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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

Bicyclist Pedaling Wisconsin Trails to Highlight Knowles Nelson Stewardship

Published on 10/06/2026 under News A bicyclist is crisscrossing Wisconsin this month to raise awareness for a popular conservation program whose funding ended this year, while highlighting the state's growing trail network. Sarah Widder is currently making her way through the Northwoods as part of her "Great State Trails Adventure." Her ambitious goal over the next three weeks is to pedal approximately 2,500 miles across 44 state bike trails, 6 non-state trails, and their connecting corridors. Widder is drawing attention to the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, which lapsed this past June after funding local parks and trails for nearly four decades. Widder notes, "Land stewardship is such an important part of what makes Wisconsin such a great place to live, work, and play, creating outdoor opportunities whether for biking, off-road trail riding, fishing, hunting or conservation. Widder is blogging daily during her ride, discussing the importance of the program while showcasing the trails and communities along her route. Yesterday's 128-mile ride passed through Park Falls and Minocqua. This morning, she is heading south on the Bearskin and Hiawatha Trails through Tomahawk to Prentice and then Medford. Widder's ride concludes October 22 with a public celebration at Lucette Brewing Company in Menomonie. Those interested can follow along online at knowlesnelson.org

Published on 10/06/2026 under News There's a popular phrase, "It takes a village to raise a child." Here in Lincoln County, local organizations are teaming up to ensure new parents have that village behind them when bringing a baby home. The Lincoln County Health Department and its community partners are hosting the annual fall Community Baby Shower this Tuesday afternoon. Now in its fourth year, the event alternates between Tomahawk and Merrill each spring and fall. Organizers describe the shower as a "one-stop shop" connecting expecting parents and families with young children to essential local resources. Attendees can meet with local agencies to get guidance on safe sleep, child development, nutrition, mental health, and early literacy, alongside hands-on demonstrations like CPR training and car seat safety checks. The Community Baby Shower is free and open to expecting parents, grandparents, and caregivers of children up to 18 months old. It runs drop-in event, though some supplies may be limited. It's from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. this Tuesday at the Merrill Enrichment Center, with no registration required.

Published on 10/06/2026 under News An investigation is underway into the death of a man following a reported shooting over the weekend in Price County. According to the Price County Sheriff's Office, responders were initially called to a residence near County N and Big Falls Road in the Town of Kennan at just before 11pm, Sunday. The caller reported a man had shot and injured another individual at the residence, then left the scene. A short time later, a second 911 call reported that same man was causing a disturbance at a second location. The Sheriff's Office says when officers arrived, the suspect was found dead. The man's name was not immediately released. No update was provided on the condition of the first victim. Authorities say there is no further threat to the community. Because the investigation is active, no other information is being released at this time.

Published on 10/06/2026 under News A roadside tire change escalated into a physical altercation and arrest in Lincoln County. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, last Tuesday, deputies responded to Highway 51 in the Town of Rock Falls, after 68-year-old Kurt Hungerford of Seymour reportedly got into a argument with his adult son while changing a flat tire. Authorities say Hungerford physically pushed his son out of the car and drove off with his grandchild still inside. A short time later, Merrill Police located Hungerford at a gas station. When officers attempted to arrest him, Hungerford allegedly refused to cooperate with officers and physically resisted arrest. He was eventually taken into custody, checked at a local hospital, and brought to the Lincoln County Jail on a variety of charges including second-degree recklessly endangering safety, disorderly conduct, and resisting. _____ An Eau Claire man was arrested following a weekend OWI and altercation with Lincoln County deputies. According to the Sheriff's Report, deputies were initially called to Highway 51 north of Merrill on Friday for a reckless driver. Before their arrival, the driver left the roadway and entered the ditch, where witnesses held him at the scene. Deputies identified the driver as Kurtiss Gilbert, who showed clear signs of impairment and refused field sobriety tests. During the interaction, Gilbert lunged at a deputy who used physical force to take him into custody. Gilbert was booked into the Lincoln County Jail on charges of First-Offense OWI and Battery to law enforcement._____ The number of vehicle versus deer collisions remains elevated with 9 reported this past week on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 10/06/2026 under News A man facing child neglect charges in Lincoln County has taken a plea deal. According to court records, 43-year-old Wilbur Copeland III, appeared in Lincoln County Court on Monday. He pleaded no contest to three counts of child neglect and one count of THC possession. In exchange, eight other charges were dismissed, and a single count of witness intimidation received deferred prosecution. Copeland was arrested last December following a welfare check on an RV in the Town of Bradley, where he was living with his partner, Megan Cis, and eight children. During the investigation, deputies discovered inadequate heat during freezing temperatures, a lack of food, and signs of physical abuse. They also found drugs in the vehicle that were potentially accessible to the children. Following the plea deal, the court moved directly to sentencing. Copeland will avoid jail time and instead serve two years of probation. Cis reached a similar plea deal and sentence last week.

