalize and upgrading the longtime community hub. SARA Park has become home to local hockey, figure skating, pickleball and bingo, while also hosting special events like the Antique Outboard Motor Show and Fall Ride.

Published on 12/24/2025 under News Whether a Christmas gathering in the coming days or next week's New Year's celebration, law enforcement are again reminding revelers to stay sober behind the wheel. The annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled over campaign is in full swing. The effort combines increased enforcement and education, encouraging motorists to find safe ways to get to their destinations this holiday season. Last holiday season, during this two week period, there were more than 400 crashes involving alcohol on Wisconsin roadways. State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan says, "With the holiday season underway, we are urging drivers to plan ahead before celebrating to keep Wisconsin's roads safe." Carnahan offered a number of solutions, whether designating a sober driving before heading out, taking advantage of public transit, or using a rideshare program. They're also encouraging hosts to be mindful of these risks and make sure guests have a safe ride home. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over began earlier this month and continues through New Years Day.

Published on 12/24/2025 under News Healthy meals help make healthy lives. Marshfield Clinic and Security Health announced nearly $180,000 in funding to community projects that address food insecurity across their footprint in Northern Wisconsin and Michigan's UP. Twenty organizations will share in the funding. In our listening area that includes: Huey's Hideaway Children's Museum in Medford; Chequamegon School district; Athens Food Pantry; and the Lakeland Pantry. The program, offered through Marshfield Clinic's Caring for Communities initiative, reflects a shared commitment to improving the well-being of individuals and families by supporting access to consistent, nutritious food. Jay Shrader, vice president of Community Impact and Social Accountability says, "This grant reflects our commitment to supporting local organizations that know their communities best and are working to remove barriers to food access and improve health at its roots." The need of these organizations is strong. In the announcement Marshfield Clinic said they received 98 applications from local organizations, and actually increased the grant pool by $30,000 to maximize impact. This funding is offered through Marshfield Clinic's Caring for Communities initiative.

Published on 12/24/2025 under News Officials are encouraging families to properly dispose of their gift packaging this week, recycling when possible. Jennifer Semrau, DNR waste reduction specialist, acknowledged recycling can be confusing with rules differing between communities. But she says, "there are some basic tips people can use to make tackling holiday waste less overwhelming." Cardboard boxes can be broken down and recycled without much trouble. This includes shipping boxes as well as holiday packaging. As for wrapping paper and gift bags, that varies from program to program. For bags that are being recycled it helps to pull off the handle. Glitter and foil are generally signs that the holiday items should be placed in the garbage rather than recycling. As for items such as ribbons, bags, bows, tissue paper and even bubble wrap; consider putting them in a box and reuse them again next Christmas. Semrau also cautioned about tanglers, these are items like Christmas lights and cords. They can jam up modern recycling equipment, so keep them out of home recycling. Instead watch for seasonal collections or contact a dedicated electronics recycler. If that's not an option, put broken lights in the trash. It's also time to start planning for tree disposal, as the risk of fire increases as trees begin to dry out. While some communities offer a pick up, others have special drop-off locations.

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