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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

Salt Awareness Week: Using Salt Effectively on Home Driveways, Sidewalks

Published on 01/29/2026 under News Cut down on your salt, it's a common refrain in the doctor's office. But officials are also encouraging a reduction in salt for ice removal this winter. This week is Wisconsin Salt Awareness Week, an effort to educate the public on the impacts that the overuse of salts can have on both the environment and infrastructure. A majority of the salts introduced into our environment comes from road salts. Earlier this week we talked about how road crews have been taking steps to improve their salting practices on roads and highways. But residents can also make a difference, and the DNR offered a few tips for homeowners. First, before applying salt try to clear as much snow and ice as possible from the surface of the driveway or sidewalk. The more snow you remove manually, the less salt you will have to use and the more effective it will be. People often use too much salt during the application. They note that a coffee mug of salt is enough to treat around ten sidewalk squares. A shakeable container with holes on top provides a handy way to spread it. Salts may have different chemical make-ups so follow the instructions on the bag or container. Conditions have to be right for the melting to occur. As temperatures drop under 15 degrees most salts will loose effectiveness. That's when sand becomes a better option in providing traction. The DNR and Wisconsin Saltwise are partners in this campaign. Both have information on their website.

Published on 01/29/2026 under News Eagle River is known as the hockey capital of Wisconsin, and this weekend thousands of players from not only the state, but the country and beyond will return to their roots with an iconic outdoor tournament. It's time for the Pond Hockey National Championships on Dollar Lake. USA Hockey helps sanction the event which they describe as bringing camaraderie, competition, and classic pond hockey vibes. For those unfamiliar, the 30 minute games are played 4-on-4 with no goalies, no checking and no pucks above the knee. On site, USA Hockey works with local groups and organizations like the hockey associations, snowmobile clubs, and fire department. The original event was much smaller. In 2006, 40 teams competed on six rinks. This year more than 200 teams will play more than 350 games across the various divisions. Like many Northwoods winter events over the past few years, they have seen a few interruptions due to ice conditions, but that's not a concern this year. Firefighters have been busy flooding the now-twenty rinks, getting the ice ready for game action. Even Mother Nature is on-board, as the extreme cold should move out of the area just in time for this weekend's games. Opening festivities and registration get underway Thursday. Opening face-offs are at 8am Friday, with games continuing into the championship rounds on Sunday. For spectators, parking is limited, but they do have a shuttle buses running from the Eagle River Ice Arena to Dollar Lake throughout the day Friday and Saturday.

Published on 01/29/2026 under News A new year brings another round of special event applications for the City of Tomahawk. Residents and visitors can begin to mark their calendars. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk Health and Safety Committee began the approval process with a half dozen special events, each sponsored by Tomahawk Main Street. All of these events are already well-established in the community, so it was a fairly quick process with only a few clarifications for director Jennifer Turkiewicz. The first on the docket was the Wine Walk on May 8. There's also the Main Street Memories Car Show-May 24, Oktoberfest-October 10, and Main Street Memories Christmas December 11. While Main Street Mania may sound new, Turkiewicz explained it is an updated version of their Customer Appreciation Day and Sidewalk Sale which will take place August 13-15. In addition to the one-off events throughout the year, the Committee also approved the weekly downtown Farmer's Market which will begin in June and continue through the growing season. These items will be right back on the City Council agenda next Tuesday for an expected final approval.

Published on 01/29/2026 under News Following another successful report on Lincoln Hills from a court appointed monitor, Governor Evers plans to request a federal court end the consent decree. Since a 2018 court ruling, the state has been working towards achieving 50 requirements governing the operations at the youth correctional facility in Irma. Those measures addressed a variety of changes including addressing staffing shortages, training, and support; elimination of several punitive measures like pepper spray, solitary confinement, and mechanical restrains; and improving conditions and services. Monitor Teresa Abreu found all 50 requirements were met in her October report and again in the January report released Wednesday. She wrote, "These measures have produced a demonstrable improvement in the safety, climate, and culture of the facilities." Abreu also advised not to become complacent after achieving these goals. Governor Evers said in a Wednesday news release, "This has been a goal a decade in the making, and it's tremendous to be able to celebrate the completion of reforms at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake schools today. Ending the consent decree marks a step in the right direction, and it is a testament to those who got us to this point today, but our work is not done." This comes as the state is working towards building smaller facilities around the state in an effort to house youth offenders closer to their homes and support networks. Once complete, Lincoln Hills would be converted into an adult facility.

Published on 01/28/2026 under Sports The Hatchet hockey squad clinched their third consecutive Great Northern Conference Title Tuesday night at SARA Park in Tomahawk, defeating Mosinee, 5-1. The Hatchets scored early in the first, as Cole Peterson scored an even strength goal, which was assisted by Beau Stromberg and Caiden Reichelt. Mosinee would tie the game with 10:14 remaining as Tyler Baars beat Hudson Seymour. The game would remain tied at 1-1 after the first. The Hatchets scored two goals in the second period, the first on a power play by Brayden Lamer with an assist to Jett Reilly. The Hatchets second goal was also on the power play, as Mason Jaecks gave Tomahawk 3-1 lead. Lamer and Reilly assisted on the Jaecks goal. All the scoring in the third period came late, as Jonah Dickens scored an empty netter with 1:21 remaining in the game. Lamer and Jake Albert got assists. Landyn Seymour closed out the scoring with 00:13 left in the game. Dickens and Reilly with assists. Hudson Seymour gets the win in the Hatchet net, with 15 saves. Tomahawk outshot Mosinee 40-16. The win puts Tomahawk at 17-3 on the season and 9-0 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the ice Saturday evening in Fond du Lac at St. Mary Springs.