Published on 10/06/2026 under News A Silver Alert issued early this morning for a Wausau man has been cancelled. The Wausau Police Department issued the statewide search for 79 year old Steven Kolubako after he failed to return home following a visit to the doctor. According to the initial report, Kolubako was discharged from Aspirus Wausau Hospital at around 10pm, and was observed on security camera walking on North 32nd Avenue and Madonna Drive. According to the Silver Alert, Kolubako has early on-set dementia and additional medical concerns. According to the Silver Alert Cancellation, Kolubako was located safe. No other information was provided._____ The Wausau Police Department is searching for a elderly man who went missing last evening following a doctor's appointment. A Silver Alert was issued early this morning for 79 year old Steven Kolubako. According to the Wausau Police Department, Kolubako was discharged from Aspirus Wausau Hospital at approximately 10pm. He was observed by security camera walking on North 32nd Avenue and Madonna Drive. According to the Silver Alert, Kolubako has early on-set dementia and additional medical concerns. He is described as 5'4"; 200 pounds with long blonde hair and a white beard. He was last seen wearing dark jeans, a long sleeved dark grey shirt and a red lanyard. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wausau Police Department.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News Fall colors are on full display in the Northwoods, and there is no shortage of viewing opportunities especially if you're into silent sports. While an afternoon drive may be the simplest way to check out the fall leaves; local chambers, tourism organizations, and silent sports clubs are encouraging people to park the car and consider exploring by foot, bike, or boat. They offered a few ideas… A hike through a county forest or state park is a simple and affordable way to get an up-close view while also getting some fresh air and exercise. To cover a bit more ground, hop onto a local bike trail. Highlighted routes include the Hiawatha and Bearskin near Tomahawk and the growing network of trails in Oneida and Vilas Counties. If you'd rather paddle than pedal, a kayak or canoe excursion is another opportunity for picturesque viewing. As a bonus, the reflections of the leaves on calm waters can double the viewing experience. Local organizations have been enhancing kayak and canoe launches and designating water trails in the area. And if you'd like to check out the fall colors from a different perspective, there are some unique aerial opportunities, as well. Timm's Hill, the highest point in the state, is right in our back yard and frequently cited as one of the best viewing spots in the state. And down in the Wausau area, Granite Peak offers rides to the top of Rib Mountain via their ski lifts.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News Firefighters across Lincoln County will be better protected during emergency calls thanks to a major local grant. The county's five fire departments teamed up to apply for funding from the Bierman Foundation to upgrade critical safety gear, including new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units. At a recent Tomahawk Health and Safety meeting, Tomahawk Fire Chief Paul Winter announced that their joint application was selected for funding. Chief Winter shared that Tomahawk's portion of the grant totals approximately $550,000. The funds will cover 24 new SCBA units with face masks, 48 air cylinders, three Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) packs, and a gear extractor. Winter described it as a specialized heavy-duty washing machine built to decontaminate firefighter's personal protective gear including items that can't be cleaned in a traditional unit. Winter called the grant "a really big deal for us," noting that the funds are expected to arrive in January. It caps off an exciting stretch for the Tomahawk Fire Department, which also took delivery of a brand-new fire truck recently, just in time as the department observes National Fire Prevention Week.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News Students in Rhinelander are experiencing an immersive Mexican art opportunity with some special guest instructors. The School District of Rhinelander Community Education Program, ArtStart and the Mexican Folk Art Collective are hosting a group Mexican folk artists as part of the Culture Tap artist residency program, now in its fifth year. Over the next two school days, these guests will be working with the district's elementary students. They'll take part in activities such as making alebrijes, which are brightly decorated clay statues, traditional Mexican dancing, and other games and lessons while sharing culture, language and vocabulary. These activities tie in with a book the students are reading titled Esperanza Rising. In addition to the daytime programs for students at the schools, they'll also host a community fiesta this evening at 6pm at Nacho's Mexican Grill in Rhinelander, where the artists will present traditional folk dancing as well as games and other activities.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News A quick heads-up for Tomahawk residents for some road construction planned this week that may cause some brief travel disruptions, or residents that may need to make temporary arrangements. First up is a weeklong project on East Lincoln Avenue. From today through Thursday, East Lincoln between 4th and 6th Streets will be closed to through traffic. Final paving is scheduled for Thursday, which may temporarily limit driveway access for property owners along that stretch. The city notes that Washington Square Park will be accessible via the alley. Crews also have two single-day projects planned for Wednesday:• Leather Avenue / County Highway CC: Paving between Collins Street and the recreational trail will reduce traffic to a single lane. • Henry Street: The road will be closed for a pavement overlay. Residents who need to use their vehicles on Wednesday are asked to park on an alternate street by 7:00 AM.

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