Published on 01/28/2026 under Sports The Hatchet girls' basketball struggles would continue in Wausau East Tuesday night as they would lose to the Lumberjacks, 68-49. Tomahawk got productive outings from two of their starters, but were unable to prevent Wausau East from hitting 11 three-pointers. Anita Ziert led the Hatchets in scoring with 19 points. Freya Alberg was second on the team in scoring with 17 points. The loss drops Tomahawk to 9-8 on the season and 3-5 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets resume GNC play Friday night in Eagle River against Northland Pines. Alex Koch and Matt Theiler will have the broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show begins at 6:50 and tip-off is at 7:15 PM.

Published on 01/28/2026 under News This week is dedicated to smarter use of road salts. In addition to the environmental impacts, salting also has an impact on city budgets. This week is Salt Awareness Week. Coincidentally, the City of Tomahawk salt and sand budget was a conversation at Tuesday's Finance and Board of Public Works meetings. With a few bills outstanding, Street Lead Nick Rosenmeier anticipated the city will exceed their 2025 salt/sand budget. He also noted that they are already halfway through their 2026 budget and we're only a few weeks into the year. When budgeting for road salt, it is a guessing game at the whim of Mother Nature. The City of Tomahawk uses a 20 year average to provide the best recent estimate. After a couple of mild winters, this winter has been a challenge. In addition to needing more salt, the cost has also been on the rise, doubling over the past decade. Rosenemeier says salt prices are currently $127 a ton. The city gets their supply from the county. The local crews do take steps to more effectively use road salts. Rosenmeier says they have been scraping a lot more to remove the layers of snow and ice, which reduces the amount of salt needed. During this cold stretch they have primarily used sand, which is not only cheaper, but works better. That is because salt loses its melting effectiveness the further temperatures drop below freezing. The sand, however, could have some additional costs come spring, as the crews will likely have to do more street sweeping to remove.

Published on 01/28/2026 under News Women seeking mammograms at Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital have a newer option. As of December, the local hospital now offers 3d mammography providing improved imaging and potentially better outcomes. Radiology technologist Courtney Oberg performs these scans, and she stopped by the WJJQ studios to talk about 3d mammography. While the traditional 2d mammography was comprised of two images, Oberg says the 3d mammogram provides 20 to 50 images. She likened it to a loaf of sliced bread, allowing the radiologist to review each cross-section. The additional imagery allows the medical team an opportunity to catch cancers early, when the masses are smaller. Oberg noted early detection can result in better treatment outcomes. The 3d imagery also provides a more accurate reading, not only in detecting small masses, but also in avoiding callbacks for false detection particularly for women with dense breast tissue. Oberg said some patients have traveled to Aspirus facilities in Wausau or Rhinelander. Bringing this option to Tomahawk will allow patients to get the screening closer to home. As for what patients can expect, Oberg said it is almost identical to the 2d mammogram. She noted there will still be a little discomfort from compression, but this is necessary to hold the breast in place. On her end, after two months, Oberg called it has been a wonderful and beneficial experience. Coupled with self-exams, Oberg encouraged regular screenings. She says, "It's going to be a half an hour of your day, but the whole idea is to catch these things earlier when they're easier to treat."

Published on 01/28/2026 under News One person is dead following a crash in Vilas County Tuesday morning. According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, responders were called to Highway 51 near Trapp Road in Arbor Vitae for a head-on collision. The call came in at around 10:30am Tuesday morning. Based on their preliminary investigation, they said the southbound pick-up truck likely lost control and crossed over the center-line where it struck an on-coming dumptruck. The driver of the pick-up truck, a 34 year old Three Lakes man was pronounced dead at the scene. The report indicates he was not wearing a seat-belt at the time of the crash. His name is being withheld pending notification of family. The driver of the dump truck was not injured in the crash. Crews were on the scene for more than 5 hours. The crash remains under investigation.

Published on 01/28/2026 under News To kick off the New Year, more than two dozen state properties hosted First Day Hikes. Despite a bitterly cold day, it was well-attended. The DNR provided some of the participation numbers. Overall, there were 32 First Day Hikes across 28 properties. There were more than 2,161 total participants, who hiked a combined 3,543 miles. Partner organizations and Friends Groups organized, led and supported many of these hikes and provided hot drinks, warming fires and even baked goods to those braving the conditions. First Day Hikes are part of a national effort organized by the National Association of State Park Directors. Across the country, there were 1,399 First Day Hikes nationwide. More than 73,000 people showed up, tracking more than 150,000 miles.

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